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

The star here is a rare 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, one of only about 1,400 made with both an electric starter and automatic transmission. You get the look of an old Italian scooter without the usual clutch or gear work. I especially like the free scooter parking around Lake Como and the owner’s help planning a route that fits your time. The main catch is that the Vespa takes only two people, and you must handle the ride yourself.

I also like the choice of a short four-hour outing or a full day, plus the free delivery and pickup offered for rentals of 12 hours or more within Como province. Sebastian has been singled out for clear instructions and useful route advice. Still, the 150-kilometer daily limit, fuel costs, possible ZTL fines, and lack of collision insurance are worth taking seriously.

Key points to know before you book

• Rare automatic Vespa: Ride a 1985 model with an electric starter and automatic transmission, a very unusual combination for a classic scooter.
• Three useful rental lengths: Pick four hours for a short circuit, eight hours for more stops, or 12 to 24 hours for a full day and possibly an overnight rental.
• Free scooter parking: Motorbikes and scooters can park free around Lake Como, which makes village stops much easier than driving a car.
• Simple license rule: A car license held for at least one year, or a motorcycle license, is accepted for the 125cc Vespa.
• Personal route help: At Como Borghi station, the instructor explains the controls and can help you plan around the lake.
• Important insurance limit: Third-party liability is included, but accident, collision, and comprehensive cover are not.

Why this Vespa is more than a rental scooter

A standard modern scooter gets you from one town to the next. This one adds a little theater to the ride. The 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart has the rounded, old-school shape people associate with Italy, but its automatic transmission keeps the controls friendly for a first-time scooter rider.

Only about 14,000 PK 125 S Automatica models were produced, and roughly 1,400 had the Elestart setup with an electric starter and automatic transmission. That makes this a rare machine, not just a prop for photographs. It carries no advertising or stickers, so you can ride around feeling less like you are on a branded activity and more like you have borrowed a local’s scooter.

I like that the scooter is kept in pristine condition, based on the details provided about its care. The automatic system and electric start also make it less intimidating than a traditional Vespa with a hand clutch and foot-operated gears. You still need to be comfortable on two wheels, though. Automatic does not mean risk-free, and the roads around the lake can be winding and busy.

The Vespa holds up to two people. That makes it a good choice for a couple, parent and adult child, or two friends who are happy to share one seat. It is not suited to a larger family or a group hoping to ride together on several scooters.

Meeting Sebastian at Como Borghi

For the standard arrangement, you meet the instructor at Como Borghi train station. Look for the white Vespa. From there, the instructor gives you a practical rundown on starting, steering, braking, and operating the automatic scooter before you set off.

This first briefing matters. A short rental can feel rushed if you spend the opening minutes trying to understand the controls, so listen closely and ask questions before leaving. The route advice is also useful because Lake Como rewards sensible planning. You cannot see every village and viewpoint in four hours, especially if you want time to stop, walk, and take photographs.

Sebastian is the name most closely associated with the personal service here. He has helped riders shape an itinerary around their interests, pointing out places to stop and answering questions before the rental begins. That kind of help is valuable when you have only one day and do not know which roads are practical.

The experience is a private group activity, not a shared tour with a guide riding ahead of you. You receive the scooter, then explore independently. The instructor speaks English, Spanish, Dutch, or Italian, depending on availability.

Choosing four, eight, or 24 hours

The four-hour rental costs €99. It is the sensible choice if you want a taste of the lake, have a tight schedule, or are not sure how comfortable you will feel on a classic scooter. You can cover some ground and make several scenic stops, but you will need to keep moving.

For many people, four hours is enough for a focused outing from Como. It gives you time to enjoy the ride without committing an entire day. The tradeoff is that you will have less freedom to linger in villages, take a long lunch, or adjust your route when a viewpoint catches your eye.

The eight-hour rental costs €150. I see this as the best balance for riders who want a proper day out but do not need overnight use. You can build in photo stops, short walks, and a meal without watching the clock every few minutes. It also offers more room for slow riding, which is the right pace for a scenic road.

The 12 to 24-hour option costs €200. This makes the most sense if you want the fullest day, need extra flexibility, or plan to keep the Vespa overnight. For rentals lasting 12 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available anywhere within Como province. That can save you the trouble of returning to Como Borghi at the end.

The daily allowance is up to 150 kilometers. Extra distance costs €1 per kilometer, so check your planned route before setting off. A leisurely trip around the lake can use more distance than expected, particularly if you add detours. Ask about the mileage on a multiple-day rental, since the included amount is stated per day.

Riding beside Lake Como

The main stop is Lake Como itself, with time for sightseeing, photographs, short walks, and scenic roads. The Vespa changes how you experience the area. You can stop more easily than you could in a car, and you do not have to search for a large parking space each time you want a view.

Free parking for scooters and motorbikes is available in the towns around the lake. That is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose the Vespa. Parking a car near popular villages can be stressful, while a scooter gives you more freedom to pull in, explore briefly, and continue.

The roads require attention. Lake Como is not a closed course, and the activity comes with no driver. You are responsible for following Italian road rules, watching traffic, and choosing a pace that feels safe. The classic Vespa is easy to operate, but it is still a 125cc two-wheeler on public roads.

