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

Lake Como looks better from two wheels. This rental gives you a rare 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, an easy automatic scooter built for relaxed exploring rather than fast transport. You can choose four, eight, or 12 to 24 hours, then set your own route through lakeside villages and mountain roads.

I like the Vespa’s unusual history and the fact that it has no advertising or stickers, so you look more like a local than a rolling billboard. I also like the practical freedom: scooter parking is free around Lake Como, and full-day rentals can be delivered and collected anywhere within Como province. The main drawback is that the four-hour option may feel short once you allow time for the briefing, photos, stops, and winding roads.

Sebastian, the local contact, gets particular praise for helping riders plan routes around their interests. That matters here. Lake Como roads can be slow, narrow, and busy, and a few good stopping ideas can save you from spending your whole rental simply finding your way.

Key points before you book

• A genuinely rare Vespa: Only about 14,000 Piaggio PK 125 S Automatica scooters were produced, including roughly 1,400 Elestart models with electric start and automatic transmission.
• Easy for newer riders: A car licence held for at least one year or a motorcycle licence is accepted, and there are no gears to manage.
• Three useful rental lengths: Four hours works for a focused outing, eight hours gives you more breathing room, and 12 to 24 hours suits a full day or overnight rental.
• Two people can ride: The Vespa is designed for one driver and one passenger, with two retro-style Nox N243 helmets supplied.
• Generous daily mileage: Up to 150 kilometres per day is included, but extra distance costs €1 per kilometre.
• ZTL rules matter: You must avoid permanent and temporary limited-traffic zones, including restricted areas in larger cities and village centres such as Varenna when controls are active.

Why this 1985 automatic Vespa is the star

Many scooter rentals are simply a way to get from one place to another. This one has more character. The Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart was made in 1985, when automatic transmission and electric start were still unusual on a classic Vespa.

Only about 1,400 Elestart versions were made. That makes the scooter a small piece of Italian motor history, not just a practical rental. The white Vespa waiting at Como Borghi train station has the right look for Lake Como, especially since it carries no commercial decals.

The automatic transmission keeps the ride simple. You twist the throttle and go, without learning a clutch or changing gears on uphill roads. The electric start is another welcome touch, particularly if you are new to scooters or have not ridden one for years.

The rental is suitable for two people, but remember that you will be sharing one 125cc scooter. That is fine for sightseeing and short transfers. It is less suited to carrying large luggage or treating the Vespa as a fast way to cover every corner of the lake.

The scooter is reported to be kept in pristine condition, and the classic design adds real pleasure to the outing. You are not renting a faceless modern machine. You are taking a carefully maintained vintage Vespa onto one of Italy’s most famous roads.

Meeting Sebastian at Como Borghi station

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. You look for the white Vespa, meet the instructor, and receive a briefing on how to operate it before setting off.

That briefing is important even though the Vespa is automatic. You still need to become comfortable with the throttle, brakes, controls, parking, and the feel of a classic scooter on Lake Como’s winding roads. Sebastian is praised for giving clear instructions and helping riders shape a route that fits the time available.

For a four-hour rental, I would arrive ready to start. Have your licence, identity document, sunglasses, and any personal items sorted before the handover. The activity is private, so you are not being folded into a large group or pushed along behind a guide.

The rental includes a universal phone holder, which is useful for navigation. You will still want to keep your attention on the road, especially around bends and village streets. A phone holder is a navigation aid, not a substitute for knowing your general route.

For rentals lasting 12 to 24 hours or longer, delivery and collection are available anywhere within Como province. You need to communicate the exact pick-up and drop-off point before the rental begins. If you stay outside the service area, or do not provide a location, the handover takes place at Como Borghi station.

Choosing four, eight, or 12 to 24 hours

The published prices are €99 for four hours, €150 for eight hours, and €200 for 12 to 24 hours. The advertised booking price may vary by date and currency, so check the current amount when selecting your time.

The four-hour rental offers the best value if you want a taste of classic Vespa riding and a focused trip from Como. It is enough to cover some ground, stop for photographs, and enjoy the roads without giving up an entire day. The catch is that Lake Como is bigger and slower to navigate than it can appear on a map.

