Como’s Mayor Banned Electric Bikes After Being Hit – BBC News
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Como bans electric bike riding in certain areas after mayor’s collision
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Como sits alongside several other historic towns overlooking the famous lake
By Ruth Comerford
Published 20 August 2026, 17:45 BST
Updated 6 minutes ago
The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has banned riding bicycles in specific areas of the historic Italian city after he was hit by an electric bike.
He announced the ban, citing public safety concerns, effective from September. Cyclists will be required to dismount through approximately 30 streets.
Rapinese shared his experience: "People act based on their own experiences, and I know what it’s like to be hit by one of these beasts."
Several European cities, including the UK, have implemented similar restrictions on e-bikes and other single-person vehicles.
The ban is part of a broader package of new traffic regulations, establishing a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) to manage increasing tourism. These regulations include stricter rules for cars and vans in the city centre.
Many of the affected streets are among the widest in the old town, popular with delivery drivers.
The measure applies to both electric and regular bicycles as the Italian highway code does not differentiate between models.
Rapinese explained his decision in a video, part of a series he produces called RapiNews24. He recounted a July incident where he collided with an e-bike shortly after his administration discussed traffic restrictions.
While Rapinese wasn’t seriously injured, the incident spurred him to take action.
The new regulations allow some vehicles to require an annual permit and a daily €3 (£2.60) fee for entry into the ZTL. Deliveries to shops and restaurants are only permitted between 06:00 and 23:00, and tourists staying in hotels will only be able to drive into the centre if their accommodation has parking.
The ban has sparked backlash from locals, leading to an online petition against it. Civitas Como, a local citizens group, has challenged the legality of the ban, calling it "questionable and erroneous."
The Nova Como association has organized a protest bike ride for 12 September.
Como is not the first Italian city to restrict bicycles in historic or bustling areas. Palermo has had similar restrictions since 2023. Paris also recently clamped down on safety requirements for e-scooter users, banning rental e-scooters outright in 2023.
