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Bermuda Scooter Rental: Companies, Rates and Insider Tips

Updated: September 2026

If you are comfortable on two wheels, renting a scooter in Bermuda gives you the kind of freedom that buses and ferries cannot match. You won't wait around for the next service, and you can pull over anywhere along the South Shore or in a quiet country lane whenever something catches your eye. Since visitors are not allowed to rent or drive a regular car here, scooters fill that gap for most people.

That said, Bermuda's roads are narrow, winding, and at times steep. Locals tend to drive faster than the posted limit, and the lanes are unforgiving of mistakes. Before I get into rates and companies, the basic question is whether a scooter is right for you.

Scooter at Front Street, Hamilton Bermuda

Photo: Darryl Brooks, Shutterstock

Should You Rent a Scooter in Bermuda?

I recommend a scooter rental only if two things are true for you. First, you are confident on a two-wheeler. Second, you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road. Bermuda follows the British system. The right side is the wrong side here.

If you have never ridden a scooter, or if you have only driven on the right at home, I would not start your learning curve on these roads. Tourist accidents do happen, and most of them involve riders who overestimated how easy it would be.

There is no shame in skipping the scooter and using buses, taxis, ferries, or an electric minicar. See my page on renting a Twizzy or Tazzari electric minicar for that option.

If you are confident, read on. The rest of this article should give you a clear picture of what to expect.

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Bermuda Scooter Rental Rates

Rates have settled into a fairly predictable range, and almost every rental company uses a descending rate structure. The longer you keep the scooter, the less you pay per day. Here is what you can expect from the main companies.

At Smatt's Cycle Livery, a single seat scooter costs $60 for one day, $145 for three days, and $250 for a full week. A double seat scooter is $75 for one day, $170 for three days, and $275 for a week. There is also a non-refundable damage deposit of $35 per scooter. Bicycles start at $40 a day.

At Elbow Beach Cycles and its sister operation Scooter Mart at Dockyard, the daily price drops sharply for longer rentals. Their Basic Moped works out to about $28 per day on a seven-day booking, the Large Moped to $39, and the Vespa Primavera to $69. A separate one-time preparation fee of $35 covers basic third-party insurance and the first tank of gas.

Their Comprehensive Liability Waiver costs an extra $8 per day and reduces your liability for damage or theft to a $100 deductible. Without it, you could be on the hook for up to $3,000 if the scooter is lost or badly damaged.

Oleander Cycles publishes its rates only after you select a location and dates online, but you typically get a 10 percent discount for booking ahead through their website. Their rates are competitive with Smatt's for similar models.

So if you are looking for the cheapest meaningful option, it is almost always a Basic Moped or single seat scooter taken for a week or longer. A one-day rental will be relatively expensive on a per-day basis because the fixed costs are spread across just twenty-four hours.

A practical note on gas. Bermuda gasoline runs around BMD $2.29 a liter currently, which is roughly three times what most American visitors pay at home. The good news is that a 50cc scooter sips very little fuel. A full tank usually lasts a few days of normal sightseeing, so fuel rarely becomes a major line item.

Where to Rent: Bermuda Scooter Rental Companies

Bermuda has a small set of well-established rental companies. I would only use a long-running operator with proper service backup. Pick the company with the most convenient location for where you are staying or where your ship docks.

Scooters for rent in Bermuda

Photo: Andrew Currie, cc by-sa 3.0

Oleander Cycles

Oleander is the largest scooter rental operation on the island and has been in the business since the 1960s. They currently run eight locations, which makes them the easiest choice if you want a backup shop nearby.

The locations are:

Dockyard, Kings Wharf (open when ships are in port, closed in the off-season)

Hamilton on Gorham Road

St. George's

Paget at 6 Valley Road (the head office)

The Reefs hotel in Southampton

Pompano Beach Hotel in Southampton

Cambridge Beaches in Sandys

Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Hamilton Parish

They offer single seat scooters such as the PGO Ligero RS 50 and double seat models from TGB. Bicycles are also available. Online bookings get a 10 percent discount, and they can deliver to most parts of the island. Their official site is oleandercycles.bm.

