The electric scooter has become one of the most purchased — and often most underused — items in Italian homes. Bought to commute, used for a few weeks, then parked in a hallway corner or storage room. Meanwhile, millions of people search online for "private electric scooter rental" for occasional trips, excursions, vacations, or to try one before buying.
The peer-to-peer e-scooter rental market in Italy is still young, which means early movers have a real competitive advantage. In this guide we cover everything: how it works for lenders, what to expect as a borrower, the regulations you need to know, market prices and practical tips to keep the process safe for both parties.
Why Electric Scooters Are Well-Suited to Peer-to-Peer Rental
Unlike many other items, the electric scooter has characteristics that make it ideal for P2P rental. First, it's an item with high demand frequency but low personal use frequency: owners use it on average 2–4 times a week in warm months, leaving it free the rest of the time. Those seeking it, meanwhile, often need it for a day, a weekend or a short test period.
💡 Basic math: a €500 scooter rented at €12/day for 8 days a month generates €96 net (after commissions). In less than a year you've recovered the purchase cost. From that point on, every rental is pure profit.
Market Prices: What It Costs to Rent an E-Scooter P2P
| Scooter type | Recommended price/day | Weekend (2d) | Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level (Xiaomi M365, Ninebot E2) | €8–10 | €14–18 | €45–60 |
| Mid range (Xiaomi Pro 2, Segway F2) | €10–14 | €18–24 | €60–80 |
| Premium (Segway GT2, Ninebot Max G2) | €15–22 | €26–38 | €85–120 |
| Off-road / performance | €20–35 | €35–60 | €110–180 |
Lender Guide: How to List Your Scooter
What to include in the listing
A good e-scooter listing must contain some essential information: the exact model (not "electric scooter" but "Xiaomi Scooter 4 Pro"), estimated battery capacity, total mileage if you know it, and any relevant features like lights, disc brakes, suspension. Read our guide on photographing items for rental for photos that convert.
Delivery and return
Define delivery logistics in advance: in person at an agreed location, or left at a secure spot with access code. Many lenders prefer in-person handoff as it allows explaining how the scooter works and doing a visual check of condition before and after.
💚 Practical tip: charge the scooter to 100% before every handoff and agree to receive it back with at least 20% charge. This avoids arguments about reduced range and treats the rental professionally from the start.
Borrower Guide: What to Know Before Renting
Italian road regulations to know
Since 2020 electric scooters in Italy are regulated by the Highway Code. Key rules for users (including rentals): helmet required for minors, riding forbidden on pavements, front and rear lights required at night or in poor visibility, no carrying passengers, maximum speed of 25 km/h on roads and 6 km/h in authorized pedestrian zones.
⚠️ Important: when renting a private scooter, you are responsible for complying with the Highway Code. The lender provides the vehicle, but correct and legal use is entirely your responsibility during the rental period.
What to check at pickup
Before confirming (or scanning the QR code), quickly check the vehicle: switch it on and check battery level, test the brakes at low speed, verify the lights work, check tire condition (no visible deformation, adequate pressure). If you notice anything wrong, report it immediately to the lender before starting the rental — not after.
How Much Do E-Scooter Lenders Earn on Lendmates
Conservative scenario (6 rental days/month): at €11/day net, that's about €66/month. In 6 months you recover the purchase cost. Not exciting, but it's money generated by an item that would otherwise sit idle.
Active scenario (14 rental days/month in warm months): at €11/day net, about €154/month from April to September, totaling €924 over the half-year. On a €400 item, that's a 231% ROI in year one. See our complete guide on lender earnings on Lendmates for detailed simulations.