Rental car or motorbike? When each one is worth it

Rental car or motorbike? The question comes up on almost every trip, and our answer depends on three things.

The question comes up on almost every trip. Our answer depends on three things: distances, luggage and parking.

A rental car if …

• you drive more than 50 km a day (USA, the Brazilian coast, a Balkan road trip).
• you have kids, suitcases, shopping.
• there’s parking (Florida yes, Lisbon no).

We book through a comparison site with full deposit cover – the rental company’s comprehensive cover at the counter often costs twice as much, and without cover every dent gets expensive.

A scooter/motorbike if …

• it’s an island, an old town or a coast with narrow roads.
• you’re one or two people with little luggage.
• parking would otherwise be a nightmare.

Important: check your licence category (in many countries 125 cc requires A1 or an equivalent licence entry), always wear a helmet, read the insurance terms – and take photos of the vehicle beforehand.

Where we book

Licence, deposit and insurance: what to sort out first

Outside Europe many countries require an International Driving Permit in addition to your national licence, Thailand for example. In Austria you get it from the licensing authority or an automobile club; it is only valid together with your national licence. Careful with motorbikes: the Austrian code 111 on a category B licence, which allows light motorcycles up to 125 cc, is only valid in Austria. Abroad you usually need category A1 or higher for 125 cc – otherwise no insurance pays in case of damage.

With rental cars, the deposit is the most common stumbling block. Most companies require a real credit card in the driver's name and debit cards are often not accepted. The deposit is blocked on the card and only released after return, which can take a few days. Also check the fuel policy: “full to full” is fair, “full to empty” is almost always more expensive.

Rental car or motorbike: frequently asked questions

Facts as of 25.10.2026 – prices and rules can change, so check the official sources named above before you travel.

Rental car or motorbike: our verdict

Our verdict on rental car or motorbike: for long distances, kids or lots of luggage we take the car; on islands and in narrow old towns, the scooter. Before every booking we also look closely at the deposit and the insurance, because that’s where most of the costs arise. Before you set off, it’s also worth checking the rules for an international driving permit. How we pay on the road is in money abroad; background on the topic is on Wikipedia.