Elbow Beach Cycles and Scooter Mart

Elbow Beach Cycles has been in business since 1944, which makes them one of the oldest rental operations on the island. Safety is heavily emphasized in their tutorial, and they have one of the newer fleets. Their range covers Basic Mopeds, Large Mopeds, Vespa Primavera scooters, Electric Mopeds, Electric Bikes, and standard bicycles.

They have two locations:

Paget, at 60 South Road on the grounds of the former Elbow Beach Hotel. The hotel itself has been closed since 2020 and was acquired by The Loren Group in 2025 for full redevelopment, but the cycle shop operates as a separate business and remains fully open.

Dockyard, at 1 Smithery Lane, operating as Scooter Mart Rentals, about a three to four minute walk from the cruise ship ramps.

Both are open seven days a week, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Dockyard outlet closes when no cruise ships are in port. Phone: 441/296-2300. Online bookings can be made through elbowbeachcycles.bm or scootermartrentals.bm. They also offer island-wide delivery to your hotel or rental for an $80 per bike fee.

Smatts Cycle Livery

Smatt's is a family-run business that has been renting scooters since the 1960s and is the official rental provider of the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.

Their active shop is at 74 Pitts Bay Road in Pembroke, just steps from the Hamilton Princess and within easy walking distance of Rosedon Hotel, Edgehill Manor, Royal Palms Hotel, and Rosemont Guest Apartments.

Hours are 8 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Phone: 441/295-1180. Their website is smattscyclelivery.com.

If you are staying at Rosewood Bermuda or near Dockyard and would like pickup at those locations, call Smatt's first to confirm current arrangements.

Smatt's offers single and double seat 50cc scooters along with a small fleet of bicycles. All rentals include the helmet, lock, basket, instruction, test ride, damage insurance, and roadside assistance.

Single Seat or Double Seat: Which Should You Pick?

If you are riding solo, a single seat scooter is lighter, easier to handle, and cheaper. It is also better in heavy traffic and on the tighter parts of the road.

A double seat scooter, called a Large Moped in some fleets, is what you want if you have a partner riding with you. It has larger wheels, more pulling power for Bermuda's hills with two on board, and is more comfortable over distance.

Weight limits typically run up to about 275 lb on a single seater and around 450 lb on a double seater, including any items you carry. Some companies set slightly lower limits, so confirm before booking. Children at least 10 years old can ride pillion on a double seater.

If you are not sure which to pick, get the double. The extra power matters on Bermuda's hills, especially when you are heading away from Hamilton toward the Dockyard end of the island. None of the rental companies in Bermuda offer three-wheeled scooters or trikes, so if balance is a concern, an electric minicar or an e-bike is the better option.

How to Rent a Scooter in Bermuda

The process is simple and rarely takes more than half an hour at the shop.

You walk in and present a photo ID with your date of birth. Most companies prefer a passport or a driver's license. They will note your name, age, and contact details, then take payment. You can pay by credit card or cash. A small refundable deposit of $25 to $35 for the helmet, lock, and key may be added on top of the rental.

Next, you pick a helmet that fits. Helmets are included free with every scooter. A staff member then walks you through the controls and the safety basics, and has you do a short test ride within the rental yard. Use this time properly.

Test the brakes, get a feel for the throttle, check the mirrors, and make sure the bike does what you expect. If something feels off, ask for a different scooter right away. Reputable shops will swap it without argument.

Once you are comfortable, you ride out. Every rental usually includes a paper map of Bermuda, a basket for small items, a lock and key, third-party insurance, and breakdown service. Read your agreement before signing, especially the section on damage liability. Adding the Comprehensive Liability Waiver where offered is a small daily cost that can save you a significant repair bill.

Almost every company calculates a day as twenty-four hours. So if you pick up at 10 am on Tuesday, you can return by 10 am on Wednesday and pay for one day.

Rules of the Road in Brief

These are the essentials.

Drive on the left. Always.

