Lake Como: 4, 8, or 24-Hour Classic Vespa Rental & Delivery

Lake Como looks better from two wheels. This private Vespa rental gives you the freedom to leave the busy lake roads behind and stop in villages, viewpoints, and waterside towns on your own schedule. I like the rare 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, and I like the helpful route planning from Sebastian, who can point you toward good stops before you set off.

The automatic transmission makes the Vespa approachable, even if you have little scooter experience, and the lack of advertising stickers helps you look more local than tourist. The main consideration is that you are responsible for driving, parking, fuel, and traffic rules, including Lake Como’s ZTL zones. This is not a guided ride with someone else at the controls.

The important details at a glance

• A very rare Vespa: Only about 1,400 Elestart models were made, with electric start and automatic transmission.
• Three rental lengths: Pick four hours, eight hours, or a 12 to 24-hour rental, with longer bookings available on consecutive days.
• Two people can ride: The Vespa fits a driver and one passenger, with two retro-style Nox N243 helmets included.
• Free scooter parking: Motorbike and scooter parking is free around Lake Como, which makes short village visits much easier.
• A useful daily limit: Up to 150 kilometres per day are included, while extra distance costs €1 per kilometre.
• Delivery for longer rentals: For rentals of 12 hours or more, delivery and collection are available within Como province.

Why this old Vespa is more than a photo prop

The machine is a 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart. That name is a mouthful, but the useful parts are simple: it has a 125cc engine, automatic transmission, and electric start.

Only 14,000 PK 125 S Automatica models were produced, and just 1,400 had the Elestart setup. That makes this a rare bit of Italian design, not just a modern scooter dressed up for photographs.

I especially like the automatic gearbox. You do not need to manage a clutch or shift gears while handling Lake Como’s bends. The electric start is another practical touch, especially if you are new to scooters or have not ridden one since your younger years.

The Vespa is kept without advertising or large stickers. That does not change the ride, but it does improve the feeling. You look less like someone on a rental machine and more like someone heading home from the market.

The Vespa is described as being in pristine condition, but remember that it is still a classic vehicle. Its appeal comes partly from its age and character. You should approach it as a carefully maintained vintage scooter, not as a brand-new touring motorcycle.

Meeting at Como Borghi and getting ready to ride

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. You will find a white Vespa waiting there, and the instructor will explain how to operate it before you leave.

This handover matters. You are not simply handed keys and pointed toward the lake. The operating instructions cover the automatic transmission, electric start, fuel mixture, and basic riding details. Sebastian has also been praised for helping riders shape an itinerary around the time available and the places they want to see.

Bring your driving licence and an identity document. A copy of an ID card is accepted, and the required deposit can be handled with an identity document or €200 in cash.

You need either a car licence B held for at least one year or a motorcycle licence. No separate motorbike licence is required under the stated rental conditions, but you should make sure your licence is valid for your own circumstances before booking.

Two British Green or Cream Nox N243 helmets are supplied in sizes S, M, L, and XL. Sunglasses are also worth bringing. Lake Como’s sun, wind, and reflections can become tiring when you are riding for several hours.

There is no driver included. You and your passenger are responsible for the ride from start to finish.

Choosing four, eight, or 24 hours

The rental choices shape the whole experience more than the price alone.

The four-hour option costs €99. It is a good fit if you have only part of a day, want a taste of scooter riding, or prefer not to commit to a long ride on unfamiliar roads. Four hours can give you enough time to leave Como, reach a few scenic points, stop for photographs, and return the Vespa without rushing every minute.

The eight-hour option costs €150. I see this as the best middle ground for many people. You have time to ride, stop for a meal, wander through a village, and allow for slower roads or unexpected photo stops. Lake Como is not a place where you want to measure every pause with a stopwatch.

The 12 to 24-hour option costs €200. This is the strongest choice if you want to make the Vespa part of a full day rather than a short activity. You can set off earlier, return later, and cover more of the lake at a relaxed pace. Delivery and collection within Como province are included for full-day rentals, which saves you from returning to Como Borghi at the end.

The advertised package price may appear as $112.15 per group of up to two, but the listed rental rates are €99, €150, and €200 depending on duration. Check the exact amount shown when you select your date and option.

Up to 150 kilometres are included per day. That is generous for a local sightseeing ride, but it is not unlimited. Extra kilometres cost €1 each, so keep an eye on distance if you plan to ride for several consecutive days.

Riding around Lake Como at your own pace

The itinerary is intentionally open. You begin at the agreed pickup point, ride around Lake Como, and return the Vespa to the meeting point or arranged delivery location.

That freedom is the main point. You can pause for a view, take a walk, stop for coffee, or change your plan when a village catches your eye. You are not tied to a guide’s timing or a fixed group.

It also means you need to make sensible choices. Lake Como roads can be winding, and the most famous towns can become difficult to navigate when traffic builds. Your instructor can suggest a route, but you should still allow time for parking and returning the Vespa.

The route is not a race around the entire lake. A shorter ride with several proper stops may be more enjoyable than trying to collect every famous town in one day. The four-hour rental works well for a focused outing, while the longer options give you room to combine scenic roads with village walks.

The freedom is especially valuable for photography. You can pull over at suitable places, enjoy the view, and continue when you are ready. The Vespa’s small size also makes it easier to find parking than a full-sized car, although you must still park legally and safely.

ZTL rules are the detail you must not ignore

You can ride throughout the permitted areas, but you must avoid permanent and temporary ZTL zones. ZTL means Zona a Traffico Limitato, or limited traffic zone.

