Since last patch, it is very hard to start some conversations with actors or items.
I found out that clicking on the base of the char (the circle around him) makes it better.

Just beware : if you see some items with a hand activation icon and nothing happens...it would mean that you don't have a pre-requisite...or that you need to click on the item several times to start a conv. Per ex, scooters with a hand icon should start a conversation for destinations. If not, hit them until it works like you would do with an old Vespa ! (and if it doesn't, ask me to check for a possible bug)