What you need to rent a motorcycle in Spain
Here, we will try to clarify – once and for all – the things you need in Spain to rent a scooter. Renting a scooter and a car in a foreign country is easy. But there are some exceptions and particularities that cannot and should not be overlooked.
In addition to the legal aspects, related to the validity or not of the license, and the fines, we must not forget personal safety and that of others. Therefore, by paying attention to this article, you will avoid any misunderstandings and other problems that in a foreign country are always unpleasant, so that in this way you can rent a scooter and solve any inconvenience.
Among the main requirements for renting a Vespa scooter are:
- Previous experience riding a scooter / motorcycle
- Valid passport or identity card.
- Credit card or cash to pay the security deposit.
Frequently asked questions about renting a motorcycle in Barcelona
We receive this question many times a day. By email, by phone or in our office. Let me define this question as rhetorical and trivial. Although few in the rental market believe that the physical safety of the customer and third parties is more important than the profit of a rental, it is easy to find who will tell you that riding a motorcycle is like riding a bicycle. No, it is not. We are motorcyclists and if we told you otherwise, we would be criminals and not people.
So, even if there is no written law that says so, having experience is essential!
This is another frequently asked question, which is impossible to answer. But we can say that although Barcelona is an orderly city and the traffic is quite smooth, it is still a city with large arteries and high-speed roads. Therefore, if you are used to driving a motorcycle or motorcycle in your country, you will not have any problems.
If that is the case, then renting a motorcycle in Barcelona will be, without a doubt, the best decision besides being extremely pleasant.
In fact, unlike the car, you will find free parking spaces everywhere and traffic will not be a problem.
If you have only ridden once in the country or have taken a quick ride on a friend’s scooter, then renting a scooter in Barcelona could be a big mistake. In almost 10 years of activity, we can say that 9 out of 10 people with no or little experience usually fall off and then you have to take care of any physical and material damage.
So, dear friends, be cautious and, above all, honest with yourself when you are about to rent a scooter in Barcelona.
For European states, with a Type B license issued for more than three years, it is possible to rent a scooter or a motorcycle up to and including 125 cc. Thereafter, motorcycle license A is also mandatory. To rent a 50 cc moped, the B license is sufficient even if it has just been issued.
Yes, a driving license is also required to rent a 50 cc scooter. The moped license is valid only in the country of issue and not abroad.
To rent a scooter in Barcelona, in addition to a valid driving license (which we will see shortly), you must bring a valid document. Usually with the one you have taken the plane or the travel document is enough. For European citizens, the national identity card is useful. For all other countries, a passport is mandatory.
To rent a scooter in Barcelona you need a credit card with a cash availability equal to or greater than the value of the deposit required, which varies according to the model chosen.
You can make the deposit in cash, purchasing an all risk insurance with a deductible to the value of the deposit. The insurance can be purchased only and exclusively if you have a valid driver’s license or a motorcycle license if you choose the 125cc or 300cc model. In all other cases, a credit card is mandatory.
Postepay, Maestro, or other debit cards, other than credit cards, are considered cash, therefore, they are subject to the purchase of a deductible full risk insurance.
Driving without a license is a crime. Therefore, the answer is definitely no!
We left this topic at the end, only because it was important to give space and attention to the previous points, which are often underestimated.
A valid driver’s license means all those licenses that belong to the Schengen area, are from the European Community or are subject to a bilateral agreement between countries.
For example, an Italian driver’s license is valid in Spain and the Spanish license is valid in Italy. In the same way, the British license is valid in Spain because the Spanish license is valid in Great Britain. And so on for all Schengen and EU states.
In addition, there are bilateral agreements between non-EU and non-Schengen countries. The following non-EU patents are recognized in Spain: Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Macedonia, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine. Uruguay, Venezuela.
For all other licenses, the international driver’s license that accompanies the official driver’s license is required.
The International Driving Permit, is that gray or blue booklet, issued by the Motorization of the country of origin without having to take any driving test. The IDP validates the license for the same conditions obtained in the country of origin after the driving test.
For example, if you have an A and B driver’s license in your country, then with the International Driving Permit, you will have the same rights in the rest of the world for one year. The cost varies from country to country and is around 20 € or 25 $.
Rental companies are not obliged to refuse a rental without this document, but it is also important that you know your rights and obligations in a foreign country.
Therefore, in case you still want to rent a vehicle without having with you the document (IDP) accompanying your license, you have to know that the police could fine you.
The penalty in Spain is about 250 € and the confiscation of the vehicle (plus other costs for the release itself). Also, in the unfortunate event of an accident, the insurance will barely cover any damage, both to you and to third parties.
Therefore, in light of the above, we strongly recommend to all those who want to rent a scooter in Barcelona to have previous experience on two wheels.
As well as a valid driver’s license and (in the case of being non-EU citizens and not having an agreement between your country and Spain) also an International Driver’s License.
At this point, you know everything you need to rent a scooter in Barcelona.
Oh, I forgot. Also bring with you all the enthusiasm and curiosity you have to meet the real Barcelona. You will fall in love.
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