Scooters and mopeds
Scooters and mopeds are the most common ways of getting around in Bermuda, both for tourists and the expatriates working there. They are less expensive and more convenient than cars, which are deliberately limited in number to avoid the Island’s roads becoming too congested at peak hours.
When you first arrive, you’ll most likely be given the use of a free rental scooter for a few weeks from a company such as Oleander or Wheels. By the time this free rental expires, the idea is that you’ll have purchased a new or used scooter of your own. There’s a good market in used ones so it’s easy to pick one up. A new one may cost US$3,000 whilst used ones go as low as US$500 or less. We recommend the Bermuda classifieds website as a good way to find a used vehicle, or try the small ads in the local paper.
Riding and safety tips
Scooters are very easy to ride: there are no gears – just an accelerator handle and a brake handle, so don’t worry if you haven’t ridden one before as there’s little difficult to learn.
The scooter will need to be registered in your name at TCD (Transport Control Department - see their 'New to Bermuda' page), insured with a company such as Colonial, and you'll have to sit a very simple driving test to get your local Bermuda driving licence (not needed when you are using a rental bike).
Basic tips for riding include the following:
- For safety, wear your helmet at all times
- Keep to the left-hand side of the road
- The speed limit is 35 kph (approximately 22 mph)
- Take care driving when the road is wet
- Don't drink and drive
- Lock your cycle when it's not in use
