Last updated: October 30, 2026. Prices below come from current rental listings on Riderly (Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Lisbon, Sorrento, Alghero), BikesBooking (Santorini), a July 2026 price comparison of Las Vegas rental shops by Riders Share, and recent 2026 Bali rental guides. Prices change by season, so treat them as a guide, not a quote.
Renting a scooter or motorcycle can cost less than a coffee in Vietnam or more than a hotel room in Las Vegas. Here is what you really pay in eight popular destinations, the extra costs most people forget, and how to save.
Real rental prices by destination
| Destination | Scooter (110–160cc) | Bigger bike | Typical deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi, Vietnam | €5–15/day | Honda CB500X €35–48/day | €175 for a scooter, up to ~€1,300 for a CB500X |
| Bali, Indonesia | IDR 60,000–150,000/day (~$4–10) | Honda ADV 160 ~IDR 200,000/day (~$12) | Often none or small |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | €8–19/day | Honda ADV 350 and 250cc enduros available | ~€80–90 cash |
| Lisbon, Portugal | €25–45/day | Honda ADV 350 / NX500 €45–80/day | €200–300 |
| Sorrento (Amalfi Coast), Italy | €35–55/day | 300cc scooter €60–90/day | €500–800 |
| Alghero (Sardinia), Italy | €30–51/day | BMW F 700 GS from €103, R 1200 GS from €133/day | €250–450 for scooters |
| Santorini, Greece | Quads/ATVs €30–42/day | – | Varies |
| Las Vegas, USA | – | EagleRider $121–331/day; peer-to-peer from about $80 | $1,000–3,000 card hold at EagleRider |
Sources: Riderly listings (mostly 3-day rentals) and BikesBooking, checked October 30, 2026; Riders Share Las Vegas comparison, verified July 28, 2026; Bali rental guides from 2026. Prices are per vehicle and exclude fuel.
Three patterns stand out:
- Southeast Asia is in a different league. A scooter in Hanoi, Bali or Chiang Mai costs about the same per day as a single coffee and pastry in Lisbon.
- Southern Europe costs about €25–55 a day for a 125cc scooter, roughly three to five times as much as Asia.
- In the US, you rent big bikes, not scooters, and a Harley for a day often costs more than a rental car for a week.
What changes the price
- Engine size: 110–125cc scooters are the cheapest. 300cc maxi-scooters and adventure bikes cost two to four times as much.
- Rental length: weekly and monthly rates are usually much cheaper per day. In Bali, weekly rentals are often 15–40% cheaper per day, and monthly rentals cheaper still.
- Season: July and August in Europe and December to February in Thailand are the most expensive months.
- Location: airport and resort-center shops tend to charge more than shops a few streets away, and delivery to your hotel often costs extra.
The extra costs most people forget
- Deposit: from nothing in parts of Bali to €500–800 for a scooter in Italy and thousands of dollars for a big bike in the US. It is usually a card hold, sometimes cash.
- Insurance: basic liability is often included in Europe. Damage waivers (CDW) and theft cover typically cost an extra €10–25 per day. In Southeast Asia, insurance is often minimal or not offered at all.
- Mileage limits: some rentals include only 50–250 km per day and charge for every extra kilometer. Check before a long road trip.
- Helmets: one is usually included, a passenger helmet sometimes costs extra (around €4–5 a day in Europe).
- Fuel and return rules: many shops charge €20–30 if you return the tank empty.
- One-way rentals: possible with some larger companies, but fees of several hundred euros are common.
- Taxes: in the US, sales tax is added on top (8.375% in Las Vegas, for example).
Documents you need
- A motorcycle license. For Americans, that means a US license with a motorcycle (M) endorsement. Many countries do not accept a car license for anything above 50cc, even if the shop rents you a bike anyway.
- An International Driving Permit in many countries, including Italy, Thailand and Vietnam. Get it from AAA before you leave; you cannot get it abroad.
- Passport (show it, but avoid leaving it as a deposit) and a credit card for the deposit.
Important: if you ride without the right license, your travel insurance will usually not cover accidents, even if the rental shop did not ask for a license.
How to save money
- Rent for a week or longer if you will use the bike most days.
- Pick the smallest bike that fits your plans. A 125cc scooter is enough for most islands and cities.
- Compare online before you arrive, especially in Europe, where prices vary a lot between shops.
- Read the insurance terms and check whether your travel insurance covers motorbikes. Many policies exclude them or require a full license.
- Photograph the bike from all sides at pickup, including existing scratches, to avoid damage disputes.
- Test brakes, lights, horn and tires before you ride off.
Destination guides
For more detail on specific places, see our guides to coastal motorbike routes in Italy and quad bike hire in Santorini.
FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a scooter?
In our check, a 110–160cc scooter cost about €5–19 per day in Vietnam, Thailand and Bali, and about €25–55 per day in Portugal and Italy, plus fuel and any extra insurance.
How much does it cost to rent a Harley in the US?
At EagleRider in Las Vegas, rates ranged from about $121 to $331 per day in July 2026, plus sales tax, with a card hold of $1,000–3,000. Peer-to-peer platforms can be cheaper.
Is it cheaper to rent for a week?
Usually yes. Weekly rates are often 15–40% cheaper per day than daily rates, and monthly rentals cheaper still, especially in Southeast Asia.
Do I need a motorcycle license to rent a scooter abroad?
For anything above 50cc, usually yes, plus an International Driving Permit in many countries. Without the right license, insurance is unlikely to cover you after an accident.
What deposit should I expect?
From nothing or a small cash amount in parts of Asia, to €200–800 for scooters in Europe and several thousand dollars for big motorcycles in the US.