Some towns have permanent or temporary ZTL zones, meaning limited traffic areas. You must not enter them. The central areas of larger cities are restricted, and a village such as Varenna may also limit traffic when a ZTL is active. Fines can follow later, so ask for current route guidance and watch the signs rather than assuming a scooter can go everywhere.

The activity description allows driving around Lake Como but specifically excludes the larger metropolitan Milan area and center. If you are staying in Milan, delivery is not offered there, and the standard meeting point remains Como Borghi if you are outside the delivery area.

Fuel, helmets, parking, and the small practical details

The Vespa arrives with a full tank of unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. Oil is supplied, and you receive instructions. You must refill the fuel before returning the scooter. This is a small expense, but remember it when comparing the advertised rental price with the final cost.

Two retro-style Nox N243 helmets are included. They come in British Green or Cream and are available in sizes S, M, L, and XL. The color choice fits the scooter’s period look, though the important point is getting a safe, properly fitting helmet rather than matching your photographs.

A universal phone holder is included. It can help with navigation, but do not treat your phone as a substitute for route planning. Set up directions before moving, and use the briefing to identify the roads and towns you want to visit.

At the end, the standard return point is back at the meeting location, with Como and Como Borghi listed as drop-off locations. For a 12 to 24-hour booking or longer, delivery and pickup can take place at your chosen destination within Como province. If you do not communicate a different point before the rental begins, Como Borghi is used.

The provider prefers that you store the Vespa in a covered parking place or garage at your hotel or apartment. A free garage in Como is also available. Street parking for scooters is free around Lake Como, but a covered space gives better protection, especially for an overnight rental.

Value, insurance, and what you are really paying for

At €99 for four hours, the price is fair if you want a distinctive way to see the lake and can make good use of the time. You are not paying for a guide, lunch, attraction tickets, or a chauffeured ride. You are paying for access to a rare scooter, two helmets, liability insurance, route help, and the freedom to choose your own stops.

The €150 eight-hour option gives better value for a full outing because the extra time costs only €51 more than the four-hour rental. The €200 full-day option is more expensive, but delivery and pickup can make it worthwhile if you are staying within Como province. Multiple consecutive days are also possible, which suits a longer stay.

Third-party liability insurance is included. Accident, collision, and comprehensive insurance are not. That is the most important financial point in the booking. Ask the provider to explain the deposit and damage terms before you ride. The required documents include an identity document or passport, or €200 cash for the deposit. Bring your driver’s license as well.

A car license is enough if you have held it for at least one year. A motorcycle license also works. Since the Vespa has a 125cc engine, you should check that your license is valid for this type of vehicle under the rules that apply to your country and rental situation. The provided requirement is a one-year B license or a motorcycle license.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a confident couple who wants to see Lake Como independently and values character over sheer speed. It also suits someone who remembers classic Vespas and wants a real period machine rather than a modern scooter with a vintage paint job.

The four-hour option works for a first attempt or a short visit. The eight-hour rental is better for riders who want time to stop and walk. I would choose 12 to 24 hours if the scooter is part of the day’s main plan and you want delivery to your accommodation.

This is not ideal if you dislike riding in traffic, need a driver, want to visit restricted village centers without checking signs, or prefer a fully guided experience. It also may not suit anyone unwilling to accept the limits of third-party insurance and a €1 per kilometer charge beyond 150 kilometers per day.

Check the weather before booking and dress for exposure to wind and sun. Sunglasses are listed among the recommended items. The ride is outdoors from start to finish, so poor weather can change the feel of the day quickly.

Should you book the Lake Como Vespa rental?

Book it if you want a practical, memorable way to move between lake towns and feel part of the setting rather than simply look out of a tour vehicle window. The rare automatic Vespa, free scooter parking, clear instruction, and route advice from Sebastian make this more than a basic vehicle hire.

Choose four hours for a compact taste, eight hours for the best balance, and 12 to 24 hours if delivery, extra time, or an overnight rental matters. Before paying, confirm the meeting point, deposit, weather, ZTL route rules, and insurance terms. If you are comfortable on a scooter and accept those limits, this is a strong choice for seeing Lake Como at your own pace.

FAQ

How long can I rent the Vespa?

You can choose a four-hour, eight-hour, or 12 to 24-hour rental. Multiple consecutive days are also possible.

How many people can ride the Vespa?

The Vespa can carry up to two people. Two helmets are included for the driver and passenger.

Do I need a motorcycle license?

A car license held for at least one year, called a B license, is accepted. A motorcycle license is also suitable.

Is the Vespa automatic?

Yes. The 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart has an automatic transmission and electric start.

Where do I collect the Vespa?

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station, where you meet the instructor beside a white Vespa. For rentals lasting 12 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available within Como province if arranged in advance.

Can I ride into every town around Lake Como?

No. You must avoid permanent and temporary ZTL areas, including restricted centers in larger cities and some small villages when controls are active. The larger metropolitan Milan area and center are excluded.

What is included in the rental?

The rental includes the Vespa for your chosen time, two helmets, third-party liability insurance, up to 150 kilometers per day, and a universal phone holder. Fuel, attraction tickets, meals, personal expenses, and extra kilometers are not included.