Renting a scooter is the single best decision most people make when visiting Kotor. The Bay's coastal roads are narrow, parking in the old town is close to impossible, and the distances between towns are short enough that a 50cc scooter gets you everywhere a car would — for a fraction of the price and hassle. But if you've never rented one before, a few questions come up every time: what licence do you actually need, how much should you expect to pay, and what should you check before you sign anything.
Do you need a licence?
Yes, and the requirement depends on the engine size. For 50cc scooters, a standard car licence (category B) is enough in Montenegro — most rental agencies, including ours, will accept it without asking further questions. For anything above 50cc, from 125cc up to 300cc, you typically need a motorcycle-category licence (A1, A2, or A depending on the exact power), or a car licence that also carries a motorcycle endorsement. If you're not sure what your home licence covers, it's worth checking before you travel rather than finding out at the counter.
International visitors sometimes assume an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. In practice, most agencies in Kotor accept EU, UK, US, and most other national licences directly, especially for short-term tourist rentals. An IDP is a nice-to-have as a translated backup, not a strict requirement in most cases — but agencies can vary, so confirm with whoever you're booking through.
How much does it actually cost?
Prices in Kotor for 2026 generally run from around 25–30€ per day for a 50cc scooter, rising to 45–70€ per day for 125cc–300cc models, with the daily rate dropping noticeably the longer you rent. A three-day rental is almost always cheaper per day than a single day, and week-long rentals bring the daily cost down further still. Fuel is essentially never included — you return the scooter with roughly the same amount of fuel you received it with, or top up before returning it.
What should always be included, regardless of which agency you use: a helmet (it's legally required, not optional), and some form of basic insurance. If an agency is offering a price that seems unusually low, check specifically whether the helmet and insurance are bundled in, or charged separately — that's the most common way advertised prices end up higher than expected.
What to check before you ride off
- Existing damage — photograph the scooter from all angles before you leave, including close-ups of any scratches or dents, so there's no dispute at return.
- Mirrors and lights — both mirrors intact, headlight and brake light working. Small things, but they matter if you're stopped by police.
- Fuel level at pickup — note it, ideally in writing or a photo of the gauge, so you know what to return.
- Helmet fit — don't just accept whatever you're handed; ask to try it on and swap it if it's loose.
- Deposit terms — some agencies hold a cash deposit, others hold your ID or passport, others use a card pre-authorization. Know which one applies and get it in writing.
Road rules that catch tourists out
Montenegro requires headlights on at all times, even during the day — this applies to scooters as much as cars. Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger, no exceptions. Riding two-up is legal on most scooters as long as both people fit safely and both wear helmets, but check with your rental agency which specific models are rated for two riders — smaller 50cc scooters often aren't.
Speed limits inside towns are typically 50 km/h, dropping further in the narrow lanes around the old town where scooters often aren't permitted to enter at all — you'll park just outside the gates. Drink-driving limits are strict and enforced, including for scooters; if you've been drinking, walk or take a taxi.
Where a scooter makes sense — and where it doesn't
For exploring the Bay of Kotor itself — Perast, Risan, Dobrota, the loop road around the water — a scooter is close to ideal. Distances are short, the scenery is better experienced in the open air than through a windscreen, and parking anywhere along the route is trivial compared to a car. For longer trips further into Montenegro, up into the mountains toward Durmitor or across to Podgorica, a car becomes more comfortable and considerably safer given the mountain roads and weather.
If you're planning to cross into Croatia for a Dubrovnik day trip, check with your rental agency first — cross-border use isn't always covered by the scooter's insurance, and border staff will sometimes ask for documentation you might not automatically have with a rental scooter.
Booking in practice
Most agencies in Kotor, including ours, work on a simple flow: you pick your dates and model online, submit a booking request, and get a confirmation within an hour or so via WhatsApp or email — no payment required upfront in most cases. Delivery to your accommodation is commonly free for rentals of three days or more, with pickup at the agency itself as the default for shorter rentals.