Find Scooter & Motorcycle Hire in Malta

If you have a valid UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Malta. Current UK Government guidance specifically confirms that UK photocard licences can be used in Malta without an IDP.

If you still hold an old-style UK paper driving licence, the position is different: you may need to update it to a photocard licence or obtain the appropriate IDP. For Malta, the relevant permit is the 1949 International Driving Permit.

Visitors with licences issued in other countries should check the requirements that apply to their own licence before travelling. Transport Malta confirms that valid licences issued by other EU member states can be used in Malta without an additional permit, while different rules can apply to licences issued outside the EU.

An IDP does not replace your normal driving licence. Whichever documents you use, you must also have the correct motorcycle or moped entitlement for the scooter you intend to ride. A rental company may have additional documentation requirements, so check these before booking.

Useful official information:
UK Government – Check if you need an International Driving Permit
Transport Malta – Driving Licence Information
UK Government – Malta Travel Advice: Road Travel

Yes. Traffic in Malta drives on the left, which will feel familiar to visitors from the UK. When riding a scooter or motorcycle, keep left unless overtaking and pay close attention at junctions and roundabouts, particularly if you are more accustomed to driving on the right.

The general maximum speed for motorcycles is 50 km/h in towns and villages and 80 km/h outside built-up areas, although lower limits can apply on individual roads. Always follow the posted speed limit and reduce your speed where road, traffic or weather conditions require it.

A properly fastened helmet is compulsory for both rider and passenger. Using a hand-held mobile phone or other interactive device while riding is also prohibited — including while you are stationary in traffic.

Malta has strict laws covering drink- and drug-driving, and these apply equally to scooter and motorcycle riders. The legislation was strengthened further in 2026, including updated provisions concerning alcohol and drug-impaired driving and roadside drug testing. The safest approach is simple: do not drink alcohol or take impairing drugs if you are going to ride.

Roads in Malta can range from busy urban streets to narrow village and rural roads, so ride defensively and allow extra space around other road users. Be particularly cautious around pedestrians, cyclists, junctions and areas where visibility is restricted.

Useful official information:
Transport Malta – Official Road Code
Transport Malta – Driving in Malta
Transport Malta – Speed Management
Malta Traffic Regulation Ordinance

Insurance is normally included with a rental scooter, but the level of cover can vary considerably, so it is important to check exactly what is included before booking. Under Maltese law, vehicles used on public roads must have at least the required third-party motor insurance, which covers legal liability for injury or damage caused to other people.

Third-party insurance should not be confused with comprehensive cover. Depending on the rental agreement, damage to the scooter, theft, personal injury or other losses may not be fully covered, or may be subject to an excess. Optional additional insurance or excess-reduction cover may sometimes be available.

Before confirming your hire, check the insurance type, excess or deductible, security deposit and any exclusions. Pay particular attention to conditions covering theft, damage to tyres or wheels, lost keys, off-road use and unauthorised riders, as these may fall outside the standard cover.

You should also check whether your own travel insurance covers riding a hired scooter or motorcycle of the engine size you intend to use. Some policies impose limits based on engine capacity, licence entitlement or whether protective equipment was worn.

Useful official information:
Malta Financial Services Authority – Insurance Information
Malta Motor Vehicles Insurance legislation
UK Government – Malta Travel Advice

There can be. The price shown for scooter hire may not always be the final amount you pay, as additional charges can depend on the vehicle, rental company and the options you select.

A refundable security deposit may be required when you collect the scooter. This is usually held against damage, theft or other costs that are your responsibility under the rental agreement. The amount and method of payment can vary, so check the deposit requirements before booking.

Other possible charges can include additional insurance or excess-reduction cover, an additional rider, extra helmets or equipment, delivery or collection, late return, additional mileage where limits apply, refuelling, lost keys or damage not covered by the insurance. Some rental companies may also charge for particular collection locations or out-of-hours service.

If you plan to take the scooter between Malta and Gozo, remember to allow for the ferry fare. The Gozo Channel vehicle ferry carries motorcycles and scooters between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr, with fares applying to the motorcycle and rider.

Before confirming your hire, check what the quoted price includes and look particularly at the security deposit, insurance excess, fuel and mileage policy, cancellation terms and charges for optional extras. This makes it much easier to compare the true cost of different rentals and avoid surprises when collecting or returning the scooter.