Renting a Scooter, Motorcycle or Quad Bike in Malta

Scooters, motorcycles and quad bikes are widely offered in Malta and Gozo, but they are not interchangeable for licensing or insurance. The exact vehicle specification determines which licence category is required. Verify the latest details with Renting Vehicles and Motorcycles.

Do not pay until the operator confirms in writing that your licence covers the specific model. For current official information, see Road Code.

Which licence do you need?

Transport Malta uses several categories for powered two-wheelers and light vehicles, including AM, A1, A2, A and B1.

For people obtaining a Maltese licence, Transport Malta currently lists these minimum ages:

Category	Current minimum age listed by Transport Malta
AM for mopeds and light quadricycles	18
A1	18
A2	20
A	24, or 22 with at least two years' A2 experience
B1	18

These ages do not tell you whether a foreign licence covers a particular rental vehicle. The power, engine capacity, design speed and vehicle classification all matter, and rental companies can set a higher minimum age or licence-history requirement.

See our driving licences in Malta guide and send a copy of your licence details to the operator before booking.

Helmet and protective clothing

Use a correctly fitting, approved helmet for every rider and passenger on a motorcycle or moped. Confirm that the helmet closes securely and has not been visibly damaged.

Even in summer, wear:

Closed footwear
Gloves
Long trousers
A protective jacket
Eye protection or a clean visor

Sun, heat and short distances do not remove the risk of a fall. If the supplied safety equipment is damaged or unsuitable, refuse the vehicle.

Insurance and excess

Ask the same questions you would for a rental car, plus vehicle-specific points:

Is the passenger covered?
Is theft covered when the vehicle is locked as instructed?
What excess applies to bodywork, wheels and mirrors?
Are unpaved roads or particular areas excluded?
Is roadside assistance included?
Which lock or parking method must be used?

Record every existing scratch and photograph the helmet and any accessories listed on the agreement.

Quad bikes need particular care

A quad bike can feel stable because it has four wheels, but it handles differently from a car or motorcycle. Turning, braking and road camber can affect it unexpectedly.

Confirm its legal classification, licence category, passenger capacity and helmet rule with the operator. Do not assume that an ordinary car licence covers every quad bike or that a vehicle marketed for “off-road” use may be driven anywhere. Verify the current requirements in Obtaining Your Driving Licence.

Stay on roads and areas where the vehicle is legally permitted. Protected land, beaches and private tracks are not automatically open to motor vehicles.

Collection checklist

Match the registration and vehicle to the contract.
Test both brakes, indicators, lights and horn.
Inspect tyres and mirrors.
Check the fuel level and mileage.
Confirm the storage and steering locks.
Ask for the accident and breakdown number.
Photograph all sides before moving.
Practise controls in a safe area before entering traffic.

Riding in Malta and Gozo

Traffic uses the left. Watch for polished road surfaces, potholes, drain covers, crosswinds and vehicles emerging from narrow side streets. Leave additional braking distance in rain.

Avoid filtering through traffic unless you clearly understand the current rules and can do so safely. Never carry more passengers than the vehicle is approved for.

Our driving in Malta guide covers road conditions and parking. If you meant a standing electric kickscooter rather than a moped, different registration and licence rules apply; read our electric scooter rules in Malta guide.

Browse all our Transport guides.