Malta Scooter Rental: A Guide
Want to know all about Malta scooter rental? You’re in the right place. I’ve explored all over Malta and Gozo and thoroughly researched renting a scooter in Malta to save you time and provide you with the key details and great places to visit on your road trip.
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If you’re in a hurry and just want to know where to rent a scooter in Malta, check out BikesBooking.com. You can compare prices to find a good deal and make a booking in advance.
What is a Scooter Anyway?
Scooters are also often called mopeds.
We’re talking about two-wheeler vehicles powered by a small engine, not to be confused with a small-wheeled electric kick scooter with a deck, or a more powerful motorbike.
What You Need to Rent a Scooter in Malta
To rent a scooter in Malta you need the following:
- Passport or government ID from an EU state.
- Valid driving licence that allows you to drive the relevant vehicle category (UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU licences should be accepted but always check with the rental company as they may have their own rules).
- In Malta, usually either vehicle category AM or B is required to rent 50cc scooters (check with the rental company).
- Credit card for security deposit (some rentals may accept cash or credit cards).
- Insurance.
- To be aged 21 or over (some companies may rent vehicles to 18+).
Why Rent a Scooter in Malta?
Malta is a small island, which makes it great for short journeys by scooter, and there are so many things to do in Malta that it’s really worth visiting. Renting a scooter in Malta makes parking and manoeuvring along the narrow side roads easier than if using a car.
A scooter can help you avoid waiting around in the Maltese heat for public transport. It’s a way to head out from your hotel and see more of Malta in a short time. It’s also a great method to get around all the best Malta Instagram spots and all the best Gozo Instragram places.
Use my Malta trip itinerary to help you plan your trip around Malta and Gozo.
You can enjoy a road trip around Malta to hidden gems and out of the way places. On Malta, ride along on the west coast for incredible coastal views of the Dingli Cliffs then explore Fomm ir-Rih Bay in the northwest of Malta and St Peter’s Pool in the south.
On Gozo, explore the lunar landscape of the north Gozo coast then head to Wied Il-Ghasri or one of Gozo’s other beaches for a dip when you need to cool off. Gozo is less traffic-heavy than the main island of Malta and is full of beautiful countryside. Check that your scooter rental allows you to take the scooter on the ferry from Malta to Gozo (many do).
Once you’re on Gozo, I also recommend taking a trip over on the ferry to Comino to visit the incredible Blue Lagoon. Note that you can’t take a scooter on the ferry.
English is one of the official languages spoken in Malta so reading road and parking signs will be easy if you speak English.
When you’re not renting a scooter, you can get around Malta by Uber or public transport. Or you can hire a car on Malta.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Scooter in Malta?
Scooter rentals on Malta are not particularly cheap, but petrol is much cheaper than in other European countries.
According to the RAC, price per litre for unleaded petrol in early 2024 was £1.15 / $1.46 / EURO 1.34, making Malta the second cheapest EU country for fuel (at time of writing).
The price of rental will vary depending on time of year, length of rental, age of driver, vehicle etc. As an example, hire of a 50cc scooter booked in advance for June with BikesBooking.com costs from €37 per day.
What Side of the Road Do They Drive on in Malta?
They drive on the left in Malta, the same as in the UK (Malta used to be a part of the British Empire until 1964).
Speed Limits
The two main speed limits in Malta are:
- Built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
Specific roads may have different speed limits so always check the road signs.
Scooter Parking in Malta
- Avoid yellow lines, these are no parking zones.
- Don’t park in green and blue lines either, as these are residents only.
- Park the scooter in white motorcycle (MC) spaces or between cars if safe to do so.
Malta Scooter Rental Tips
- Take photos or video of the scooter, at the start and end of the rental, in case of any problems.
- Try to go for a scooter with lower mileage/kms and that is not more than a few years old.
- Scooter rental places are available in lots of places in Malta like St Julian’s Bay, Sliema, Mgarr Harbour (Gozo) and Marsalforn (Gozo). You can also arrange to pick up your scooter rental at Malta airport.
- Check your personal travel insurance for any clauses about scooter rental.
- The number for the emergency services is 112.
- Scooter drivers and passengers must wear a helmet.
- The blood alcohol content limit is 0.08%, (it’s better to avoid alcohol all together, punishments in Malta are severe).
- Use of mobile phones whilst riding is not allowed and there are strict fines in place.
- Use of headphones in both ears is not allowed.
- There are no toll roads in Malta.
Challenges of Scooter Rental in Malta
Malta has one of the highest number of cars per capita in Europe so there is a lot of traffic near key towns at rush hour. If you haven’t driven a scooter before, Malta is not the best place to learn. Get some practice in before you head to Malta.
Smaller side roads may be less well maintained than main roads.
It may take time to get used to driving on the left if you aren’t used to it. The use of indicators when switching lanes is not common in Malta.
FAQs: Malta Scooter Rental
Do you Need a Licence to Rent a Scooter in Malta?
Yes, you do need a licence to rent a scooter in Malta. Your licence must cover you for the correct vehicle category, which is usually AM or B for renting a scooter on Malta (check with your rental company).
How Old Do you Have to be to Rent a Scooter in Malta?
Most rental companies will require you to be 21 years and over to rent a scooter in Malta. However, some companies may rent specific vehicles to those who are 18 and over.
Do you Need a Licence to Drive a Moped Malta?
Yes, you will need a valid licence for the relevant vehicle category to drive a moped in Malta.
Malta Scooter Rental Wrap Up
A speedy and efficient mode of transportation, Malta scooter rental provides a cost-effective solution with affordable fuel and complimentary parking in many spots.
This not only helps keep your expenses in check but also grants you the autonomy to craft your own experience, free from the constraints of public transport or guided tours on your Malta intinerary.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information, which should not be construed as professional, legal, financial, tax or medical advice. These are my personal opinions only. By visiting and using this website you agree to be bound by this disclaimer.