|
Topics
|
 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
Know more about Raj Bhattacharya
|
Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Lisa Volk (May 2023)
We will be in port on a cruise Aug 29 - Aug 31. We want to rent a scooter but also want to go to St. George's by ferry. I read you cannot take a scooter on the ferry from the Dockyard to St. George's, but I was told by a scooter company that you can. I was looking to take the ferry and rent a scooter in St. George's and then drive it back to the Dockyard and keep it for the following day as well. I guess I really have two questions. If I rented a scooter at the dockyard, can I take it on the orange route ferry to St. George's? If not are there any scooter rental places in St. George's. I want to be able to freely go all over St. George's and then go to Blue Hole Park / Swizzle inn, maybe the caves without having to rely on public transportation. I don't want to be rushed to make the last ferry back and would like to be able to ride the scooter back to Dockyard if we are not going to make the ferry. We may also want to stop somewhere closer to the Dockyard to grab dinner and watch the sunset. Is this doable?
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) May 2023
Hello, Bermuda's official ferry schedule shows that Motor Cycles are not allowed on Orange Route Ferry (this is also applicable for Scooters). This change took place in 2022 and is still in effect. However, it may be possible that depending on the rush, the ferry crew may allow a scooter as an exception.
The scooter rental company Oleander Cycles has an outlet at 26 Duke of York Street (Tel 441/297 0478), but this outlet may not have re-opened after Covid, so you need to check that out. They have another outlet at Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Hamilton Parish (a 15-minute bus ride from St. George)... it's very near Blue Hole Park and Swizzle Inn which you plan to visit.
Padego rents electric bikes (motorized bicycles) in St. George, they are steps away from the St. George Ferry Dock (located at 4 Penno's Wharf). But these are good for local sightseeing in St. George's and St. David's. Padego also offers guided e-bike tours.
If you rent a scooter for St. George, you can ride back to Dockyard, have dinner in Somerset at a place like Woody's, and watch the sunset at Black Bay (about a mile further towards Dockyard).
Ellen Modena (July 2020)
We'll be docking in Hamilton on Aug. 11, 2020 and renting a moped. Is there overnight parking at the dock? Thank you.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2020
Yes, just outside the Hamilton Docks (on Front Street), there is ample parking for both cars and scooters. Visit this Street View link to see how the parking looks.
Ellen Modena (July 2020)
Thank you Raj so much for your prompt response and picture...very helpful..... can't wait to cruise, just hope this nasty virus is long gone by then. Another question... Does Empress of the Seas dock at Ordnance Island in St. George and would there be moped overnight parking near the ship? Thanks again.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2020
Hi Ellen, you can be confirmed about the docking locations only once the new schedule/itinerary of the cruise gets published. However, as per Royal Caribbean's plan released in 2019, Empress of the Seas was to dock at both St. George (Ordnance Island) and Hamilton with overnight stays at both locations. Yes, there is moped/scooter parking at Ordnance Island just outside the cruise dock where you can park your scooter overnight.
In case the ship follows its earlier schedule and you plan to use a moped/scooter both at St. George and Hamilton, I would suggest you go with a company like Oleander.... they have several outlets in the island. You can pick up your scooter at their St. George's office and drop it there, board the cruise bound for Hamilton, walk into their Hamilton office and pick up another one... and this can be done as part of the same rental arrangement. The Hamilton office will call up their St. George's office to confirm if you dropped the earlier scooter there and then hand over another one to you.
And if you want to visit Royal Naval Dockyard (at the west end) and like to get around the west end on a scooter, Oleander has an outlet at Dockyard as well and the rental arrangement can be extended to that location too. These days only very few runs of the Blue Route ferry (between Hamilton and dockyard) allows carrying scooters on board, and therefore this arrangement can be handy. Best,
Tania (February 2020)
Hi, my name is Tania and I'd like to visit Bermuda. I've got an Italian driving license. To rent a scooter in Bermuda do I need to get an international driving license or is it sufficient the Italian one? Thank you,
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) February 2020
Hi, you do not require a driving license to rent a scooter in Bermuda. One should be above the age of 18.
Daphne (August 2019)
Do you pay cash or credit card for scooter rentals? And is there a deposit?
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) August 2019
You can pay in both cash or credit card. They may take a refundable deposit of around $25-30 for helmet, lock and key.
Edward Koster (July 2018)
Hello, We are interested in renting Tow dual seat scooters for a day. Is a day considered 24 hours? Thank you very much.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2018
Hi, most rental companies in Bermuda have their rates on 24 hours basis, i.e., if you pick it up (or advance book it for pick up) at 10am, you can return by 10am next day and it would be counted as one day.
