Mayor of Como bans e‑bikes in city centre after collision

Sun Sep 06 2026 00:27:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Como’s mayor restricts electric and pedal‑bikes in historic streets citing safety, sparking debate on urban mobility and sustainability.

The mayor of Como announced a ban on e‑bikes in the city centre after a collision, arguing it improves public safety. Cyclists will have to dismount in 30 streets from September, a measure that could affect tourism and local transport. The decision follows a broader trend of limiting electric vehicles in historic European districts to curb congestion and pollution. Local residents and bike advocates have protested, citing the benefits of e‑bikes for reducing CO2 emissions. The policy highlights the ongoing tension between environmental goals and safety in urban planning.

Mayor of Como bans e‑bikes in city centre after collision

The historic Italian town of Como has tightened rules on electric and pedal‑powered bicycles, sparking debate among cyclists and sustainability advocates.

Mayor Alessandro Rapinese announced the ban after he was struck by an e‑bike, citing public safety as the main rationale. From September, cyclists will have to dismount in 30 streets within the core district.

While e‑bikes emit far less CO2 than cars and are promoted as green alternatives, the move highlights the tension between urban mobility, safety and environmental goals. Local delivery drivers and tourists say the restriction will curb congestion, but critics argue that it undermines the city’s bike‑friendly image.

The regulation aligns with a wider package designed to create a Limited Traffic Zone, aimed at managing the surge in tourist traffic and reducing vehicular pollution in the old town.

The ban has already attracted backlash, with a citizens’ group launching an online petition and planning a protest ride on 12 September. The debate continues amid a broader European trend of restricting e‑bikes and scooters in historic city centres.