The speed limit is 35 kph (21 mph) on most of the island and 25 kph (15 mph) within the city of Hamilton. Locals often exceed these limits. Do not feel pressured to keep up. Stay to the left, ride at a steady pace, and let faster traffic overtake you.

Wear your helmet at all times when the engine is on. Bermuda enforces this strictly, with zero tolerance for non-compliance. The helmet must be properly fastened.

Be alert at intersections. Bermuda has many traffic circles, also called roundabouts, where you must yield to traffic already in the circle.

Honking is more common in Bermuda than it is in most other places. A horn behind you is usually just a notice that someone wants to pass. Stay in your lane, do not panic, and let them through.

Drinking and riding is illegal and extremely dangerous on these roads. Never do it.

Helmets, Age, and License Rules

Visitors do not need a driving license to rent a scooter in Bermuda.

The legal minimum age to operate a rental is 18. A photo ID showing your date of birth is required. There is no maximum age limit. Riders in their seventies who are fit and confident rent every season.

Helmets are required by law and are provided free of charge for both the driver and the pillion passenger.

A pillion passenger must be at least 10 years old.

By law, rental scooters in Bermuda cannot exceed 50cc. That is enough power to climb the island's hills with two on board and to keep up with normal traffic.

Gas, Parking, and Practical Notes

Most gas stations in Bermuda are open from 7 am to 7 pm. The Esso City Auto Market in Hamilton stays open twenty-four hours. Your scooter takes regular unleaded.

Some companies offer a prepaid gas option where you pay an extra fee upfront and return the scooter on empty without penalty. Whether this saves you money depends on how much you plan to ride.

Parking is one of the great advantages of a scooter here. Moped parking is plentiful and free at hotels, restaurants, beaches, and at both cruise ship docks at Kings Wharf and at Hamilton. Always use the lock provided.

Scooters are not usually insured against theft unless you have added the Comprehensive Liability Waiver, so lock the handlebars whenever you step away.

If you are on a cruise, you can keep the scooter parked at Kings Wharf overnight. There is ample moped parking right by the cruise berth. Take your helmet inside the ship for safekeeping.

A note about ferries. The rules have changed over the past few years and scooters are now restricted on most public ferry routes. If you want to combine a scooter with a ferry ride for any part of your trip, please check the current schedule on my Bermuda Ferry page before you finalize plans. The Pink Route between Hamilton and Paget or Warwick has never carried scooters.

How Long It Takes to Reach Places by Scooter

These are realistic ride times in normal traffic. Add a buffer at peak hours and on cruise ship days at Dockyard.

Dockyard to Horseshoe Bay Beach: about 25 minutes

Dockyard to Hamilton: 50 to 60 minutes

Hamilton to Elbow Beach: 15 minutes

Hamilton to Horseshoe Bay Beach: 25 minutes

Hamilton to Flatts Village: 20 minutes

Hamilton to Crystal Caves: 30 minutes

Hamilton to St. George's: 50 to 55 minutes

Dockyard to St. George's, end to end: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Great Scooter Routes in Bermuda

If you decide to rent, here are the rides I keep coming back to.

The first is the rural circuit through Devonshire Parish. Start at Friendship Vale Park at the junction of Parson's Road and Palmetto Road. Take Parson's Road south, then veer right at the next junction onto Orange Valley Road. The country lanes here pass cottages, small farms, and quiet byways. It is one of the few areas where you still see the rural Bermuda of an older era.

The second is the west end run. Take South Road heading west toward Sandys, cross Watford Bridge into Somerset Island, and continue all the way to the Royal Naval Dockyard. Ride through the gates, past the boatyard, and around the National Museum of Bermuda.

The third is the loop around Flatts Village. This small inlet town is home to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. Sit on the T-dock and enjoy the water views and the pastel houses on the hillside above.

The fourth, and probably my favorite, is the east end ride. Cross the Causeway with views of Castle Harbor, continue to St. George's, then move on to Fort St. Catherine and the beach beside it. Pick up Barry Road along the shoreline to Alexandra Battery and Building Bay Beach, which is a great spot for sea glass. Continue to Gates Fort before turning back. This is one of the most scenic rides on the island.

