Motorcycle Rentals in Lyon

Lyon rewards anyone willing to get off the tram and onto two wheels. Ride up the winding switchbacks to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a view over the city's rooftops and rivers, then drop down into Vieux Lyon and let the engine idle while you wander its Renaissance lanes and hidden traboules. On a free afternoon, you can point the handlebars north into the Beaujolais vineyards or south toward the twisty passes of Mont Pilat — the kind of routes a bus timetable will never give you.

Lyon's old core was built for people, not cars, which is exactly why a scooter or motorcycle suits it so well. Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse and the Presqu'île are a knot of narrow streets, one-way loops and scarce car parking, and a two-wheeler slips through the congestion and parks free in the motorcycle bays scattered across the centre. The same vehicle that gets you across town in minutes also opens up the vineyard roads of Beaujolais and the mountain curves of the Pilat massif, day trips that are awkward without your own transport.

Top 10 things to see in Lyon by motorcycle

1. Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière — the hilltop basilica with the best panoramic view over Lyon, reached by a short, winding climb.
2. Vieux Lyon — the Renaissance old town, best parked up and explored on foot through its covered traboules.
3. Parc de la Tête d'Or — a large riverside park along the Rhône, good for an easy loop and a break by the lake.
4. Presqu'île and Place Bellecour — the central square and pedestrian shopping district, a natural place to start or end a ride.
5. Confluence district — home to the Musée des Confluences, with striking modern architecture at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône.
6. Croix-Rousse hill and traboules — the old silk-weavers' quarter, steep enough that a bike beats walking.
7. Quais du Rhône — the riverside promenade, an easy, scenic cruise along the water through the city.
8. Pérouges — a well-preserved medieval fortified village about 35 km away, a classic day-trip ride.
9. Beaujolais wine route — rolling vineyard roads north of Lyon, a favourite scenic half-day loop.
10. Mont Pilat and Col de la République — twisty mountain roads south of the city for riders who want real curves.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Lyon?

The licence you need depends on the machine. A 50cc moped only needs an AM category licence, available from age 14, while a 125cc scooter needs an A1 motorcycle licence, or a car licence held for at least two years plus a short training course. Bigger motorcycles require an A1 or A2 licence depending on power output. Rental companies in Lyon usually set their own minimum age, often 18 or higher for larger machines, and will ask for a security deposit by credit card pre-authorisation, refunded when you bring the vehicle back undamaged. If you're visiting from outside the EU, bring an International Driving Permit along with your home licence.

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

Average rental prices run 25-35 EUR per day in low season and 40-60 EUR per day in high season, with premium touring or sport models reaching 70-120 EUR per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, when demand across France peaks.
• They drop from November to February, the quietest and cheapest months to ride.
• Booking a few weeks ahead for summer secures better rates and wider choice.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Lyon?

High season runs June to August, when Lyon and the rest of France are busiest and prices sit at their highest. Low season stretches from November through March, with fewer riders on the road and noticeably lower rates. If you want warm weather without the summer crowds and price bump, May, June and September are the sweet spot, with mountain passes around Pilat open and traffic on the Rhône corridor calmer.

Local traffic rules in Lyon

France drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger on a scooter or motorcycle, and CE-approved gloves are a legal requirement too — France enforces this more strictly than most countries. Dipped headlights stay on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads without a central barrier, and 110 km/h on dual carriageways. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to effectively zero for riders still in their first three years of licence. Lyon also runs a low-emission zone requiring a Crit'Air sticker, so check your rental vehicle is compliant before setting off.

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!