Motorcycle Rentals on Madeira island with BikesBooking.com

Madeira was built for two wheels. Narrow roads switchback up from Funchal's harbour into cloud forest, and a scooter or small motorcycle slips through where rental cars and tour coaches stall. Ride out to Cabo Girão for a glass-floor look straight down one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, or climb toward Pico do Arieiro, where the road breaks above the clouds at nearly 1,818 metres. These are the kind of mornings you come to the island for.

Funchal itself is compact and steep, with parking at a premium in the centre and traffic thickening fast near the marina. A scooter parks in the gaps a car never could, and once you're out of town the island's real appeal opens up: hairpin coastal roads, mountain passes, and villages that a bus tour simply skips. Renting a scooter in Funchal means setting your own pace on an island where the best views are rarely beside a car park.

Top 10 things to see in Funchal by motorcycle

1. Cabo Girão skywalk — a glass-floor viewpoint over one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, a short ride west of Funchal.
2. Pico do Arieiro — a paved mountain road climbing to around 1,818m, with above-the-clouds views and access to the Pico Ruivo trail.
3. Ponta de São Lourenço — a twisty coastal road out to Madeira's arid eastern tip, good for a scenic ride and a short hike.
4. Santana's traditional A-frame houses — a north-coast village with iconic thatched houses, a classic stop on the north-shore loop.
5. Porto Moniz natural lava pools — a northwest coastal town with volcanic rock swimming pools, the end point of a popular coastal ride.
6. Ribeiro Frio — a cool mountain hamlet on the ER103 road, with a trout farm and trailheads for levada walks.
7. Câmara de Lobos — a colourful fishing village just west of Funchal, once Winston Churchill's painting spot, and a quick easy ride.
8. Levada do Caldeirão Verde (Queimadas) — a scenic drive up to the Queimadas forest park, the starting point for a famous levada trail to a waterfall.
9. Pico do Facho, Machico — an easy viewpoint climb above Machico with panoramic views over the eastern bays.
10. Monte and the Jardim Botânico da Madeira — a hillside ride above Funchal to the botanical garden and Monte Palace, close to the cable car and toboggan runs.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Funchal?

For a 50cc scooter, category AM covers you from age 16 (a full car licence also qualifies). Step up to a 125cc scooter and you'll need an A1 motorcycle entitlement — note that the local Portuguese rule letting car-licence holders ride 125cc applies only to Portuguese licences, not visitors. Larger machines need A2 or full category A, depending on power. Bring your driving licence and, if you're from outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit is generally expected. A deposit, usually held on a credit card, is standard practice and its size depends on the vehicle and operator.

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

Expect EUR 25–30 per day for a standard scooter in low season, rising to EUR 40–55 in high season. Bigger touring bikes run higher, from around EUR 60–90 a day, and premium 500cc+ machines can reach EUR 70–120 depending on the model.

• Prices climb in July and August, and again around New Year and Carnival.
• They drop through November to February, with March also offering a quieter, cheaper shoulder season.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Funchal?

If you're chasing the lowest prices, aim for November through February, avoiding the Christmas and New Year peak. For warm, dry riding weather without the summer crowds, April to June and September to October hit the sweet spot. Book ahead for July and August, when demand — and prices — peak across the island.

Local traffic rules in Funchal

Portugal drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on every scooter and motorcycle. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on the open road and 120 km/h on motorways, though mopeds are capped at 45 km/h and can't use motorways at all. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, tightened to 0.2 g/l for newer licence holders, and roadside checks are common, so plan to ride sober. Dipped headlights are required at all times on two wheels, day or night.

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

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!