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A scooter is the best way to get around Tulum. You don’t need to rely on expensive tours and taxis, and can quickly zip around town and get from downtown Tulum to the beach and visit popular neighborhoods like Aldea Zama and La Veleta.
But if you never rented a scooter in Tulum, you might have some questions. That’s why I wrote this article: So you can find out everything about this popular transportation option and plan your trip.
✅ Check: Best restaurants in Tulum
Where to rent a scooter in Tulum for a day?
Many shops around Tulum like Vespacito and Tulum Scooter Rental offer rentals for a day. However, the availability and prices fluctuate depending on the time of the year. The busy winter season in Tulum sees the highest rates, and some places could have limited inventory due to high demand.
Rent your scooter online
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Tulum for the day?
It costs about 450 Pesos (about 25 USD) per day to rent a scooter in Tulum, but prices also range depending on the season and a specific shop. If you are thinking about renting a scooter, you can contact local shops via WhatsApp to ask about their rates.
Be aware that prices on scooter rentals often fluctuate and can be significantly higher than normal during busy winter months. If you are renting a scooter for a longer period of time you typically get better deals than if you do it just for a day, and some shops even offer discounts.
➡️ CHECK PRICES ON DAILY SCOOTER RENTALS
Renting a scooter for an extended period of time
If you are a digital nomad planning to stay in Tulum for an extended amount of time, consider buying a scooter. You can get it at Chedraui in Tulum or any other bigger stores in Playa Del Carmen or Tulum. Buying a scooter and reselling it later might be a cheaper option, because rental fees will add up in the long run, making it more expensive.
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BEST PLACES TO RENT A SCOOTER IN TULUM
Below are the most popular scooter shops in Tulum where you can get a rental for a couple of days or for an extended time.
✅ Monzarentals
Monzarentals offers brand-new scooters, ATVs, and buggy rentals with GPS trackers at reasonable rates. The shop has weekly and monthly scooter and ATV specials available and is located in downtown Tulum. Insurance, helmets, and locks are included in price, so definitley check them out!
Address: Avenida Tulum, 77760 Tulum, QROO, México, Tulum, Mexico
✅ Rent a Scooter Tulum
One of the best places to rent a scooter in Tulum for a day, this shop offers amazing deals and wonderful customer service.
This shop has mostly five-star reviews, and many travelers comment on their excellent customer service and transparency. Unlike some other shops in town, Rent a Scooter Tulum doesn’t require a big deposit, and they are very easy to communicate with via WhatsApp.
Address: Prol. Sayil, Aldea Zama Lote 5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
✅ Scooterama
Scooterama is another highly-rated scooter shop in Tulum that gets amazing reviews from travelers. This place offers new scooters in great condition, and the staff can bring them to your hotel.
Scooterama also offers some of the most competitive rental prices on scooters per day, 450 Pesos, which is lower than many other shops in the area.
The team that runs this shop is very friendly and helpful.
Address: 6G6H+R9J Palmas, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
✅ KIN Rental
Kin Rental offers amazing rates for a 24-hour rental. They have plenty of bikes and brand-new scooters with low mileage, and bikes can also be delivered to your hotel.
Their prices also include insurance. You can always communicate with them via WhatsApp, in case you have any questions.
Address: Calle Gama Ote., Tulum Centro, Col Huracanes, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
✅ Vespacito
If you are looking for classic electric scooters, check out Vespacito, a popular shop that offers a selection of scooters and great customer service.
Address: Polar, Calle Orión Nte. Esq, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
✅ Mayan Ride
Mayan ride is a popular choice among many travelers that delivers scooters to your place FREE of charge. They also offer hassle-free return. The team who runs this shop is very friendly and easy to communicate with.
They qiuckly respond to WhatsApp messages and all inquiries.
Address: C. 10 Sur, La Veleta, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
What documents do I need to rent a scooter in Tulum?
To rent a scooter, you will need a driver’s license, a passport or ID that you might have to leave at the shop throughout the duration of your rental. Most rental shops also require a cash deposit.
TIPS FOR RENTING SCOOTERS
1. Read reviews
You should carefully read reviews before choosing a specific scooter shop. What other travelers have to say is often a good indicator of what the place and service are like. You can often look up the places through TripAdvisor, social media pages or read Google reviews.
