Scooterino: a solution for getting around Rome

by Alexandra

Getting around Rome is often a nightmare. Here’s one of my recent Facebook posts:

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There is only one form of transport in Rome that hasn’t let me down – Scooterino. This app is essentially Uber but with a scooter instead of a car, and it’s been a lifesaver on multiple occasions. Given the state of Rome’s public transport, I’m surprised Scooterino isn’t more popular and well-known. Anyway, before you spontaneously combust from stress, here’s all you need to know about using Scooterino in Rome.

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How Scooterino works

  • Download the app for free and create a profile. Add your preferred method of payment (card or PayPal). It only takes a few minutes to get started.
  • When you want to book a ride, you can either request one immediately, or book for later, specifying the day and time. The app will suggest a price for the route. You can choose to offer more.
  • You’ll get a notification when a driver accepts your request. You can see the driver’s name, photo, rating/reviews and vehicle. You’ll also be able to contact each other directly.
  • The driver meets you at the pick-up point. You show the driver the code that’s appeared on your app. Then you put on the helmet (supplied by the driver), hop on the back of the scooter…then off you go!
  • Once you’ve been dropped off, you pay via the app (tipping if you like) and rate/review the driver. The driver also has the option to rate and review you.

It’s essentially the same as using Uber, Lyft or other taxi apps. The only real difference is the vehicle.

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PROS

  • It’s a lifesaver, especially on strike days. Need to get from A to B quickly? No public convenient public transport route? Scooterino saves the day. And it’s by far the quickest way to get around Rome. A journey that takes an hour with public transport (including changes and waiting) could take just 15 minutes with Scooterino.
  • If you request a ride at a normal time (ie: not 4am), and especially if you book in advance, you should always be able to find a driver. Again, more reliable than public transport.
  • It’s good value for money. I usually end up paying around €7-8 for a journey that would cost €20 in a taxi. When I’m travelling on my own, Scooterino makes so much more sense than a taxi.
  • It’s scenic and fun. Sitting on the back of the scooter is the best way to see Rome. I use Scooterino when I need to get somewhere in particular, but if I were a tourist I would use it just for fun. You haven’t truly experienced Rome till you’ve whizzed around the Colosseum on a Vespa.
  • It’s safe. The drivers and their vehicles all have to be approved by the app, and drivers are required to provide passengers with a helmet (and a hygienic hair net).
  • The drivers are great. Rome’s taxi drivers tend to be grumpy at best, and downright rude and incompetent at worst. Scooterino drivers are polite, friendly, punctual, and, unlike taxi drivers, don’t seem to hate life. I’ve given a 5 star rating to every Scooterino driver so far. Also, while all drivers should speak at least basic English, it’s a fun opportunity to practise your Italian. A lift and a language lesson!

CONS

  • There’s a limited number of drivers. You might get unlucky and not find a driver when you need one. As I said before, you probably won’t find a driver who’s willing to pick you up at 4am. Or perhaps there’s just a shortage of drivers at the time, or it’s not convenient for a driver to do that particular route, so no one accepts you request.
  • Obviously Scooterino is not really an option when it’s raining heavily. A driver won’t want to drive you, but you wouldn’t want to be a passenger either.
  • Again, stating the obvious, but you can only fit one passenger on the back of a bike! (We’re not in Naples, where a family of 4 somehow manages to squeeze on a scooter). You could try to co-ordinate multiple drivers coming to pick up one person each, but at that point you might as well just get a taxi.
  • I suppose if you’ve never been on a scooter or motorbike before, it could be a bit nerve-wracking. As I’m used to being on the back of a Vespa, I was slightly daunted when my first Scooterino ride turned out to be a big Honda Integra. But the drivers are nice and patient, and you can tell them if you want to slow down.

For €3 off your first ride, use the discount code “alexandratur“. If I remember correctly the code “sticazzi” gets you an even better discount. Download Scooterino and you too can say “Sti cazzi” when someone tells you there’s yet another strike scheduled…

More information:

Scooterino official website

The Best Way to Beat the Traffic in Rome