Top 5 best scooter rentals on Terceira island

Terceira does not look like an island you drive around — it looks like one you should ride. The road out of Angra climbs straight into pastureland stitched together with stone walls, and within twenty minutes you can be standing at the Serra do Cume viewpoint looking down at the famous patchwork fields, or descending into the cool volcanic dark of Algar do Carvão. A scooter rental in Angra do Heroísmo turns the whole island into a single loop you control, stopping wherever the light looks good.

Terceira is only about 30km across, and a single ring road links nearly every sight on it, so a scooter can genuinely cover the island in a day — something a rental car makes slower and pricier. The roads are narrow and winding through volcanic terrain, and parking in Angra's old town or at a crowded viewpoint is far simpler on two wheels. If you want to rent a scooter in Angra do Heroísmo, this is exactly the kind of place the vehicle was made for.

Top 10 things to see in Angra do Heroísmo by scooter

1. Algar do Carvão — a volcanic cave and lava tube you descend into, with a small lake waiting at the bottom.
2. Furnas do Enxofre — sulphur fumaroles on a boardwalk, an easy add-on to the same loop as Algar do Carvão.
3. Miradouro da Serra do Cume — the island's most photographed view, a patchwork of green fields and stone walls.
4. Piscinas Naturais dos Biscoitos — natural volcanic-rock pools on the north coast, with vineyards grown in lava-rock currais nearby.
5. Angra do Heroísmo historic centre and Monte Brasil — the UNESCO-listed old town, plus a short ride up Monte Brasil for harbour views.
6. Praia da Vitória — the island's main sandy beach and second town, an easy coastal ride from Angra.
7. Ponta das Contendas / Ponta da Serreta — a wild, quiet stretch of coastal road at the western tip, with lighthouse and ocean views.
8. Gruta do Natal — another lava tube cave near Porto Judeu, worth a short detour.
9. Pico Alto and the Santa Bárbara area — a ride up into the island's cloud-covered central massif, close to the crater.
10. São Sebastião and Porto Judeu — quiet fishing villages along the south coast, with natural sea-pools worth a stop.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Angra do Heroísmo?

For scooters up to 50cc you need category AM, which you can hold from age 16 — a full car licence (category B) also covers this. For a 125cc scooter, visitors need an A1 motorcycle entitlement; Portugal's rule letting local B-licence holders ride 125cc without it applies only to Portuguese licences, not to tourists. Bring an International Driving Permit if your licence isn't from the EU or EEA. Rental companies almost always take a deposit, usually a hold on your credit card, and the amount depends on the operator and the vehicle.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Angra do Heroísmo?

Prices move with the season, roughly from 5 EUR to 35 EUR per day depending on when you travel and which model you choose.

• Low season (November–March): around 5–10 EUR per day.
• High season (July–August): around 15–25 EUR per day.
• Premium, larger-cc models: around 25–35 EUR per day, year-round.

When to book a rental scooter in Angra do Heroísmo?

July and August are the busiest and most expensive months on Terceira, so book ahead if you're travelling then. November to March is cheapest, though it's also the wettest stretch on the island. If you want warm, dry riding weather without the summer crowds and prices, aim for spring or early autumn instead.

Local traffic rules in Angra do Heroísmo

Portugal drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger on any scooter or moped. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, though mopeds are capped at 45 km/h. Scooters and mopeds must keep their headlights on at all times, day or night. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to 0.2 g/l if you've held your licence less than three years, and roadside checks do happen.

Most of our scooter rentals in Angra do Heroísmo come from experienced local operators who hand over a well-kept vehicle, a helmet and friendly service. If you want to rent a scooter in Angra do Heroísmo, 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!