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

The rarest thing about this Lake Como outing is the scooter itself: a 1985 Piaggio Vespa PK 125 S Automatica Elestart, one of only about 1,400 made with electric start and automatic transmission. You meet at Como Borghi station, learn the controls, then set off toward lakeside villages and winding roads with no fixed guide group slowing you down.

I like the freedom of choosing just four hours or keeping the Vespa for a full day. I also like the practical touches: two retro-style helmets, a phone holder, free scooter parking around the lake, and route advice from Sebastian, who has helped riders shape plans around their interests. The main catch is that you must handle the driving yourself, avoid ZTL traffic zones, and pay for any damage beyond the included third-party cover.

Key points at a glance

• A rare automatic classic: The 1985 Vespa has electric start and no manual gears, making it far easier for first-time scooter riders.
• Three useful rental lengths: Choose four hours for a focused outing, eight hours for a wider loop, or 12 to 24 hours for a full day and possible overnight use.
• Delivery for longer rentals: Full-day bookings can include free delivery and pickup anywhere within Como province.
• Two people can ride: The Vespa fits a driver and one passenger, with two included Nox N243 helmets in British Green or Cream.
• 150 kilometers included per day: Extra distance costs €1 per kilometer, so route planning matters on longer rentals.
• A local-looking ride: There are no advertising stickers on the Vespa, so you avoid looking like you are on a marked rental vehicle.

Why this Vespa makes Lake Como more fun

Lake Como is a handsome place to see from the road, but getting around can be awkward. Trains serve only parts of the lake. Boats are scenic but tied to timetables. Cars bring parking headaches, especially in small villages. A scooter gives you a middle ground: enough speed to cover ground, small enough to park easily, and open to the air.

This is not a modern plastic scooter with a row of rental-company stickers. It is a carefully maintained classic Vespa with a curved body, electric start, and automatic transmission. The automatic setup matters. You do not need to learn clutch control or shift gears while handling narrow, winding roads.

The Vespa uses a 125cc engine. A standard car license is accepted if you have held a B license for at least one year. A motorcycle license also works. You still need to be comfortable riding a two-wheeled vehicle, since there is no driver included and the instructor only gives you an operating briefing before you leave.

The quiet charm of the experience is that you can stop when a view catches your eye. You might pull over for a photo, walk through a village, pause for coffee, or simply enjoy the road beside the water. This freedom is the real reason to rent for longer than four hours.

Meeting Sebastian at Como Borghi station

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. Look for the white Vespa and meet the instructor there. You receive a practical explanation of the controls, starting procedure, riding basics, parking, and fuel.

Sebastian has been especially helpful with route planning. Before the ride, he can help you match the rental length to your interests and point out places where you can stop for views. That advice has real value because Lake Como roads can look close on a map while taking much longer than expected in practice.

The meeting is private rather than a large group departure. That means the briefing can focus on your experience level and the kind of day you want. Still, do not mistake a short handover for a guided tour. After the instructions, you are on your own.

For a 12 to 24-hour rental, you can request delivery and pickup at a destination anywhere within Como province. Tell the provider your preferred location before the rental begins. If no place is arranged, or you are staying outside the service area such as Milan, you return to Como Borghi station.

Choosing four, eight, or 12 to 24 hours

The four-hour option costs €99. It is the sensible choice if you want a taste of the experience without building your whole day around it. You can cover some ground, stop for photos, and enjoy a few lakeside roads, but you should keep the route focused.

Four hours can also work well if your hotel is in Como and you want a half-day outing. It is less suitable if you hope to reach several distant villages, linger over lunch, and return without watching the clock. Lake Como rewards slow stops, and traffic or road works can eat into your riding time.

The eight-hour rental costs €150 and gives you a much better chance to create a full scenic loop. You can ride, stop for walks, take photos, and still leave some breathing room. For most people who want to see more than one section of the lake, this is likely the best balance.

The 12 to 24-hour option costs €200. It offers the most freedom and includes free delivery and pickup within Como province. You can keep the Vespa overnight if arranged within the rental period, which can make sense if you are staying near the lake and want to split the riding across two portions of your stay.

The published booking price may appear in dollars, while the rental choices are listed in euros: €99 for four hours, €150 for eight hours, and €200 for 12 to 24 hours. Check the final amount and selected duration when booking.

Riding the lake roads and village streets

Once you leave Como, the main pleasure is the changing view. The road brings you past water, hills, villas, and compact villages. The Vespa lets you experience the route at a more human pace than a car. You hear the engine and the road, feel the air, and can stop without hunting for a large parking space.

The route is not fixed. You can ask for help building a plan, then choose your own stops. Use the four-hour rental for a shorter out-and-back ride. With eight hours, you have time to make several photo stops and walk around villages. A full day gives you the least pressure and the best chance to change plans as you go.

Do not judge distance by the map alone. Winding roads take time, and stopping is part of the point. The included allowance is up to 150 kilometers per day. That is generous for a relaxed day, but a long-distance plan can still exceed it. Extra kilometers are charged at €1 each.

Small villages require care. You may find narrow streets, busy pedestrian areas, and restricted traffic zones. Varenna, for example, can have a temporary or permanent ZTL in the center. You must avoid active ZTL areas, as fines can follow the vehicle even after your holiday ends.

