Top 5 best scooter rentals in Quito

Quito doesn't reveal itself to people stuck on foot or waiting for a bus. Rent a scooter here and the city opens up fast: you can climb toward the TeleferiQo cable car station on the slopes of Pichincha for a ride into the clouds, then swing north to stand on the equator line at Mitad del Mundo — one foot in each hemisphere, back in the city in time for lunch. In between, the cobblestone lanes of the Centro Histórico and the switchbacks down into Guápulo are exactly the kind of routes a car can't touch and a bus won't bother with.

This is a city built for two wheels. Quito sits at nearly 2,850 metres, spread thin along a mountain valley, so distances between the old town, the modern north side and Mitad del Mundo are too long to walk but too short to waste on a taxi hunting for parking. The historic center's narrow streets and steep grades, plus traffic that backs up fast at rush hour, all favor something small and nimble. A scooter rental in Quito gets you to viewpoints like El Panecillo or Itchimbía without circling the block for a spot.

Top 10 things to see in Quito by scooter

1. TeleferiQo (Cruz Loma) — ride up the slopes of Pichincha volcano, then take the gondola for panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding peaks on a clear day.
2. Mitad del Mundo — the iconic equator monument just north of downtown, an easy and satisfying run out of the city center.
3. Centro Histórico — the UNESCO-listed old town, with Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco, best taken slowly through its cobblestone grid.
4. El Panecillo — a short, steep climb up to the Virgen de Quito statue and a sweeping view over the whole city.
5. Parque La Carolina — a big, flat central park, a welcome break from the old town's hills.
6. Basílica del Voto Nacional — a neo-Gothic landmark downtown with towers you can climb for one of the best photo stops in the city.
7. Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua — a eucalyptus-forested park in the north with quiet roads and valley views.
8. La Ronda — a narrow, colorful colonial street; park up and walk it once you've ridden in.
9. Guápulo — a steep, winding cobblestone neighborhood below the city, famous among riders for its switchbacks and its historic church.
10. Parque Itchimbía — a hilltop park east of downtown with one of the best skyline views over old Quito.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Quito?

You'll need a valid driving licence that explicitly covers motorcycles or mopeds — a car-only licence from home isn't always accepted — plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the motorcycle category endorsed. The legal minimum age in Ecuador is 18, though many rental companies set their own minimum closer to 21–25, sometimes with a young-rider surcharge. Expect to leave a deposit, usually as a credit-card hold, and bring a copy of your passport rather than the original.

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

Prices for a standard scooter start around USD 5.50 per day in low season, rising to roughly USD 8–12 per day in high season. Larger or premium models can run USD 15–25 or more per day.

• Prices dip in the shoulder months when tourist demand is lower.
• They climb during the dry season and around the holidays, when everyone wants a set of wheels.

When to book a rental scooter in Quito?

High season runs June to September, plus late December into early January — book ahead, as this is when prices and demand peak. Low season falls in February–May and October–November, when there's more availability and more room to find a good rate. If you're set on riding during the dry, clear-sky months of June to September, reserve your scooter hire in Quito a little earlier than you'd think you need to.

Local traffic rules in Quito

Ecuador drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger, and a reflective vest showing your plate number is required too — ask your rental shop for it before you set off. Urban speed limits sit at 50 km/h, and enforcement is largely by camera. The blood-alcohol limit is a strict 0.3 g/l, with checkpoints common at night and on holiday weekends, so plan to ride sober. Carry your licence, IDP and passport copy at all times — intercity checkpoints are routine and will ask.

Most of our scooter rentals in Quito come from operators with years of experience, offering a well-maintained vehicle, helmet, insurance and friendly service. If you're ready to rent a scooter in Quito, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

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!