Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Beijing

Beijing rewards anyone willing to get behind a set of handlebars. Picture riding out to Mutianyu in the early morning, watching the Great Wall snake over the hills with barely another visitor in sight, then being back in the city centre by afternoon for a walk through the Forbidden City. That kind of day is exactly what a **motorcycle rental in Beijing** makes possible, letting you cover ground that would otherwise eat a whole itinerary in taxis and subway transfers.

This is a sprawling, ring-road city, and the distances between its big draws — the Great Wall sections, the Summer Palace, the Olympic Green — are real. A bike cuts through traffic that stalls cars for an hour, and parking is a non-issue compared with hunting for a spot near Tiananmen. It also gets you into places larger vehicles can't reach: the narrow hutong lanes around Houhai, the park paths inside Temple of Heaven, the quiet backstreets of 798 Art District. If you're weighing a **scooter rental in Beijing** against one of the bigger classes, the same logic applies — two wheels simply move faster than four here.

Top 10 things to see in Beijing by motorcycle

1. The Great Wall at Mutianyu — the closest well-restored stretch for a day ride out of the city, and noticeably quieter than Badaling.
2. The Great Wall at Badaling — the classic, most photographed section, reached on an easy paved road from central Beijing.
3. Tiananmen Square — the symbolic heart of the city and a natural starting point for any central route.
4. The Forbidden City — right next to the square, a stop nobody skips on a first ride through the old centre.
5. Temple of Heaven Park — tree-lined roads and a striking circular temple, best ridden early in the morning.
6. Summer Palace — a scenic loop around Kunming Lake that mixes nature with history.
7. 798 Art District — former factory streets turned galleries and street art, worth an unhurried ride around.
8. Houhai Lake and the Shichahai hutongs — narrow alleys and lakeside bars, ideal for a slow evening ride.
9. Olympic Green — wide modern boulevards leading to the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube.
10. Gubeikou and Jinshanling — a wilder, unrestored Great Wall section further out, best saved for confident, experienced riders.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Beijing?

China does not recognise foreign licences or the International Driving Permit for motor vehicles, so you'll need a Chinese motorcycle licence or a temporary driving permit arranged locally before you can legally ride. A petrol scooter or moped needs at least the light motorcycle class, while anything larger requires the full motorcycle licence. The legal minimum age is 18, though many rental operators set their own, higher bar. Expect to leave a deposit, usually cash or a card hold, along with your passport details — the exact amount depends on the operator and the bike.

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

Rates run roughly 190–210 CNY per day in low season and 280–350 CNY per day in high season, with larger or newer bikes closer to 400–550 CNY per day.

• Prices climb from May through October, peaking around the early-October National Day holiday and the July–August summer rush.
• December through February, plus November, are the cheapest months to book.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Beijing?

If you can travel outside the May-to-October high season, you'll pay less and find it easier to get the bike you want. Winter (December to February) is the quietest and cheapest stretch, though it's genuinely cold. Spring and autumn hit the sweet spot of mild weather and lower demand, so booking a few weeks ahead is usually enough — during Golden Week or the summer peak, book well in advance.

Local traffic rules in Beijing

China drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger. Urban speed limits typically sit between 30 and 60 km/h, with expressways reaching 100–120 km/h — though motorcycles are generally barred from expressways altogether. The blood-alcohol limit is effectively zero at 20 mg per 100 ml, so plan on not drinking at all if you're riding. Central districts of Beijing also enforce motorcycle restrictions in places, so it's worth checking your planned route before you set 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!