The eight-hour option is the safer choice if you want to make several stops. It gives you time to ride, park, walk around, and pause for food or views without watching the clock every few minutes.

The 12 to 24-hour option makes the most sense for a full day of exploring or for anyone staying in Como province and wanting the Vespa delivered to their accommodation. It also gives you the best chance of following a route suggested by Sebastian without rushing back to the station.

Up to 150 kilometres per day is included. That is a useful allowance for a full day, but it does not mean you need to chase distance. Lake Como rewards short rides and frequent pauses. If you exceed the allowance, each additional kilometre costs €1, so keep an eye on your mileage.

Riding beside Lake Como

The central appeal is simple: you choose the villages, viewpoints, and stops that interest you. The activity does not provide a driver, and it is not a guided sightseeing tour. You are responsible for the route, timing, fuel, and road rules.

That independence suits Lake Como well. A coach or boat gives you a fixed view and schedule. A Vespa lets you stop for a photograph, pull over near a scenic point, or spend longer in a village that catches your eye.

The roads are part of the fun, but they also require care. Lake Como routes can wind around the water and through built-up areas, so your pace will depend on traffic, road conditions, and your confidence. I would avoid planning too many distant stops. One or two areas explored properly will feel better than a frantic circuit of the lake.

Free scooter parking is a major practical advantage. Motorbikes and scooters can park free on the street around Lake Como, and a free garage is available in Como. At your accommodation, the preferred arrangement is a covered parking place or garage.

Do not assume free parking means you can leave the Vespa anywhere. You still need to park legally and safely. For an overnight rental, a covered spot is the sensible choice.

ZTL rules and the routes you cannot take

The biggest practical warning is the Italian ZTL, or limited-traffic zone. Permanent and temporary ZTL areas restrict vehicle access, often in town centres where roads are narrow and pedestrian activity is high.

You cannot simply ride wherever a normal road appears to lead. The larger metropolitan Milan area and centre are off limits, and a village such as Varenna may restrict access to its centre when a ZTL is active.

Fines can follow a scooter plate after you return home, so this is not a rule to treat casually. Ask for current route advice during the handover, watch the signs, and avoid restricted streets unless you are certain access is permitted.

This is one reason the local briefing is valuable. You get the freedom of self-guided travel, but you also receive help with planning around the areas that may cause trouble. If you are uncomfortable reading Italian road signs, keep your route conservative and stick to clearly permitted roads.

Fuel, helmets, and what you receive

The Vespa arrives with a full tank of unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. Oil is supplied, and instructions are provided. You must top up the fuel before returning the scooter.

That fuel arrangement is worth noting because this is a classic two-stroke Vespa, not a modern petrol scooter. Do not treat the fuel instructions as an afterthought. Follow the directions you receive at collection.

Two retro-looking Nox N243 helmets are included, in British Green or Cream. Sizes range from S to XL, so you should be able to request a reasonable fit. Two helmets make the rental practical for a couple, though you should still check the fit carefully before leaving the station.

Third-party liability insurance is included. Accident, collision, and comprehensive cover are not included, so you should understand your responsibility for damage before accepting the scooter. A €200 cash deposit may be required, or you may need to provide an identity document or passport according to the stated requirements.

The package also includes the phone holder and up to 150 kilometres of riding per day. Entrance fees, meals, personal expenses, and fuel are extra.

What each rental length lets you do

Four hours from Como

A four-hour outing is best for a compact route. You can collect the Vespa at Como Borghi, receive the briefing, ride out toward the lake, make scenic stops, and return to the meeting point.

This option suits you if you have only a spare afternoon or want to fit the ride between other plans. It also works well for a first scooter experience because you are not committing to a long day on the road.

Allow time for the handover and return. The full four hours are not necessarily four hours of uninterrupted riding. If you stop often for photographs or walks, your route should be modest.

Eight hours around the lake

Eight hours gives you a much more comfortable pace. You can stop in more than one village, take a proper break, and still leave room for slow roads or an unplanned photo stop.

