RENTING A SCOOTER
In Mexico
Renting a scooter in Mexico is something I was prepared for this time.
I have already rented a scooter in Bali. If you’re only visiting your destination for a short amount of time you can most likely get away with taxis, uber, and walking but you’ll realize very very quickly how scooters are a key to freedom abroad.
We have been here for a month and if we see people walking we simply wonder, “where’s this guy's scooter?” It’s just a thing in these tropical destinations.
Where to find a scooter in Mexico
You can rent a scooter or bike within any town, anywhere in Mexico. They are very easy to come across.
Using my travel secret I did some research and sifted through blog posts and old Facebook group posts to try and find recommended places in Mexico.
Pro Tip: Your hotel can likely organize a bike rental for you which will help keep the price reasonable and it’s one less business you deal with if they help you out.
Pro Pro Tip: Lots of bike rental places can deliver to your hotel and pick up!
PLACES TO CONTACT
Where to find a scooter in Tulum
You can rent a scooter or bike within only a few blocks anywhere in Tulum. They are very easy to come across. Some rentals are private and others are business.
Using my travel secret I did some research and sifted through blog posts and old Facebook group posts to try and find recommended places in Tulum.
Pro Tip: Your hotel can likely organize a bike rental for you which will help keep the price reasonable and it’s one less business you deal with if they help you out.
Pro Pro Tip: Lots of bike rental places can deliver to your hotel and pick up!
PLACES TO CONTACT
How much does it cost?
The going rate is 100-300 pesos per day.
~ 80-130 CND/month
It’s also worth noting that you can definitely rent bikes for just a day, a few days or a week at a time!
What to expect?
Keep in mind this is not going to be like your ordinary vehicle rental. The bikes are usually pretty beat up. You can expect to sign a waiver saying you have an international driver's license and that you will pay for any damage.
You aren’t going to get a shiny clean bike and a brand new sanitized helmet.
Make sure to ask your rental place what you do if you need any maintenance.
For example “do you have a mechanic?”, “How much will it cost if I need to replace the tire?”.
If you notice your handlebars shaking while you’re driving you either have a flat tire which you can fill with air for <$1 or you might need a new tire altogether.
When it comes to driving off they rip off the training wheels pretty quickly...
What I mean is they’ll show you how to start it but then you’re pretty much on your own.
The hardest part about scooters in Mexico
The roads. There are no proper lanes, no ‘yield right’, it’s just go. Gott be the first one to the light! And the honking! It’s literal chaos, I’m not going to lie to you.
People will stop for you. You’ll annoy locals and likely other travelers. But you aren’t alone, people get on these bikes for the first time every day, you’ll get the hang of it.
Driving Tips
Honking/Beeping is not rude or pushy, it’s simply their way of saying “I’m here”. Once I started thinking about it this way my anxiety dropped a lot.
Keep your hands loose on the handlebars. You don’t want to have stiff arms. Instead, plant your feet firmly, hover your fingers over the breaks at all times and carefully hold - slowly twist the throttle.
It’s okay to go slow. Just stay to the side and check your mirrors for people coming past you.
The concept of leaning-to-turn isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. You likely won’t tip over, it’ll come more natural than you realize, you can drag your feet on the ground for balance, and take it slow.
You HAVE to challenge yourself to keep going out. Even if it’s just little trips twice a day to a nearby restaurant or around your block.
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