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

A rare automatic Vespa is an appealing way to see Lake Como from the road. This 1985 Piaggio PK 125 S Automatica Elestart combines the old-school Vespa look with an automatic transmission and electric start, so you can focus on the route rather than shifting gears.

I like two things in particular: the scooter is simple to ride, even for a beginner, and Sebastian can help you shape an itinerary around the sights you most want to see. The Vespa is also free to park in towns around the lake, a useful perk when you want to stop for a view or a walk.

The main consideration is that you are riding yourself, not joining a guided tour. You need a suitable license, must watch for restricted traffic zones, and should choose your rental length carefully: four hours can cover some ground, but a full day gives you more room to linger.

The details worth knowing

• A rare 1985 model: Only 14,000 PK 125 S Automatica scooters were made, including 1,400 with the electric-start Elestart version.
• Three rental lengths: Choose four hours for a shorter outing, eight hours for more exploring, or 12 to 24 hours for a full-day rental.
• Two people, one scooter: The Vespa fits a driver and passenger. Two helmets and a universal phone holder are included.
• Route help from Sebastian: You can ask for a suggested itinerary and practical tips before setting off.
• Free scooter parking: Parking for scooters and motorbikes is free around Lake Como, though you still need to avoid ZTL restricted zones.
• Full-day delivery: For rentals of 12 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available within Como province.

A classic Vespa with an unusually easy ride

The scooter is a 125cc Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, built in 1985. Its automatic transmission and electric starter make it different from the manual Vespas many people picture, and a good fit if you want the classic shape without learning to manage gears.

The model is rare: 14,000 were produced, and 1,400 had the Elestart setup with automatic transmission and electric start. That gives the ride a bit of character beyond simply getting from one village to the next. The Vespa is kept in pristine condition, according to the rental details, and comes without advertising or stickers.

You can take one passenger, making this an easy outing for a couple or two friends willing to share the ride. It is not a group scooter tour: there is no driver included, and you are responsible for your own route and riding.

The included helmets are retro-style Nox N243 models in British Green or Cream, in sizes S, M, L, and XL. A universal phone holder is also supplied, handy for following a route on your phone. Bring sunglasses, an identity document, and your driver’s license.

Choosing four hours, eight hours, or a full day

The four-hour rental costs €99, the eight-hour option €150, and the 12 to 24-hour rental €200. The quoted price is per group of up to two, so a passenger can share the same Vespa without needing a second rental.

Four hours can work if you want a shorter ride and have a clear idea of where to go. One rider found it enough to cover ground, while another wished they had booked a full day because there was so much to see. That contrast is useful: four hours is a reasonable taste, but it leaves less room for unplanned stops and longer visits.

At €150, the eight-hour option gives you more time to ride at an unhurried pace without committing to an overnight rental. The 12 to 24-hour option costs €200 and makes the most sense if you want the broadest window for exploring, or prefer the convenience of delivery and pickup.

Each day includes up to 150 kilometres of driving. Extra kilometres cost €1 each, so keep an eye on your distance if you plan a long route. The rental starts with a full tank, but you need to refill before returning the Vespa.

These rates are listed in euros. The booking price shown on a sales page may display a converted amount, so check the final price and rental duration when you reserve.

Starting at Como Borghi

For a standard meeting, you meet the instructor at Como Borghi train station, where a white Vespa will be waiting. The instructor gives you a rundown on how to operate it before you set off. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

For rentals of 12 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available at a destination within Como province. Tell the provider your preferred locations before the rental begins. If you do not arrange a specific pickup or drop-off, or you are staying outside the service area, such as in Milan, the default location is Como Borghi station.

The exact start time depends on availability, so check your chosen date before building the rest of your day around the ride. This is a private rental, which means the scooter is for your group rather than a shared tour party.

Riding beside the lake, at your own pace

The route is yours to plan. The activity is designed for riding around Lake Como, with time for scenic views, sightseeing, photo stops, and walks. You can ask Sebastian for an itinerary based on your interests; he has helped riders identify good places to pause and take in the views.

That personal advice matters here. A self-guided ride gives you freedom, but it also means you need to make decisions about where to go and how long to stay. If you are new to the area, ask for route suggestions before you start rather than trying to plan every turn while riding.

The lake’s winding roads are part of the appeal, but they call for attention. Keep the ride within your comfort level, and leave time for stops rather than treating the rental as a race to cover the most kilometres. The Vespa’s phone holder helps with navigation, but route planning is still your job.