I would choose this option if Lake Como is a main part of your day rather than a quick extra. The extra cost over four hours buys time, not just kilometres. That time is what lets you enjoy the setting instead of measuring every stop.

A 12 to 24-hour rental

The full-day option offers the most flexibility. You can receive delivery within Como province, keep the Vespa overnight if arranged, and return it after a longer period.

This is the strongest choice if you want a leisurely day, need delivery to your accommodation, or plan to make Lake Como the centrepiece of your schedule. You also avoid the feeling that every delayed departure or long lunch is eating into the experience.

The 24-hour wording should not be read as unlimited use. The package specifies up to 150 kilometres per day, and you still need to follow the agreed collection and return arrangements.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this rental to couples, confident drivers with a valid licence, and anyone who values freedom more than a fixed sightseeing schedule. It is particularly good for people who like classic vehicles, photography, and small village stops.

It also suits a beginner better than a manual scooter because the Vespa is automatic and has electric start. Still, you need to feel comfortable riding a motor scooter without a driver. There is no guide riding ahead and no chauffeur to handle the road.

This is less suitable if you dislike traffic, feel nervous on winding roads, or want detailed commentary at every stop. It is also not ideal if you are carrying bulky luggage or expecting to visit restricted town centres without checking the signs.

The private format gives you control, but it also gives you responsibility. You choose the route, obey the ZTL rules, monitor the fuel, and return the Vespa in the agreed condition.

Is the price good value?

At €99 for four hours, €150 for eight hours, or €200 for 12 to 24 hours, the rental is priced above a basic modern scooter hire. You are paying for a rare classic Vespa, two helmets, liability insurance, a phone holder, and the added character of riding a 1985 machine.

The free parking makes a real difference. So does delivery and collection for full-day rentals within Como province. Those benefits can save both money and time, especially if your accommodation is not close to Como Borghi station.

The best value comes from choosing the right length. A four-hour rental is sensible for a short outing. If you already know you want to explore several villages, the eight-hour or full-day option is likely better value because you will not need to cut your route short.

Keep extra charges in mind. Fuel is not included, distance beyond 150 kilometres costs €1 per kilometre, and collision or comprehensive insurance is not part of the price. Read the handover terms carefully before you set off.

Should you book the Lake Como Vespa rental?

Book it if you want a flexible, memorable way to see Lake Como and are comfortable riding yourself. The rare automatic Vespa, free scooter parking, strong route help from Sebastian, and full-day delivery option make this more than a standard vehicle rental.

Choose four hours for a compact taste of the area. Choose eight hours if you want several stops without rushing. Choose 12 to 24 hours if you want the best freedom and can arrange secure parking.

I would not book it simply because a Vespa looks good in photographs. You must respect ZTL restrictions, follow the fuel instructions, accept the limits of a 125cc scooter, and understand that accident and comprehensive insurance are not included.

For the right rider, this is a fine Lake Como splurge: practical enough to be useful, unusual enough to be memorable, and personal enough to let you set the day’s pace.

FAQ

Where do I collect the Vespa?

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. A white Vespa will be waiting there, and the instructor will explain how to ride it.

Can the Vespa be delivered to my accommodation?

Yes. For rentals lasting 12 to 24 hours or longer, delivery and collection are available anywhere within Como province. You must provide the pick-up and drop-off details before the rental starts.

Can two people ride the Vespa?

Yes. The Vespa can carry up to two people. Two helmets are included.

Do I need a motorcycle licence?

No. A car licence held for at least one year, known as a category B licence, is accepted. A motorcycle licence is also suitable.

Is the Vespa automatic?

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

Are helmets included?

Yes. The rental includes two Nox N243 helmets 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 areas. This includes restricted areas in the larger Milan metropolitan area and some village centres, such as Varenna when its ZTL is active.

How much mileage is included?

Up to 150 kilometres per day is included. Additional kilometres cost €1 each.

What fuel does the Vespa use?

It uses unleaded 95 petrol mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. The oil is provided, and you must return the Vespa with the fuel topped up.

Is insurance included?

Third-party liability insurance is included. Accident, collision, and comprehensive insurance are not included.