Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Lausanne

Lausanne rewards anyone willing to leave the sidewalk. Point a motorcycle out of town along the lake and within half an hour you're winding through the Lavaux vineyard terraces, with the water on one side and centuries of stacked vines on the other, or rolling up to Château de Chillon at the end of the shoreline road from Montreux. This is the kind of riding that turns a weekend stop into the best part of the trip.

The old town climbs steeply from the lake, and its lanes were never built with cars in mind — a scooter slips through them and parks in the gaps a car never could. Once you're clear of the center, the Vaud countryside opens up fast: the Jura passes and Alpine foothills start less than an hour out, and a bike gets you there on your own schedule, without waiting on Switzerland's trains.

Top 10 things to see in Lausanne by motorcycle

1. Lavaux vineyard terraces (Lutry to Chexbres via Épesses, Rivaz, Saint-Saphorin) — UNESCO-listed terraces along the lake, with a winding road built for a slow, scenic ride.
2. Château de Chillon (Montreux) — the classic lakeshore ride ends at this iconic castle.
3. Signal de Sauvabelin — a forested hill above town with a wooden tower looking out over the lake and the Alps.
4. Olympic Museum, Ouchy — an easy in-town ride down to the waterfront.
5. Ouchy waterfront promenade — cafés, the harbor, and views across to the French Alps.
6. Col du Marchairuz — a twisty Jura pass riders come back for, hairpins and forest all the way.
7. Col des Mosses — the favorite loop linking the Vaud lowlands to the Alps.
8. Gruyères old town — a medieval hilltop village, famous for its castle and its cheese.
9. Rochers-de-Naye — panoramic views above Montreux via a scenic approach road.
10. Vevey lakefront and Chaplin's World — a short, pleasant ride with a museum stop built in.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Lausanne?

For anything up to 125cc you'll need category A1; larger machines require the full A category. A car licence generally covers small scooters, though this depends on the rental company's own policy. No International Driving Permit is required. Rental shops commonly set their own minimum age, often 18 to 25, and expect a deposit held on your credit card, larger for bigger bikes. Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger alike.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Lausanne?

A scooter or small-displacement bike runs about CHF 25-35 per day in low season, while standard motorcycles cost roughly CHF 45-70 per day in high season. Premium and large touring or sport bikes go from CHF 90-150 or more per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, when alpine touring and Swiss summer holidays peak demand.
• They drop from November through March, when several mountain passes are snowed in or closed.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Lausanne?

High season runs June to September, with a second, quieter peak around the ski resorts from late December to February. Low season stretches November through March, when cold, wet weather and closed passes like Marchairuz and Mosses keep prices down. If you're aiming for the classic pass roads, May through September is the reliable window, and booking a little ahead in July and August is worth it.

Local traffic rules in Lausanne

Switzerland drives on the right. Helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers on any motorcycle or scooter. Dipped headlights must stay on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, with plenty of 30 km/h zones in town. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, stricter for novice riders. Most of our motorcycle rentals in Lausanne come with a brand-new bike, helmet and friendly service included — if you want to rent a motorcycle in Lausanne, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!