Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
By Motorbike
Dependence on cabs and rented motor scooters, mopeds, and bicycles is simply a
fact of Bermudian life that newcomers quickly accept as part of the island's charm.
Although not having a car at your disposal is inconvenient, the island's tourist bro-
chures make it seem just wonderful: a happy couple bicycling or mopeding around
Bermuda on a sunny day, slowly putt-
putting across the islands.
What the brochures don't tell you is
that the roads are too narrow, and Ber-
mudians—who are likely to own cars,
and pay dearly for the privilege—feel
that the road is theirs. Sometimes it
starts raining almost without warning
(the skies usually clear rapidly, and the
roads dry quickly). During inclement
weather, scooter riders are likely to be edged close—sometimes disturbingly close—
to the shoulder; after rainstorms, they'll almost certainly be splattered with water or
mud. Many accidents occur on slippery roads after a rain, especially involving those
not accustomed to using a motor scooter.
Who should rent a moped or scooter, and who should avoid them altogether?
Frankly, the answer depends on your physical fitness and the time of day. Even the
most stiffly starched might find a wind-whipped morning ride from the hotel to the
beach or tennis courts invigorating and fun. Dressed to the nines for a candlelit din-
ner, you'd find the experience horrifying. And although the putt-putters can be a lot
of fun during a sunny day, the machines can be dangerous and capricious after dark—
and, of course, when you've had too many daiquiris. Not everyone is fit enough,
either. And visitors on mopeds have a high accident rate, with at least some of the
problems related to driving on the left.
Considering the hazards, we usually recommend that reasonably adept sports
enthusiasts rent a moped for a day or two. For evening outings, we firmly believe that
a taxi is the way to go.
You must be 16 or older to rent a motorbike. Some vehicles are big enough to cozily
accommodate two adults. Helmets are required, and rental companies must provide
them.
What's the difference between a moped and a motor scooter? Mopeds have larger
wheels than scooters, and subject riders to fewer shocks as they traverse bumps in
the road. Most (but not all) mopeds are designed for one rider; scooters accommodate
either a single passenger or two passengers riding in tandem. Both have similar
maximum speeds and horsepower.
There are quite a few gas stations (called “petrol stations”). Once you “tank up”
your motorbike, chances are you'll have plenty of gas to get you to your destination;
for example, one tank of gas in a motorbike will take you from Somerset in the west
to St. George in the east.
Among the rental companies listed below, there's a tendency toward price fixing.
Rental fees across the island tend to be roughly equivalent, and shopping around for
a better deal is usually a waste of time. On average, mopeds for one rider rent for $48
for the first day, $89 for 2 days, $122 for 3 days, and $173 for 5 days. Scooters for
two riders cost about $53 for 1 day, $102 for 2 days, or up to $174 for 4 days. You
must pay with a major credit card; it serves as a deposit in case of damage or theft.
Who Are You Talking To?
Police are cracking down on vacation-
ers who use cellphones while riding
motorcycles and bicycles—violators are
being pulled over by the police and
given a fine.
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