If You Are Not Sure About Riding

If after reading all this you still feel uncertain, that is a useful signal. Bermuda's roads are not the place to learn. Buses cover the island well and run frequently along marked routes. Taxis are easy to find at hotels and the airport. The ferries are scenic and quick between the east, central, and west ends.

You can also rent a Twizy or Tazzari electric minicar, which is the closest thing to a small car a visitor can drive here. It is slower than a regular vehicle but a great deal safer than a scooter for first-time left-side drivers. Details are on my page about electric minicar rentals.

For a complete view of every way to get around the island, see Bermuda Transportation.

Whichever you choose, matching the transport to your comfort level is what makes a trip enjoyable rather than stressful. If a scooter is right for you, you will find few places that are easier or more rewarding to ride.

About the Author By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya

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Visitors' Reviews and Comments

Don Rickel (August 2026)

I would like to rent a moped for two from 29 August to 31 August however I don’t seem to see any available at the dealers? Is there some kind of event going on during that time as I’m coming in on a cruise ship on the 29th.

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) August 2026

Hi, there is no major event on August 29-31, 2026 that I am aware of. However, that weekend does feature the Devil’s Isle Fight Championship on Saturday, August 29, and it falls within Bermuda’s late-summer peak tourist period. As a result, demand for mopeds and other rental vehicles can be quite high, with some operators selling out several weeks in advance.

For mopeds (scooters), I suggest checking all the available options - Scooter Mart, Oleander, Smatt’s, and Elbow Beach Cycles, as soon as possible, unless you have already done so.

If none of them has availability, you could consider an EV microcar such as the Twizy. However, these can also be in high demand during the summer, so I would recommend checking availability immediately as well.

Lisa Volk (May 2023)

Are there any scooter rental places in St. George's. I want to be able to freely go all over St. George's and then go to Blue Hole Park / Swizzle inn, maybe the caves without having to rely on public transportation.

I don't want to be rushed to make the last ferry back and would like to be able to ride the scooter back to Dockyard if we are not going to make the ferry. We may also want to stop somewhere closer to the Dockyard to grab dinner and watch the sunset. Is this doable?

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) May 2023

The scooter rental company Oleander Cycles has an outlet at 26 Duke of York Street (Tel 441/297 0478). They have another outlet at Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Hamilton Parish (a 15-minute bus ride from St. George)... it's very near Blue Hole Park and Swizzle Inn which you plan to visit.

Pedego rents electric bikes (motorized bicycles) in St. George, they are steps away from the St. George Ferry Dock (located at 4 Penno's Wharf). But these are good for local sightseeing in St. George's and St. David's. Padego also offers guided e-bike tours.

If you rent a scooter in St. George, while riding back to Dockyard, your can have dinner in Lost In The Triangle (LITT) in Warwick (87 South Road), great for fresh seafood. And if sunset view is a must, then Bonefish Bar and Grill in Dockyard itself offers an outdoor seating that is perfect for watching the sun go down over the harbor.

Ellen Modena (July 2020)

We'll be docking in Hamilton on Aug. 11, 2020 and renting a moped. Is there overnight parking at the dock? Thank you.

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2020

Yes, just outside the Hamilton Docks (on Front Street), there is ample parking for both cars and scooters. Visit this Street View link to see how the parking looks.

Tania (February 2020)

Hi, my name is Tania and I'd like to visit Bermuda. I've got an Italian driving license. To rent a scooter in Bermuda do I need to get an international driving license or is it sufficient the Italian one? Thank you,

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) February 2020

Hi, you do not require a driving license to rent a scooter in Bermuda. One should be above the age of 18.

Daphne (August 2019)

Do you pay cash or credit card for scooter rentals? And is there a deposit?

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) August 2019

You can pay in both cash or credit card. They may take some refundable deposit for helmet, lock and key.