These restrictions apply in larger urban areas and in the centres of some small villages. The information specifically warns against riding into central Milan and against entering village centres such as Varenna when a ZTL is active.

This is not a minor technicality. Entering a restricted zone can lead to a fine, and the Vespa rental does not remove your responsibility for traffic violations. Ask for clear route advice before setting off, and pay attention to signs during the ride.

A practical plan is to use the Vespa to reach the edge of a town, park in the permitted scooter area, then walk into the centre. You will often see more by walking anyway, and you avoid trying to squeeze a scooter through narrow streets or restricted areas.

Free parking changes how you see the lake

Scooter parking is free in the towns around Lake Como. That is one of the most useful benefits of choosing the Vespa instead of a car.

You can stop for a short walk without facing the same parking concerns that come with a larger vehicle. It is still important to use proper motorbike spaces where available and avoid blocking entrances, paths, or pedestrian areas.

For overnight or longer rentals, the preferred arrangement is a covered parking space or garage at your hotel or apartment. A free garage is also available in Como. Ask about this before pickup if you are booking for more than a day.

Free parking does not mean every location is equally easy. Popular village centres can still be crowded, and temporary restrictions may apply. The Vespa gives you an advantage, not a licence to ignore signs.

Fuel, insurance, and the costs beyond the rental

The Vespa arrives with a full tank of unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. Oil is provided, and instructions are given before you leave.

You must refill the petrol when the rental ends. Fuel is not included in the listed price, and you should make sure you understand the correct mixture before topping up.

Third-party liability insurance is included. Accident, collision, and comprehensive cover are not included. This is one of the most important points in the booking terms, particularly because the Vespa is a vintage vehicle.

The rental price is fair for a private two-person experience, especially when you consider the included helmets, phone holder, insurance, and 150 kilometres per day. The value improves with two people sharing the cost, and the 24-hour option becomes more attractive when delivery and pickup save you a separate return journey.

The price is less compelling if you only want a quick photograph with a Vespa or if you are nervous about riding on unfamiliar roads. In that case, a shorter four-hour rental keeps your commitment and possible extra costs lower.

Route planning with Sebastian

A useful part of the handover is the route advice. Sebastian has helped riders build plans based on their interests and available time, including places to stop for views and photographs.

That personal guidance can make a big difference. Lake Como has no shortage of attractive roads, but a good day depends on how you connect them. You need to balance riding time with walking, meals, viewpoints, and the return journey.

I would arrive with two or three priorities rather than a rigid list. Tell the instructor if you want village streets, scenic views, photography, or a relaxed ride. Then ask which plan fits the rental length and current road conditions.

For four hours, keep the route compact. For eight hours, you can add a longer stop and a meal. For 12 to 24 hours, you have the most room to adjust and can use delivery to begin closer to your accommodation within Como province.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

This rental suits couples, friends, and independent visitors who want control over their day. It is particularly good for two people who enjoy scenic driving, small-town stops, and the character of an old Italian scooter.

The automatic gearbox makes it suitable for a beginner with the required licence, though you should still be comfortable riding a 125cc scooter before setting off. The classic styling also appeals to anyone who values the machine itself as part of the experience.

It is less suitable if you want a guide riding with you, a fixed sightseeing route, or a driver to handle the roads. It may also be a poor match for someone who dislikes traffic, bends, weather changes, or making their own navigation decisions.

Check the forecast and dress for the conditions. A sunny morning can still feel cool once you are moving, and rain would change the comfort of the ride. Sunglasses, a sensible outer layer, and secure footwear are practical choices.

Booking flexibility and pickup options

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times depend on availability.

For rentals lasting 12 to 24 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available anywhere within Como province. You need to communicate the exact pickup and drop-off location before the rental begins.

If you do not provide those details, or if you are staying outside the service area, such as in Milan, the standard start and finish are at Como Borghi train station.

The activity is a private group experience, not a shared tour. Support is available in English, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian.

Should you book the Lake Como Vespa rental?

I would book this if you want an independent day around Lake Como and feel comfortable taking responsibility for the ride. The rare automatic Vespa, free scooter parking, two included helmets, and route help from Sebastian give the experience real value.

Choose four hours for a compact outing or a first scooter experience. Choose eight hours if you want time for proper stops without paying for a full day. Choose 12 to 24 hours if you want the most freedom, delivery to your accommodation, and enough time to let the lake set the pace.

Skip it if you want a guided tour, comprehensive vehicle insurance, or a completely carefree ride. You must watch for ZTL signs, cover fuel, stay within the included distance, and accept that accident and collision cover are not part of the package.

For the right rider, this is a fine way to experience Lake Como: not from behind a bus window, but with the air in your face, a classic Italian machine beneath you, and the freedom to stop whenever the view earns it.

FAQ

How many people can ride the Vespa?

The Vespa can carry up to two people, a driver and one passenger.

Do I need a motorcycle licence?

A car licence B held for at least one year or a motorcycle licence is suitable for riding the 125cc Vespa.

Is the Vespa automatic?

Yes. It has an automatic transmission and electric start, so you do not need to change gears.

Where do I meet for the rental?

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. You will see a white Vespa there, and the instructor will explain how to operate it.

Are helmets included?

Yes. Two retro-style Nox N243 helmets are included, in British Green or Cream, with sizes S, M, L, and XL available.

Can I ride into every town around Lake Como?

No. You must avoid permanent and temporary ZTL zones, including restricted areas in larger cities and some village centres such as Varenna when the restrictions are active.