The provider says you can drive anywhere outside permanent and temporary ZTL zones, but the restriction includes the center of larger metropolitan areas such as Milan. Ask for current local guidance before setting off if your route includes a village center.

Parking is one of the biggest advantages

Parking can turn a beautiful lake outing into a tiresome search, especially in a car. Motorbikes and scooters can park free on the street around Lake Como, which makes short stops much easier.

You should still park responsibly and follow local signs. The preferred arrangement is a covered parking spot or garage at your hotel or apartment. A free garage is also available in Como. Protecting a 1985 Vespa from rain and careless contact is sensible, especially if you keep it overnight.

The lack of advertising stickers helps the Vespa look like a personal classic rather than a rental. That is a small detail, but it adds to the pleasure of arriving in a village on a genuine-looking Italian scooter.

What comes with the rental

The rental includes two Nox N243 helmets, available in sizes S, M, L, and XL. The British Green or Cream color scheme fits the classic Vespa style without turning the ride into a costume.

You also receive a universal phone holder. Use it for navigation, but keep your attention on the road and do not handle the phone while riding. A simple route loaded before departure is better than stopping repeatedly to check directions.

Third-party liability insurance is included. Accident, collision, and comprehensive cover are not included. That distinction matters. You should understand your financial responsibility before accepting the Vespa and inspect it with the instructor at handover.

A €200 cash deposit may be required, or you must provide an identity document or passport as specified by the provider. Bring your driver’s license, identity document, and sunglasses. The deposit requirement is worth confirming in advance so you are not caught short at the station.

Fuel, range, and the old-school engine

The Vespa arrives with a full tank of unleaded 95 petrol, mixed with 2 percent two-stroke oil. Oil is provided, and the instructor explains what to do. You must replace the fuel you use before returning the scooter.

This is a classic vehicle, not a silent modern electric rental. The automatic transmission and electric start make it simple to operate, but the engine still has the character and mechanical feel of an older Vespa. You should listen carefully to the handover instructions and treat the scooter with care.

Fuel is not included in the rental price. It is a minor cost compared with the rental itself, but remember it when comparing the total budget. Extra kilometers are a more important cost issue if you plan a long circuit.

The value of the experience

At €99 for four hours, the rental is reasonably priced for two people sharing one Vespa, especially since both helmets and liability insurance are included. The four-hour option is not the cheapest way to move around Lake Como, but it is an experience rather than simple transport.

The eight-hour price of €150 improves the value if you can use most of the day. Two people can split the cost, making it more attractive than booking separate activities. You also avoid some of the parking trouble that comes with a car.

At €200, the 12 to 24-hour rental costs more, but delivery and pickup within Como province add convenience. It is the strongest option if you want to ride at an easy pace, keep the Vespa overnight, or build a route around your accommodation.

The value depends on your comfort with scooters. If you dislike two-wheel riding or want a guide leading the way, this will not be a good use of your money. If you enjoy independent exploring and want a memorable way to connect several lake stops, the pricing makes sense.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it most to couples or friends who can share one scooter and already feel comfortable on a motorbike or scooter. The automatic controls make the Vespa accessible to beginners, but a simple gearbox is not the only challenge. You still need confidence around traffic, bends, parking, and changing road conditions.

It also suits anyone who has a soft spot for classic Vespas. The 1985 model is unusual, and the electric-start automatic version was produced in very small numbers. You are not simply hiring a generic scooter with a vintage paint job.

The ride is less suitable for anyone who needs a driver, dislikes exposed road travel, or wants a tightly managed sightseeing schedule. It is also a poor fit if you expect to enter every village center. ZTL rules require attention, and you are responsible for avoiding restricted streets.

Check the forecast before you go. Bring suitable clothing, sunglasses, and a light layer if needed. The experience is outdoors from start to finish, so bad weather can change your enjoyment quickly.

Should you book the Vespa?

Book it if you want independence, enjoy the idea of a genuine 1985 Vespa, and can ride confidently with one passenger. I would choose eight hours for a relaxed first visit, or 12 to 24 hours if delivery to your accommodation makes the plan easier.

Choose four hours if your schedule is tight and you are happy with a focused ride near Como. Do not book it expecting a guided tour or a worry-free chauffeur service. You are responsible for the scooter, the fuel, the route, and the traffic rules.

For the right rider, this is a memorable way to see Lake Como from the road. The classic automatic Vespa, helpful route planning from Sebastian, free scooter parking, and flexible rental lengths give you a lot of control without the bulk of a car.

FAQ

How long can I rent the Vespa?

You can choose a 4-hour, 8-hour, or 12 to 24-hour rental. You can also request multiple consecutive days.

How many people can ride the Vespa?

The Vespa fits up to two people, including the driver and one passenger.

Do I need a motorcycle license?

No. A car license is suitable if you have held a B license for at least one year. A motorcycle license is also accepted.

Is the Vespa automatic?

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

Are helmets included?

Yes. Two Nox N243 helmets are included in sizes S, M, L, and XL. They come in British Green or Cream.

Where do I meet the instructor?

The standard meeting point is Como Borghi train station. You will find a white Vespa there, and the instructor will explain how to operate it.

Can the Vespa be delivered to my accommodation?

For rentals lasting 12 to 24 hours or longer, delivery and pickup are available anywhere within Como province. If you stay outside the service area or do not arrange another point, the default meeting point is Como Borghi station.