Scooter Rentals on Pico island, Portugal

Pico Island rewards the curious. A scooter lets you trade the ferry queue in Madalena for open roads that wind past black-lava vineyards, climb toward the shadow of Montanha do Pico, and drop down to natural pools carved into the coastline at Cachorro. This is a place made for slow discovery, and a scooter is the easiest way to do it on your own schedule.

The island is small — end to end, it's only about 45km — and traffic is light outside the two main towns. That makes it easy terrain for a scooter, though the road up toward the interior, past viewpoints like Lagoa do Capitão, gets steep and winding, so a bit of engine power is worth having. If you want to rent a scooter on Pico Island, our website connects you to local operators who know these roads well.

Top 10 things to see on Pico Island by scooter

1. Montanha do Pico — Portugal's highest peak at 2,351m; ride to the trailhead car park for the climb, or just for the views.
2. Vinhas da Criação Velha — a UNESCO-listed maze of black basalt vine enclosures near Madalena, best explored at a slow pace.
3. Gruta das Torres — the longest lava tube in Portugal, an easy detour off the wine-route roads.
4. Lajes do Pico — the island's old whaling town, home to the Museu dos Baleeiros and the departure point for whale-watching trips.
5. Museu da Indústria Baleeira in São Roque do Pico — a former whale-processing factory turned museum, a natural stop on the north-coast ride.
6. Madalena — the main town and ferry port to Faial, with views across the channel to Horta; a good place to start or end a loop.
7. Piscinas Naturais do Cachorro — lava-rock natural swimming pools near Santa Luzia, a classic ride-and-swim stop.
8. Lagoa do Capitão — a quiet crater lake in the island's interior, reached by a winding mountain road.
9. Farol da Ponta da Ilha — the lighthouse at Pico's easternmost tip, a scenic ride out past Lajes.
10. Miradouro da Terra Alta / São João — a roadside viewpoint over the vineyards, the ocean, and the peak behind you.

What do you need to rent a scooter on Pico Island?

For scooters up to 50cc, you need category AM, which you can hold from age 16, or a full car licence (category B), which also covers AM. For a 125cc scooter, you need an A1 motorcycle entitlement — the rule letting Portuguese B-licence holders ride 125cc applies only to Portuguese licences, not to visitors. Non-EU visitors should bring an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Rental companies almost always require a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with the amount set by the operator and the vehicle.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter on Pico Island?

Prices for a basic scooter run from around 5 EUR to 15 EUR per day in low season, and from 20 EUR to 35 EUR per day in high season. Larger-engine or newer models usually cost more, often 10-15 EUR extra per day year-round.

• Prices are lowest from November to February.
• They climb through spring and settle at their highest in July and August.
• Booking a few days ahead in high season helps you get the model and dates you want.

When to book a rental scooter on Pico Island?

High season runs from June to September, peaking in July and August, when prices are at their highest and vehicles book out fastest. Low season, from November to March, is the cheapest time to rent, though weather on the island can be wetter and cooler. If you want mild weather without the summer crowds, April to June and September to October are a solid middle ground.

Local traffic rules on Pico Island

Portugal drives on the right. Helmets are mandatory 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 scooters are capped at 45 km/h. Scooters must also keep their headlights on at all times, day and night. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to 0.2 g/l for anyone who has held a licence for less than three years, and roadside checks do happen. 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!