What To Think About When Renting A Bike Or Scooter In Corfu

Photo ↑ by @maries_sweets_

Renting a scooter in Corfu will give you access to an easy way to explore the island. Local companies offer a wide variety of motorcycles and scooters to anyone interested in renting. You can find a few offices in pretty much every big village, but you can also book online or have it delivered.

However, booking is not as easy as it may seem because there are certain things you must pay attention to. Even if some companies overlook them, keep in mind that they may get you in trouble if you make any mistakes.

Engine Capacity And License

Based on your license, you will be able to drive certain types of scooters and motorcycles.

50cc scooters can be driven with car or moped licenses, such as B or AM.
125cc engines can be driven with motorcycle licenses, such as A, A1 or A2.
150cc engines have similar requirements, A or A2.
200cc motorcycles require A or A2 licenses.
300cc motorcycles have the same requirements.

These standards are for most European driving licenses. If not sure, double check upfront. Keep in mind that some B category driving licenses have exceptions for A licenses, meaning you can drive a car, but not a motorcycle.

Costs Of Renting A Scooter In Corfu

Costs of renting a scooter in Corfu depend on more factors. For example, hiring a scooter in July will cost you more than hiring a scooter in April or September. The engine size and power will also make the difference, since more powerful scooters cost more.

Electric scooters tend to be cheaper, so you can find them for around €30 a day during high season, but prices obviously go up year by year. A small 50cc scooter can cost as little as €20 a day, while exploring the island in a classic Vespa will start at around €50 a day.

Prices go lower if you hire a scooter for longer. For example, the daily price will drop if you get it for a whole week. If you plan to get a scooter on a daily basis, it pays off to just get it for the whole week. It will cost you less.

Some companies provide roadside assistance. Others provide discounts for early or online bookings. Fuel is not included, so make sure you refuel just before returning the scooter.

What To Know Before You Rent A Scooter In Corfu

A scooter or a motorcycle must be driven with the right kind of experience. If you have never been on a scooter before, it may not be a good idea to learn while in a foreign country. After all, you are unfamiliar with the roads, the locals’ driving style and the conditions of the roads to certain attractions.

Moreover, when driving during high season, traffic is much more intense and many roads cannot accommodate it.

When using a scooter around the countryside, you need to be aware of steep roads. They are often narrow as well. If you get a low engine scooter, such as 50cc, and you have a passenger, you may want to ask the passenger to get off and walk over steep inclines.

Apart from experience, make sure you have the right driving license. Check all the terms and conditions, as well as insurance plans. Third party insurance is usually included, but many people opt for full insurance for peace of mind.

Double check everything, such as what you are being given, insurance requirements and so on.

Other factors to pay attention to include:

Return time
Return location
Insurance details and requirements
Fuel policy
Deposit return rules
Potential damage
Tyres, breaks, lights and ignition

Safety Tips When Renting A Motorcycle Or Scooter In Corfu

There are certain rules you need to follow in Greece, but there are also a few tips and tricks to prevent potential problems.

Always wear a helmet while on a scooter or motorcycle. It is the law.
Drive slowly, as there are many locals and tourists using scooters and motorcycles around.
Wear sturdy shoes to prevent accidents.
Sunscreen is important on sunny days.
Google has a good navigation system, but even so, you may end up on inaccessible roads. Use common sense.
In Greece, you must drive on the right hand side of the road.
Always have the driver’s license on you.
Riding or driving while intoxicated is illegal.
When riding in the northern part of Corfu, change the telephone company settings to manual or you may end up on an Albanian network. That will cost you a lot, even when navigating.
Potholes and bumps are normal in Greece and can cause harsh accidents.
Follow local signs in terms of speed.
Stray animals are common in Greece, hence the necessity to drive slow. The same goes for children.

Best Places To Visit In Corfu On A Scooter

There are many places, attractions and landmarks that can be easily visited by riding a scooter. Here are some of the best options for this experience.

The old town. Winding streets going in all kinds of directions will give you a stunning experience. Be careful, most of the old town is a pedestrian area.
Canal D’Amour. Spend a day at this beautiful landmark and enjoy the rocky formations, narrow bays and views.
Paleokastritsa Monastery. Getting there is a joy. Besides, the attraction offers amazing views, not to mention boat access to secluded beaches.
Kassiopi. Kassiopi used to be a traditional fishing village. It has an impressive population of foreigners today.
Old Perithia. Go and visit one of the oldest settlements in Greece. Stop for food and drinks and take a walk in the area.

Companies To Rent A Scooter Or Motorcycle In Corfu

Like for cars, renting a motorcycle or scooter in Corfu is fairly simple too. There are plenty of offices everywhere you look, but especially in the town or big villages. A simple search over the Internet will give you plenty of options as well. Check their reviews and decide accordingly.

Here are a few companies that will pop up among the first results:

If you like the idea of exploring Corfu on a scooter, but you do not feel like organising everything yourself, you can also search for scooter or motorcycle tours of the island, which are organised in small groups.