Cindy Boutin (January 2017)
My husband is 75 but very fit and healthy. Can he rent a scooter?
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) January 2017
There is no maximum age limit for renting scooters in Bermuda.
Jean Knight (September 2015)
Do you have to have a full license to hire a scooter or can you hire one on a provisional license?
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) September 2015
Visitors do not require license to rent scooters in Bermuda. One must be minimum 18 years of age. Photo ID is required.
Pat Brandkamp (August 2014)
I noticed on one of the scooter rental websites that there are weight limits for the scooters. Specifically 330 lbs for a 2 seater and 175 lbs for the single seater, including personal items. Is this true for all scooter rentals? Is it a safety issue or for best performance? I'm also wondering about the electric bikes - how are they on the hills? Thanks for your help.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) August 2014
The weight limit is applied by most scooter rental companies and that is to do with the load handling capacity of the scooters. Electric Bikes are good for short distances of up to 15 to 20 miles. The battery charge won't remain after that and then it'll become a normal bicycle. As long as you get the battery power on the rear wheel and select the right support level, it can help you easily negotiate the hilly terrain.
Joe (June 2014)
Hello Raj, cruising into Bermuda in July 2014 and would like to inquire about scooter rentals. There are 4 adults with drivers licenses (for family of 8), and would like to rent for a 3 day period instead of bus/taxi. Could you tell me the rates per day/3day period, is rental available at Kings Wharf, are scooters welcome at beaches and shopping areas?
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) June 2014
Hi, You can take scooters to beaches (most have parking areas) and also for shopping. Oleander Cycles operates out of Kings Wharf dockyard and rents scooters. 3-day rent would be about $136 for single seater and $160 for double seater. Rentals include delivery and pickup, helmets, insurance, locks, breakdown service etc.
Susan E Regal (June 2014)
Raj - I am enjoying your web site. We are going to Bermuda in August and I was wondering how many miles from the dockyard to St Geroges and how long would it take by scooter. thanks in advance
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) June 2014
Hi, It's one end of the island to the other ... about 21 miles (will vary a bit depending on the route you take) and will take around 1 hr 15 minutes by scooter. Best is to take the South Road (along the south shore beaches), continue along Harrington Sound Road at Smith's parish, go around the Harrington Sound water area and then get to the causeway.
Kate Richardson (December 2013)
We will be in Bermuda on a cruise this June with our twin 11 year old boys. We like to really explore and find great places to snorkel off of the beaten path. I'm thinking about us renting two scooters so we can explore the whole island, but I'm worried about safety with the boys. Is it dangerous with the busses and taxis on the road with you or are drivers respectful of the scooters? Also how much do they cost to rent? Can you recommend a good local owner? We are fine to walk a distance from the dock to get away from the crowds to find a smaller rental place. Thanks for your help Raj! We love your site!
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) December 2013
Hi Kate, Riding scooters is usually not a problem in Bermuda as long as you follow certain thumb rules and also understand the on-road traffic behaviour. You will always need to tell yourself to stay on the left. Do not ride along the middle of the road. Accept the fact that local riders, cars and buses will overtake you whenever they have their chances. So if you see a bus or a car at your tail, do not get nervous or pull over to give them a way. Rather ignore and keep riding at your own pace while keeping to the left side of the road. The bus or the car would treat this as normal and will only overtake as they feel right. They might honk if you are too slow and riding along the middle of the road. I suggest you go through my article on dos and donts of scooter rides to get more insight into this. Instruct your sons accordingly and it should be all fine. I have discussed several scooter rental companies in this article.
Angel (October 2013)
We will be cruising to Bermuda at the end of October on the Explorer of the Seas. Since we will be docked there for a couple of days, we plan to rent a moped. I have 2 questions: 1. if we rent the moped for 3 days (which we would like to do), is there a place to park the moped near the cruise ship in the dockyard? I am not sure where we would park it overnight there. And 2.I am reading reviews on tripadvisor about the rental companies and Oleander Cycles have very poor reviews, mostly stating poor condition of the vehicles, breakdowns, and bad customer service. Is this really the case? there seem to be too many complaints about the same things for it to be not-so. The only other one that sounds good is Elbow Beach Cycles which has very good reviews. Your thoughts or opinion please? Thank you, i appreciate this wonderful website!
