Top 5 best scooter rentals in Shanghai

Shanghai rewards anyone willing to get off the metro and onto two wheels. Picture cruising along The Bund at dusk with the Lujiazui skyline lighting up across the Huangpu River, then ducking into the lanes around Yu Garden for tea and street food before the crowds catch up with you. A scooter turns a city that can feel enormous into something you actually get to explore, not just tick off from a bus window.

Shanghai's biggest attractions are scattered across a sprawling, traffic-heavy grid that splits into Puxi and Pudong on either side of the river, and getting between them by taxi or metro often means long queues or long walks. A scooter slips through that gridlock, parks wherever you land, and even makes a day trip out to the canal town of Zhujiajiao realistic — something that's awkward to manage on foot or by subway alone. If you want to rent a scooter in Shanghai, this is exactly the kind of city where it pays off.

Top 10 things to see in Shanghai by scooter

1. The Bund (Waitan) — the riverside promenade with the classic view of the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River.
2. Yu Garden (Yuyuan) — a classical Ming-dynasty garden with an adjoining bazaar, a short ride from the Bund.
3. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street — the city's main shopping strip, easy to fold into a Bund and Yu Garden loop.
4. Xintiandi — restored shikumen lane-houses turned into a dining and nightlife quarter.
5. Tianzifang — a maze of art and craft alleys tucked into the former French Concession.
6. Lujiazui / Shanghai Tower area — ride across to Pudong for close-up views of the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower.
7. Jing'an Temple — a gilded Buddhist temple standing incongruously among the skyscrapers, an easy central stop.
8. Wukang Road, French Concession — tree-lined streets with historic villas, ideal for a slow, scenic ride.
9. Century Park (Shiji Park) — the largest park in central Shanghai, good for a longer loop away from traffic.
10. Zhujiajiao Water Town — a canal town on the western outskirts and a popular longer day ride out of the city.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Shanghai?

A petrol scooter counts as a motor vehicle in China, so you'll need a Chinese motorcycle licence — the light moped class for small-displacement scooters, or a full motorcycle class for anything larger. Your home licence or an International Driving Permit won't be accepted on its own, since China doesn't recognise the IDP; foreign visitors need a Chinese licence or a temporary driving permit issued locally. The legal minimum age for a motorcycle or moped licence is 18, though some operators set their own higher bar. Expect to leave a deposit, usually cash or a card hold, along with your passport details when you pick up the vehicle.

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

Average rental price sits around 35-45 CNY per day during low season and climbs to roughly 70-90 CNY per day in high season, with premium models running about 120-160 CNY per day.

• Prices peak around National Day (Golden Week) in early October and the Labour Day holiday in early May, along with the broader spring and autumn travel seasons.
• Prices are lowest from December to February, when the weather turns cold and tourist numbers drop, and again in July-August when the summer heat and rain keep demand down.

When to book a rental scooter in Shanghai?

Book ahead if you're coming in April-May or September-October — these are the busiest, most pleasant riding months, and prices rise along with demand. If you'd rather ride cheap and don't mind the cold, December through February is Shanghai's quiet season for scooter hire. Summer sits in between: fewer riders due to the heat, but still not the year's cheapest window.

Local traffic rules in Shanghai

China drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on any motorised scooter, and enforcement leans heavily on cameras and checkpoints, so skipping one isn't worth the risk. Speed limits on ordinary city streets typically run 30-60 km/h, with lower limits in busier central districts. The blood-alcohol limit is just 20 mg per 100 ml — effectively zero tolerance — so plan on riding sober. Central Shanghai also has areas with motorcycle restrictions, so it's worth checking your planned route before setting off. Ready to explore the city on your own schedule? Just use the search form at the top of the page to rent a scooter in Shanghai. 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!