Find Scooter & Motorcycle Hire in Bulgaria
Enter your city, island or destination below to search available scooters and motorcycles.
Enter your city, island or destination below to search available scooters and motorcycles.
Explore Bulgaria on Two Wheels
From rugged mountains and forested valleys to historic towns and quiet country roads, travelling by scooter or motorcycle reveals a wonderfully adventurous side of Bulgaria.
Start in Sofia, exploring the capital before escaping towards mountain landscapes, traditional villages and winding roads through Bulgaria’s beautiful countryside.
Ride further and the scenery keeps changing, with dramatic valleys, ancient fortresses and peaceful roads offering plenty of reasons to keep exploring.
Mountains, Forests & Open Roads
Ride beyond Sofia into dramatic mountain scenery, forested valleys and winding roads made for exploring.
Ancient Towns & Hidden History
Discover hilltop fortresses, traditional villages and centuries of history tucked away beyond Bulgaria’s cities.
Big Scenery, Quieter Roads
Escape the busy routes and discover peaceful countryside, sweeping views and quieter roads.
Explore Bulgaria
Sofia
Explore Bulgaria’s lively capital before escaping towards Vitosha Mountain, winding roads and beautiful countryside beyond the city.
More places to ride in Bulgaria
Considerations Before You Ride in Bulgaria
You need a valid driving licence that covers the category of scooter or motorcycle you want to ride. Bulgarian law uses the standard European categories: AM for mopeds, A1 for motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW, A2 for motorcycles up to 35kW, and A for larger unrestricted motorcycles.
For UK visitors, it is particularly important not to assume that a standard car licence allows you to hire a scooter. UK government travel advice for Bulgaria specifically states that if you hire a motorbike, you need a full motorbike licence.
Rental companies can also impose their own licence requirements, including how long you must have held your licence.
Before booking: check the engine size and power of your chosen scooter against the motorcycle entitlements shown on your driving licence.
Useful link(s) Bulgarian Ministry of Interior – driving licence information
Scooters and motorcycles can generally use Bulgaria’s public roads, but there are some important restrictions to be aware of.
On motorways and expressways, only cars and motorcycles with a design speed of more than 50 km/h are permitted. This means small mopeds and other low-speed scooters cannot use these roads.
Motorcycles and scooters must also not be ridden in pedestrian-only areas, and you should always follow local signs restricting vehicle access in city centres, parks or other controlled areas.
If you’re heading into Bulgaria’s mountains, it’s worth checking road conditions before setting out. Mountain passes can have temporary or seasonal restrictions, particularly because of snow, roadworks or severe weather. Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior publishes current road restrictions and conditions.
Useful link(s) Bulgarian Ministry of Interior – Road Traffic Act
Bulgarian law requires both riders and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds to wear a protective helmet while travelling. This requirement is set out in Bulgaria’s Road Traffic Act and is actively enforced by the traffic police.
Protective jackets, gloves, trousers and suitable footwear are not listed as compulsory riding equipment in the legislation I checked, but they are sensible precautions — particularly if you’re heading onto Bulgaria’s mountain roads.
A helmet will commonly be available with a rental, but exactly what equipment is included varies between rental companies. Check the individual rental conditions before booking, especially if you need a passenger helmet or additional protective equipment.
Useful Link(s) Bulgarian Ministry of Interior – Road Traffic Act
Yes. Bulgaria’s legal minimum riding age depends on the vehicle category: 16 for AM and A1, 18 for A2, and normally 24 for an unrestricted Category A motorcycle. Category A can be obtained from age 20 if the rider has held an A2 licence for at least two years.
However, the legal riding age is not necessarily the minimum rental age. Rental companies can set higher limits; for example, one Sofia motorcycle rental company currently requires renters to be at least 23 years old.
Always check the conditions for the particular scooter before booking, as the minimum age, required licence category and riding experience can vary between rental companies and vehicles.
Useful link(s) Bulgarian Ministry of Interior – driving licence requirements
If you have a UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bulgaria. You should carry your valid UK licence with you while riding.
If you have an older paper UK licence, you will need to update it to a photocard licence or obtain an IDP. For Bulgaria, the relevant permit is the 1968 IDP.
Visitors with licences issued outside the UK should check the requirements applying to their country of issue. Rental companies may also have their own documentation requirements, so check the conditions for your chosen scooter before booking.
Useful link(s) UK Government – check if you need an International Driving Permit
Yes. Bulgaria drives on the right-hand side of the road, and motorcycles and mopeds must use their lights during the daytime as well as at night. Bulgaria’s Road Traffic Act also requires riders to keep as far to the right as appropriate and obey posted road signs and markings.
For Category A motorcycles, the general limits stated in the Road Traffic Act are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 100 km/h on motorways, unless signs specify a different limit. Smaller mopeds have lower limits.
Bulgaria has strict rules and penalties concerning alcohol and drugs when driving. For a scooter or motorcycle trip, the safest approach is not to drink at all before riding.
Take extra care away from Sofia and other major cities. UK travel advice warns that some Bulgarian roads can be poorly maintained or inadequately lit, while rural routes may include slow-moving vehicles and animal-drawn traffic.
Useful link(s) Bulgarian Ministry of Interior – Road Traffic Act
Yes, basic insurance is normally included with scooter and motorcycle hire, but the exact cover depends on the rental company and vehicle you choose.
Your booking conditions should explain what insurance is included and whether you are responsible for an excess or security deposit if the scooter is damaged or stolen. Optional additional cover may sometimes be available to reduce this liability.
Check carefully for exclusions too. Damage to items such as tyres, wheels, mirrors or the underside of the vehicle may not be covered by standard insurance.
It is also worth checking your own travel insurance before riding in Bulgaria, as some policies exclude scooter or motorcycle use or restrict the engine size they cover.
Possibly. Extra charges vary between rental companies and vehicles, so check the full rental conditions before confirming your booking.
Depending on the rental, additional costs could include a security deposit, second helmet, additional rider, delivery or collection, one-way rental, late return, extra mileage or optional insurance upgrades. Fuel is also normally your responsibility.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Sofia, check whether there are any charges or restrictions for cross-border travel. Some rental companies require advance permission and may charge an additional fee or deposit.
The booking details should make clear what is included and identify any compulsory extras, so check the total hire cost rather than just the advertised daily rate.
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