2. Send a message via WhatsApp
If you find a company you like, see if you can message them via WhatsApp. Many scooter shops will respond to your questions and comments.
3. Check the rates
It’s important to check prices before deciding to rent a scooter. Make sure you understand how much you need to pay for a specific amount of time and what the deposit is going to be like. Also, ask if your insurance is going to be included in the rental price.
4. Research the availability
Always check if a specific type of scooter you want to rent is available.
5. Make sure you have the required documents
Ask your scooter shop about the required documentation. Different shops might have different policies and requirements when it comes to cash deposits and documents.
6. Ask if helmets are included
Many scooter shops in Tulum offer protective gear like helmets, but it’s important to double-check if one is included in the price.
7. Agree on the pick-up spot
Some scooter shops deliver your bikes and scooters to your hotel, while others don’t. Make sure you understand where you need to pick it up.
8. Carefully read the agreement before signing
Before you sign your scooter rental agreement, make sure to give a thorough read and understand all terms and conditions. In case something looks unclear, always ask questions. You should understand every point of the contract before you sign it.
9. Make a payment
After you sign the document and agree to all terms and conditions, you will need to make a payment. You can usually pay with a credit card, but payment policies could range from shop to shop.
Why rent a scooter in Tulum
Renting a scooter gives you a lot of freedom and allows you to explore many amazing places that you can’t visit on foot. It also allows you to avoid expensive taxis and not rely on guided tours which give you only a limited amount of time in a given place.
✅ Read: Best Tulum hotels
Places to explore near Tulum after renting a scooter
After you get your scooter, it’s to explore the area. This is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, which is why your own transportation comes in very handy!
Here are some of the places near Tulum, where you can buy a scooter.
➡️ Check: Best tours in Tulum
1. Coba
Coba is an archaeological area about 40 minutes from Tulum, and it was one of the first places that I visited when I rented a scooter.
Coba is famous for the largest network of sac-be’s ( white road in the Mayan language). Archaeologists have found about 50 roads in the area, but only 16 of them are open to the public. They connect various areas of Coba to the main Pyramid Nohoch Mul as well as the nearby lake.
There is also a trio of cenotes near the ruins that make for a perfect refresher after touring the ruins.
✅ BOOK A SCOOTER FOR YOUR STAY IN TULUM
2. Laguna Kaan Luum
Laguna Kaan Luum is one of the best places to visit near Tulum by scooter. The lagoon is a small lake with a cenote in the middle surrounded by the lush jungle where you can get a nice break from the heat and crowds of Tulum.
Several wooden piers are stretching into the lagoon, which are great for catching some sun. Grab a spot on the edge of the pier, dip your feet in the water, and enjoy the view!
3. Cenote Escondido
Cenote Escondido is a hidden gem located across the road from Cenote Cristal that’s perfect if you are looking to escape the crowds. Located along Highway 307, this open cenote is popular for swimming and diving and makes for a perfect stop on your way to Laguna Kaan Luum.
Check my complete guide to some of the best cenotes in Tulum
4. Cenote Corazon
Cenote Corazón is located just a couple of minutes north of the entrance to Laguna Kaan Luum. This heart-shaped cenote is most popular for drone photography, but it never feels crowded because it is like a small lake in the middle of the lush Mayan jungle.
✅ Read: Best pizza in Tulum
Book best cenote tours in Tulum
5. Muyil
Muyil is one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico off the beaten track, that sits near Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. It’s a smaller archaeological area with several temples that are connected by white routes (or Sac-be in the Mayan language).
The ruins that you will find here are very impressive and you can also walk along the boardwalk surrounded by the lagoons and mangroves before you arrive at the tall observation tower.
6. Gran Cenote
One of the closest cenotes to Tulum, Gran Canote is a semi-open cenote with overhanging rock formations and inlets surrounded by lush greens. You can reach this cenote by a bike ride from Tulum.
WHY RENT A SCOOTER IN TULUM?
- Skip expensive taxis – Taxis in Tulum are notorious for charging high rates. When you have a scooter, you don’t have to deal with them anymore.