You can stop for photos or a walk along the way, but the listed itinerary does not promise a fixed set of villages or attractions. That flexibility is a strength if you enjoy making your own day. It is less ideal if you want a guide to lead you from stop to stop and explain each place.

Restricted zones and parking

Scooter parking is free in towns around Lake Como, which makes short stops easier than they might be by car. There is also a garage in Como that you can use for free, and the provider recommends keeping the Vespa in a covered parking space or garage at your hotel or apartment where possible.

Free parking does not mean you can ride anywhere. You must avoid permanent and temporary ZTL zones, or limited traffic zones. These restrictions apply in places including the centre of Milan and village centres such as Varenna when a ZTL is active. Check signs carefully before entering a town centre, since a fine can spoil an otherwise good day.

The route advice is especially useful for this reason. Ask Sebastian where restrictions may affect your planned ride, and leave room to park outside a restricted area and walk in. The scooter gives you flexibility, but it does not exempt you from local traffic rules.

License, fuel, and insurance

A car license is suitable if you have held a category B license for at least one year. A motorcycle license is also accepted. Bring your license, plus an identity document or passport. A copy of your identity document is accepted, and the rental information also specifies a €200 cash deposit as an alternative requirement.

The Vespa uses unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. It is supplied with a full tank, and oil is provided along with instructions. You are responsible for topping up the fuel before returning it. If you are unfamiliar with this fuel mix, pay close attention to the instructions before setting off.

Third-party liability insurance is included. Accident, collision, and comprehensive cover are not included, so consider that distinction before booking. The rental also includes up to 150 kilometres per day, with each additional kilometre charged at €1.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The rental includes the classic Vespa for your chosen period, helmets for both driver and passenger, third-party liability insurance, and a universal phone holder. The free parking options and route guidance add practical value, especially if you plan to make several stops.

Fuel, attraction entrance fees, meals, and personal expenses are extra. Collision and comprehensive insurance are also excluded, and you pay for kilometres beyond the daily allowance. The final cost is therefore more than the rental rate if you ride far, refuel, or visit paid attractions.

For two people sharing the scooter, €99 for four hours is a manageable way to try a distinctive ride without booking a full day. The longer options cost more, but buy you time rather than a different vehicle or a guided program. I would choose based on how much you want to stop, not just how fast you think you can cover the route.

Who will get the most from this ride

This rental suits confident drivers who like independence and are comfortable navigating on their own. The automatic transmission makes the Vespa easier to operate than a geared scooter, but you still need to be ready to ride on winding roads and pay attention to traffic signs.

It also works well for a couple or pair of friends who want a shared outing and are happy to take turns only if the license and rental arrangements allow it. The supplied details say the scooter fits two, but do not specify whether both people may drive, so confirm that point before booking if you plan to switch drivers.

If you prefer a fixed itinerary, a guide on the road, or someone else to handle navigation, this may not be the right format. If you want to choose your own stops and enjoy the ride itself, the old Vespa, useful route advice, and ability to park freely in town make a strong combination.

The booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the weather and dress for the conditions. Riding is more pleasant when you are prepared for the day, especially if your plan includes several stops.

Should you book the Vespa rental?

Book it if you want an independent way to explore Lake Como and feel comfortable riding a 125cc scooter. The rare automatic model, electric start, included helmets, and Sebastian’s route help make this more approachable than a standard manual Vespa rental.

Choose four hours for a focused outing, eight hours for a fuller day without delivery, or 12 to 24 hours if you want more time and the convenience of delivery within Como province. If restricted zones, fuel requirements, and self-guided navigation sound like too much work, choose a different way to see the lake. For riders who want the freedom to pause where they please, this is a memorable and practical option.

FAQ

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride the Vespa?

No. A category B car license held for at least one year is accepted, as is a motorcycle license.

How many people can ride on one Vespa?

The Vespa fits up to two people: a driver and a passenger.

Is the Vespa automatic?

Yes. It has an automatic transmission and electric start.

Are helmets included?

Yes. Two retro-style Nox N243 helmets are included, in sizes S, M, L, and XL.

Where do I meet the instructor?

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. For rentals lasting 12 hours or longer, delivery and pickup can be arranged within Como province if you communicate your preferred locations in advance.

What fuel does the Vespa use?

It uses unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. The scooter is provided with a full tank, and oil and instructions are supplied. You need to top up the fuel before returning it.