Renting a Scooter on Vacation? Here is what you need to know.

New to the craze of e-scooters and bicycles? Traveling to a city where these 2-wheel vehicles are present and wanting to give them a go? While riding a bike or scooter may be something you learned as a child, renting and riding one to get around a city has a whole new set of rules and etiquette. Here is what you need to know before riding.

What is the difference between a Scooter or Moped?

While the two seem very similar they are technically different vehicles. A Moped is usually used to describe a motorized bike that has a small engine (less than 50cc) and only moves at low speeds. In some places, the size of the motor dictates what is a moped vs a scooter.

A scooter on the other hand is more of a platform that allows riders to stand while traveling. Scooters also have smaller engines (50cc-250cc).

What are the rules for using a Scooter?

It is important to note that in the US and Canada, there is an age requirement for operating a scooter. It varies but is usually between 14-16. There also also other restrictions depending on the city such as night time driving, specific licenses, scooter lighting, etc.

Internationally, operating a moped or scooter usually requires an international driver’s permit (IDP). You can usually obtain an IDP from AAA for less than $50 before your trip. 

How to rent a Scooter.

If you are renting a scooter through an company, it is important that you have all your credentials ready when you step into their rental office. In some places (mainly Southeast Asia) you may even be asked to leave your passport as collateral, this can be nerve-wrecking and you may be able to offer a cash deposit instead.

As soon as you’re given your rental make sure to check the vehicle for any damage and report it to the shop immediately so you are not un-rightfully charged! Look for scratches/dents, properly inflated tires, working brakes, working lights and ignition!

While the above is important to note, many cities, especially in the United States, now have scooters that you can easily rent from an app on your phone. Simply download the app, pick up a scooter (they are everywhere on the sidewalks!), and get riding. For more information on using these apps (Lime, Bird, etc) visit this post here.

Safety tips for Scooter riders!

While scooters may seem safe because of their low speeds they can actually be quite dangerous if not driven safely. Because of their size, scooters are hard for automobile drivers to see, so stay visible, move with traffic, and avoid roads where you are unable to go the speed limit because of the bike’s power!

Want to learn more about using Scooters and Mopeds? Take a look at the below infographic for everything you need to know about these 2-wheeled vehicles!

Source: Fix.com Blog