- Faster than bicycles – Many travelers rent bikes in Tulum, which is great if you want to get some exercise, but it’s also much slower. A scooter allows you to get quickly around Tulum and have more leeway on the roads.
- Save tons of time – Whether you want to ride a scooter to the beach or explore other parts of town, you can do it pretty quickly and save a lot of time.
Tips for riding a scooter in Tulum
Riding a scooter in Tulum is a fun experience, but it also requires navigating busy streets with traffic and pedestrians.
Here are some of my tips for riding your scooter in Tulum:
1. Follow the rules
Familiarize yourself with Mexican traffic rules and regulations and learn local road signs.
2. Do not use your phone
Put your phone away while on a scooter. It’s the easiest way to avoid an accident.
3. Wear a helmet
Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter. Tulum has a lot of traffic, and last thing you want is to get injured in an accident.
4. Only leave your scooter where it’s safe to park
Use only designated parking to make sure your scooter is safe and minimize the chance of theft.
5. Know the difference between Tulum Pueblo vs. Tulum Beach
Tulum is divided into two main areas, the Pueblo (downtown) and the Beach zone. The road conditions and traffic can differ significantly between these areas. Plan your route accordingly.
6. Watch out for speed bumps
Speed bumps also called topes in Spanish are common in many parts of Tulum. If you hit them full speed, you could damage your scooter, so it’s important to watch out for them.
7. Avoid pot holes
Some roads in Tulum have pot holes, so you should always keep a close eye on the road when riding a scooter.
8. Be careful on beach roads
Some roads leading to beach clubs and hotels may be unpaved or in poor condition. Drive carefully and be prepared for rough terrain.
9. Do not drink and drive
It’s the best way to avoid fines and accidents. If you are going out, just get a taxi.
Renting a scooter in Tulum: FAQ’s
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Tulum for a week?
Weekly rentals could range between $150-$170, but some shops also give you discounts if you plan to rent a scooter for a longer period of time.
Should I rent a car or scooter in Tulum?
A scooter is a perfect way to get around Tulum and visit nearby ruins and cenotes, while a car is a better choice if you want to travel longer distances and take a day trip from Tulum to Chichen Itza and Bacalar.
Can you get around Tulum without a car?
Yes, you can get around Tulum without a car. You can walk around downtown Tulum and if you need to go to the beach or popular neighborhoods like Aldea Zama and La Veleta, you can rent a scooter or bicycle.
Do I need insurance when renting a scooter in Tulum?
You are not required to have insurance when renting a scooter, but it’s highly advisable to get one, as it will protect you in case of an accident or damage. If you don’t have insurance you could be responsible for any damages that happen to a scooter while you are renting it.
Is it safe to rent a scooter in Tulum?
Renting a scooter in Tulum is safe, but you should always do your research to find a reputable shop with good reviews. Make sure you understand all terms and conditions of your rental agreement and follow the rules when riding a scooter around Tulum.
How much is a monthly scooter rental in Tulum?
If you want to rent a scooter in Tulum for a month, be ready to pay between $400-600 on average. This is an extremely high price, and if you are staying in Tulum for an extended period of time, you might be better off just buying a used scooter online or in store and selling it later.
Is it worth renting a scooter in Tulum?
Yes, renting a scooter in Tulum is worth it. You will be able to get around the area quickly and visit some of the best cenotes and Mayan ruins on your terms without paying tons of money for a taxi.
Can you drive a scooter in Tulum?
Yes, you can drive a scooter in Tulum. A scooter is one of the most popular ways of getting around the area and many visitors rent scooters during their stay.
Can I take a scooter to Tulum ruins?
Yes, you can take a scooter to Tulum ruins, but you will need to pay a parking fee.
Do you need a license to ride a scooter in Mexico?
Most scooter shops will ask you for your driver’s license, but it also depends on a specific shop policy. Either way, it’s a good idea to always have your driver’s license handy.
Renting a scooter in Tulum: final word
A scooter is a great mode of transportation in Tulum. This is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico’s Caribbean, and as it keeps growing and adding new hotels, resturants and even a brand-new Tulum Airport, the traffic in Tulum ony gets worse. Having a scooter will allow you to get around the area quickly and avoid losing time in traffic.