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com, October 2013)
Hi, You will find plenty of parking place for scooters next to the cruise pier. I have also noted recent service issues with Oleander. While they are most convenient for the cruise passengers, you can go with Elbow Beach Cycles or Eve's Cycles. They offer free scooter delivery and pick up services.
Joanne Ingalls (May 2013)
My husband and I have rented scooters in Bermuda several times but a few years ago my husband had a stroke which left him with a balance problem. At home we had our motorcycle tricked and he does just fine with this. My question is we need a trike or three wheeled scooter. Do you have them.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com, May 2013)
Hi, unfortunately you won't get trike or three wheeled scooter rentals in Bermuda. It was tried several years back in the island, but failed for several reasons. One of the primary reasons was the low demand. However the rental companies also figured out that it required bigger space. Additionally while the stability at low speed was considered good, the high speed stability and maneuverability was in question.
Doug Bolduc (April 2013)
I am coming to Bermuda by cruise ship in May of 2013. When renting a scooter, does it have to be returned nightly? Or can it be kept for multiple days before being returned? If it can be kept multiple days, is there a place where it can be locked and secured on the dock at night near the cruise ship?
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com, April 2013)
Hi, You can rent scooters for several days and keep it with you. You don't need to return it nightly. There is parking space next to the cruise berth at the dockyard where you can safely keep it parked. When you rent a scooter in Bermuda, it comes with a lock and key.
Myrna
Raj, We plan on renting scooters while in Bermuda at the end of September. We have been told it is very dangerous. Is this because of the left hand drive? If so, I am not worried about that as I lived in England briefly. If it's due to inebriation, I won't have to worry about that either, but I have heard that there are about 500 injured a year on scooters. Also are there any sketchy areas that we should steer clear of? Trip Advisor reviews say that Admiralty Park and the Indian Restaurant on North Road are in sketchy areas.
Raj/bermuda-attractions.com
Hi Myrna, If you are a confident rider and used to left hand drive, then scooters with appropriate safety measures is the best way to get around the island. There is no such place in Bermuda which is known specifically to be prone to scooter accidents, although some places like the traffic congested areas can be tricky to navigate. Bermuda roads are narrow and winding, and sometimes the bends can be quite sharp. You need to slow down and anticipate what's coming from the other side rather than taking a speedy blind turn. Another place to be careful about are the circles. Traffic continuously moves in the circles and you need to be careful while getting into and out of a circle.
These are actually common sense stuff. But unfortunately most of the accidents in Bermuda are caused due to tourists themselves, many of who think that ability and knowledge of riding a two wheeler back in the U.S. is a good enough certificate to ride in Bermuda as well. It's not. As long as you carefully prepare yourself before you start riding a scooter in Bermuda, you should be fine. Here is a link to one of my web pages to help you with that: Bermuda Scooter Ride: What You Should Know
Diane
Great Site! My daughter and I will be visiting Bermuda via a cruise ship Oct. 24 and 25. While reading through many of your informative pages, we have decided to take the Jessie James Cruise snorkel that Monday afternoon. You also made the scooters sound like fun so we'd like to rent a scooter on Tuesday to see the island/beaches, but have to be back to the ship by 4:30! Does that sound doable? May be we should rent the scooter BOTH days? How long is the scooter ride from King's Wharf to Hamilton?
Raj/bermuda-attractions.com
Hi Diane, That sounds perfectly doable. On day-1, if you plan to go only for the Jessie James Snorkeling Cruise, the direct ferry from the dockyard to Hamilton would be the easiest. It takes only 20 minutes to reach. The snorkel tour boat PISCES leaves from there. However check out the ferry schedule to know the timings.
Bus ride from Kings Wharf to Hamilton takes about an hour. So the scooter ride should take shorter time, around 45 minutes or so. Pick up the 'Handy Reference Map' from the Visitors Information Center at the Kings Wharf Dockyard. That'll help you navigate through the island. Have a great time in Bermuda!
Deborah Barchard
When I was way younger I was lucky enough to take several trips to beautiful Bermuda in the 70's. It was not until the mid-seventies, however, that the moped rental attendant strongly suggested we lock our purse straps to the baskets. There had been a rash of grabbing prior to that.
Now I see an article about this petty theft of a tourist's bag containing cell phones and other valuables. I am amazed that this same "locking" policy may not be given out, still. The economy was bad then and it sure is now. My advice to visitors and moped renters that they themselves use a little common sense, and that this warning is required every time some one rents a moped.
Tom Black
Wheels scooter was a blast. They drop off and pick up right to your hotel.
|