Edward Koster (July 2018)

Hello, We are interested in renting Tow dual seat scooters for a day. Is a day considered 24 hours? Thank you very much.

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2018

Hi, most rental companies in Bermuda have their rates on 24 hours basis, i.e., if you pick it up (or advance book it for pick up) at 10am, you can return by 10am next day and it would be counted as one day.

Cindy Boutin (January 2017)

My husband is 75 but very fit and healthy. Can he rent a scooter?

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) January 2017

There is no maximum age limit for renting scooters in Bermuda.

Jean Knight (September 2015)

Do you have to have a full license to hire a scooter or can you hire one on a provisional license?

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) September 2015

Visitors do not require license to rent scooters in Bermuda. One must be minimum 18 years of age. Photo ID is required.

Pat Brandkamp (August 2014)

I noticed on one of the scooter rental websites that there are weight limits for the scooters. Specifically 330 lbs for a 2 seater and 175 lbs for the single seater, including personal items. Is this true for all scooter rentals? Is it a safety issue or for best performance? I'm also wondering about the electric bikes - how are they on the hills? Thanks for your help.

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) August 2014

The weight limit is applied by most scooter rental companies and that is to do with the load handling capacity of the scooters. Electric Bikes are good for short distances of up to 15 to 20 miles. The battery charge won't remain after that and then it'll become a normal bicycle. As long as you get the battery power on the rear wheel and select the right support level, it can help you easily negotiate the hilly terrain.

Susan E Regal (June 2014)

Raj - I am enjoying your web site. We are going to Bermuda in August and I was wondering how many miles from the dockyard to St Georges and how long would it take by scooter. thanks in advance

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) June 2014

Hi, It's one end of the island to the other ... about 21 miles (will vary a bit depending on the route you take) and will take around 1 hr 15 minutes by scooter. Best is to take the South Road (along the south shore beaches), continue along Harrington Sound Road at Smith's parish, go around the Harrington Sound water area and then get to the causeway.

Kate Richardson (December 2013)

We will be in Bermuda on a cruise this June with our twin 11 year old boys. We like to really explore and find great places to snorkel off of the beaten path. I'm thinking about us renting two scooters so we can explore the whole island, but I'm worried about safety with the boys. Is it dangerous with the busses and taxis on the road with you or are drivers respectful of the scooters? Thanks for your help Raj! We love your site!

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) December 2013

Hi Kate, Riding scooters is usually not a problem in Bermuda as long as you follow certain thumb rules and also understand the on-road traffic behavior. You will always need to tell yourself to stay on the left. Do not ride along the middle of the road.

Accept the fact that local riders, cars and buses will overtake you whenever they have their chances. So if you see a bus or a car at your tail, do not get nervous or pull over to give them a way. Rather ignore and keep riding at your own pace while keeping to the left side of the road. The bus or the car would treat this as normal and will only overtake as they feel right. They might honk if you are too slow and riding along the middle of the road

Angel (October 2013)

We will be cruising to Bermuda at the end of October on the Explorer of the Seas. Since we will be docked there for a couple of days, we plan to rent a moped. I have 2 questions: 1. if we rent the moped for 3 days (which we would like to do), is there a place to park the moped near the cruise ship in the dockyard? I am not sure where we would park it overnight there.

And 2. I am reading reviews on tripadvisor about the rental companies and Oleander Cycles have very poor reviews, mostly stating poor condition of the vehicles, breakdowns, and bad customer service. Is this really the case? there seem to be too many complaints about the same things for it to be not-so. The only other one that sounds good is Elbow Beach Cycles which has very good reviews. Your thoughts or opinion please? Thank you, I appreciate this wonderful website!

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com, October 2013)

Hi, You will find plenty of parking place for scooters next to the cruise pier (short term parking) and across the Clocktower Mall (designated place for parking). I have also noted recent service issues with Oleander. While they are most convenient for the cruise passengers, you can also go with Elbow Beach Cycles.

