Are you looking to explore Europe on two wheels? Renting a motorcycle is worth considering – particularly if you’re between bikes or don’t have the ‘right’ bike for the tour you want to experience.
Motorcycle rentals are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Not only is it an economical way to travel, but it also allows you to experience the sights and sounds of Europe.
Renting a motorcycle in Europe is relatively easy. You can find rental companies in many European countries, such as Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
And even better for touring riders, you can pick up the bike from one location and drop it off at another if needed.
The cost of renting a motorcycle varies depending on the type of bike you choose and how long you plan to rent it for. Many options are available if you’re looking for something more premium or want to rent for longer than a single day.
No matter what type of motorcycle rental option you choose, make sure that you read all the terms and conditions before signing any contracts or agreements.
It’s also necessary for you to check your insurance coverage before hitting the road – most rental companies will require some form of insurance coverage before allowing customers to take out their bikes.
If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure through Europe on two wheels – renting a motorcycle is worth considering!
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Touring Europe on a Motorcycle
Rent a Motorcycle in Europe: The Benefits
Renting a motorcycle in Europe can be a great way to enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the benefits to consider:
- Time savings: Most of us don’t have weeks or months to tour, so the time we have is precious. Renting a motorcycle means that you can fly to your location rather than ride there – saving you days (or even weeks.)
- Cost Savings: Renting a motorcycle can often be more budget-friendly than shipping your own bike to your chosen destination.
- A Change of Bike: Hiring a bike is a great way to experience life on the road with newer (or just different) bikes. It’s ideal for a change. But if you’re looking to buy a new bike soon, it’s a great way to test-ride your chosen bike properly in the real world before you buy.
- Paperwork & Maintenance: Hiring a motorcycle can save you lots of time and money regarding paperwork to show bikeworthiness, insurance, and breakdown. It can cost a lot to get a bike ready for a tour. Hiring puts this burden on the company you are hiring from.
- If you don’t have the right bike: I love off-roading. But it’s virtually impossible to off-road where I live – so owning an off-road bike is pointless. If I were to do an off-road tour, I would rent.
Overall, renting a motorcycle in Europe can be a worthy option for those seeking a quicker (and often easier) path to exploring a particular location. It offers all the benefits of touring without the paperwork or effort to get there.
Requirements for Hiring in Europe
Hiring a motorcycle in Europe is often straightforward, but be aware of the requirements to ensure a smooth transaction.
Here are some requirements you may expect when you rent a motorcycle in Europe:
- Age: You must be at least 18 (usually 21) to hire a motorcycle in Europe.
- Driver’s license: To hire a motorcycle in Europe, you must have a valid license. In most cases, a license for a motorcycle that you hold in your home country is sufficient to meet local requirements. However, some countries may require an international license, so check the specific laws of the country you plan to visit.
- Insurance: Motorcycle hire companies typically provide basic insurance coverage for their bikes. However, you should review the terms of coverage carefully to understand what is included and any additional insurance options that may be available.
- Deposit: Most motorcycle hire companies will require a deposit. The amount may vary depending on the value of the bike and your rental period.
- Riding experience: Motorcycle hire companies may ask for evidence of your riding experience, particularly if you plan to hire a larger or more powerful bike.
Check the specific requirements of the country, company, or rental location ahead of time to ensure a smooth transaction. By knowing what to expect, you can be ready to hit the open road and discover Europe!
Rent a Motorcycle in Europe: Insurance Requirements
Renting a motorcycle in Europe can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but you must have the right insurance coverage. Whether renting a bike for a day or planning an extended tour, having the right insurance is essential.
You don’t need a green card to ride in the EU (at the time of writing). But you will need to carry your certificate of insurance to prove you have the minimum amount of cover for third-party liability. Standard comprehensive motorbike insurance policies tend to give you third-party cover in Europe from 15-90 days.
For owners, carrying a vehicle and liability insurance policy is often called “green card” insurance, especially in Europe. You might also hear it referred to as “international motorbike insurance”, or “foreign motorbike insurance” when travelling abroad.
These policies cover you for medical expenses, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage, rental bike reimbursement and more.
When renting a motorcycle in Europe, ensure you understand what type of coverage is included and what additional coverage may be necessary depending on where you are going and how long your trip will be. Selecting the right insurance can help protect yourself and your bike on the road!
Drawbacks
Hiring can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but there are drawbacks to consider when you rent a motorcycle in Europe.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. Motorcycle rentals in Europe can range from around €75 (around $80) per day for a basic big bike like a V-Strom 650 (or similar.)
If you want to rent a Harley-Davidson, Honda Gold Wing, BMW, or other premium marques, you can expect that to more than double (around €160 or $175+).
Additionally, many rental companies require a security deposit or additional insurance coverage, which can add to the overall cost.
Another drawback is that you may not have access to all of the features or amenities that come with owning your own motorcycle. It might not have the GPS system you’re used to or the luggage set-up you like. And if you want additional features (such as extra luggage, roll bag, tank bag etc.), expect to pay for it by the day!
Overall, renting a motorcycle in Europe can be an enjoyable experience as long as you research beforehand and understand all the potential drawbacks.
Renting a Motorcycle in Europe: Conclusion
In conclusion, hiring a motorcycle in Europe can be a great way to explore the continent. It offers freedom, flexibility, and a sense of adventure as you ride through scenic landscapes, experiencing what Europe has to offer.
However, remember that there are drawbacks to consider. These include costs, insurance requirements, and the potential lack of amenities or services that come with owning your own bike.
Overall, hiring a motorcycle makes sense if you want to travel further afield or have limited time. As with any rental situation, research ahead of time to understand the requirements, costs, and other factors associated with hiring a motorcycle in Europe.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, the main benefit of hiring a motorcycle is that it can make potentially impossible trips possible. And that’s priceless.
