Top 5 best scooter rentals in Havana

Picture cruising the Malecón at sunset, spray from the waves catching the last light while the whole city seems to have gathered along the seawall for the same view. That's the kind of evening a scooter buys you in Havana, and it's just the start — from there you can duck into Habana Vieja's narrow colonial streets or head west to the mosaic-covered lanes of Fusterlandia, all without waiting on a bus or haggling over a taxi fare.

Havana is built at exactly the scale a scooter loves. Vedado, Miramar, Habana Vieja and the eastern beaches sit far enough apart that walking gets old fast, yet close enough that a car feels like overkill. Traffic here moves slowly and shares the road with bicycles, horse carts and pedestrians, so handling a scooter feels easy even if you've never ridden one before, and the flat coastal roads make the run out to Playas del Este an easy half-day escape.

Top 10 things to see in Havana by scooter

1. Malecón — Havana's iconic 8 km seafront drive, the classic sunset run with waves breaking over the wall.
2. Plaza de la Revolución — the giant Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos murals on the ministry buildings, a quick ride from the centre.
3. Fusterlandia (Jaimanitas) — a whole neighbourhood covered in surreal mosaics by artist José Fuster, a longer coastal ride west.
4. Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña — a hilltop colonial fortress across the bay with the nightly cannon-firing ceremony and harbour views.
5. Cristo de La Habana — a hilltop statue in Casablanca giving one of the best skyline views over the whole city.
6. Playas del Este (Santa María del Mar) — white-sand beach about 20–25 km east of the city, the classic scooter day trip.
7. Callejón de Hamel — an Afro-Cuban art alley in Cayo Hueso packed with murals and rumba, an easy central detour.
8. Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón — a grand 19th-century cemetery with elaborate marble mausoleums, among the finest in the Americas.
9. Hotel Nacional de Cuba — a historic clifftop hotel and gardens overlooking the Malecón, a classic photo stop.
10. Parque Central / Habana Vieja — Old Havana's colonial core, including Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral, best taken slowly on two wheels and on foot.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Havana?

Most agencies ask for a valid national driving licence — a car licence is usually accepted for the electric "motorinas" that make up most tourist rentals, though requirements can vary between operators. An International Driving Permit isn't formally required, but it's worth carrying alongside your licence as a precaution. Expect a minimum age in the low twenties, and a cash or card-block deposit whose amount depends on the vehicle and the agency; note that US-issued cards generally won't work for this.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Havana?

Average prices run around 2,500–2,800 CUP per day in low season, climbing to roughly 4,000–6,000 CUP per day in high season for a standard scooter, with larger or newer models reaching 6,000–9,000+ CUP. Because Cuba's informal exchange rate moves quickly, treat these as rough figures and confirm the price and currency — CUP, USD or EUR — when you book.

• Cheapest: September–November, during hurricane season when tourist numbers drop.
• Priciest: December–March, Havana's busiest and driest stretch.

When to book a rental scooter in Havana?

December through March is high season, when the dry, sunny weather draws the most visitors and prices sit at their peak — book ahead if you're travelling then. September and October are the quietest and cheapest months, though they fall in hurricane season, so riding conditions can be less reliable. If you want the best mix of good weather and manageable prices, aim for the shoulder months around April or late November.

Local traffic rules in Havana

Cuba drives on the right, and roads are shared with bicycles, horse carts and even the odd tractor, so real-world speeds stay well below the posted limits of 50 km/h in town and 90 km/h on rural roads. Helmets are compulsory and enforced, and rental agencies supply one with the scooter. Alcohol limits are strict and penalties severe, so treat it as a zero-alcohol rule before you ride, and always carry your passport, licence and rental contract — checkpoints on intercity roads are routine.

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter 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, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!