Joanne Ingalls (May 2013)

My husband and I have rented scooters in Bermuda several times but a few years ago my husband had a stroke which left him with a balance problem. At home we had our motorcycle tricked and he does just fine with this. My question is we need a trike or three wheeled scooter. Do you have them.

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com, May 2013)

Hi, unfortunately you won't get trike or three wheeled scooter rentals in Bermuda. It was tried several years back in the island, but failed for several reasons. One of the primary reasons was the low demand. However the rental companies also figured out that it required bigger space. Additionally while the stability at low speed was considered good, the high speed stability and maneuverability was in question.

Doug Bolduc (April 2013)

I am coming to Bermuda by cruise ship in May of 2013. When renting a scooter, does it have to be returned nightly? Or can it be kept for multiple days before being returned? If it can be kept multiple days, is there a place where it can be locked and secured on the dock at night near the cruise ship?

Raj (bermuda-attractions.com, April 2013)

Hi, You can rent scooters for several days and keep it with you. You don't need to return it nightly. There is a designated parking space at the dockyard where you can safely keep it parked. When you rent a scooter in Bermuda, it comes with a lock and key.

Myrna

Raj, We plan on renting scooters while in Bermuda at the end of September. We have been told it is very dangerous. Is this because of the left hand drive? If so, I am not worried about that as I lived in England briefly. If it's due to inebriation, I won't have to worry about that either, but I have heard that there are about 500 injured a year on scooters. Also are there any sketchy areas that we should steer clear of? Trip Advisor reviews say that Admiralty Park and the Indian Restaurant on North Road are in sketchy areas.

Raj/bermuda-attractions.com

Hi Myrna, If you are a confident rider and used to left hand drive, then scooters with appropriate safety measures is the best way to get around the island. There is no such place in Bermuda which is known specifically to be prone to scooter accidents, although some places like the traffic congested areas can be tricky to navigate.

Bermuda roads are narrow and winding, and sometimes the bends can be quite sharp. You need to slow down and anticipate what's coming from the other side rather than taking a speedy blind turn. Another areas to be careful about are the circles. Traffic continuously moves in the circles and you need to be careful while getting into and out of a circle.

These are actually common sense stuff. But unfortunately most of the accidents in Bermuda are caused due to tourists themselves, many of who think that ability and knowledge of riding a two wheeler back in the U.S. is a good enough certificate to ride in Bermuda as well. It's not. As long as you carefully prepare yourself before you start riding a scooter in Bermuda, you should be fine.

Diane

Great Site! My daughter and I will be visiting Bermuda via a cruise ship Oct. 24 and 25. While reading through many of your informative pages, we have decided to take the Jessie James Cruise snorkel that Monday afternoon. You also made the scooters sound like fun so we'd like to rent a scooter on Tuesday to see the island/beaches, but have to be back to the ship by 4:30! Does that sound doable? May be we should rent the scooter BOTH days? How long is the scooter ride from King's Wharf to Hamilton?

Raj/bermuda-attractions.com

Hi Diane, That sounds perfectly doable. On day-1, if you plan to go only for the Jessie James Snorkeling Cruise, the direct ferry from the dockyard to Hamilton would be the easiest. It takes only 20 minutes to reach. The snorkel tour boat PISCES leaves from there. However check out the ferry schedule to know the timings.

Bus ride from Kings Wharf to Hamilton takes about an hour. So the scooter ride should take shorter time, around 45 minutes or so. Pick up the 'Handy Reference Map' from the Visitors Information Center at the Kings Wharf Dockyard. That'll help you navigate through the island. Have a great time in Bermuda!

Deborah Barchard

When I was way younger I was lucky enough to take several trips to beautiful Bermuda in the 70's. It was not until the mid-seventies, however, that the moped rental attendant strongly suggested we lock our purse straps to the baskets. There had been a rash of grabbing prior to that.

Now I see an article about this petty theft of a tourist's bag containing cell phones and other valuables. I am amazed that this same "locking" policy may not be given out, still. The economy was bad then and it sure is now. My advice to visitors and moped renters that they themselves use a little common sense, and that this warning is required every time some one rents a moped.

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