Does anyone know the rules concerning a non-resident buying a scooter in Italy to keep here for private use on holiday? Can anyone recommend a brand?
Here are some member responses:
If you are not a resident then get a local or resident friend to put one in their name for you. You'll have to pay for title transfer (more than you might expect), and arrange insurance for any rider and you are away. Get an insurance quote or two beforehand, so you know what to expect. I would always choose something Japanese, for the obvious reasons, other than that check out what your local bike shop services as you will probably need them sooner or later. If you buy a used scooter then it will need a "revisione" after four years and then every two years thereafter. There will be a little stamp on the registration papers. It is always cheaper to buy a scooter during the colder weather. A good place to look is the Moto.it website. You can enter in your location, price, engine size etc.
Don't bother, I've got the scars to prove it, too dangerous. Hire a Panda or similar.
Well you have to be a bit careful but they are the most amazing boon in the cities. I wouldn't be without mine: You can park where you like in the centre of town, stop & chat, leave them (free) in special covered areas in stations & terminals. They do about 100+ MPG & the bodywork keeps you dry in all but a downpour. The under-seat storage of my scooter will take two helmets & an umbrella or all my shopping with another bag between my knees. If you are worried about falling off try a scooter with ABS or one of the new Piaggio MP3s with two front wheels! If not, a ten-year-old Honda Pantheon (like mine) twist & go with 15k km. can be got for about €500, probably less in the autumn.