Barbados Bikes and Mopeds

Getting around Barbados by bike doesn't have to be a balancing act

Independent Sightseeing

Bicycles and mopeds can provide excellent opportunities for vacationers to get off the beaten path and explore more remote areas of Barbados.

Bikes and scooters are widely available on the island, and rental rates are affordable once a cash deposit is paid. Anticipate deposits of approximately $100(USD) for mopeds and $50(USD) for bikes.

Daily rates for bicycles are approximately $20(USD), and $25(USD) a day allows visitors to rent a moped. Bikes and scooters can both be rented by the week, and prices on Barbados tend to improve when the dealer knows you'll be renting the equipment for more than one day. Rates can be negotiated a bit for weekly prices, so smart travelers are advised to discuss their plans with the shop owners when renting bicycles and motorbikes.

Motor scooters will require drivers to hold a driver's license. Vacationers who do not already have an International Drivers License may obtain visitors' permits for use during their stay in Barbados. These are issued at rental car agencies and the local police stations. A valid driver's license from your home country and a registration fee of $5(USD) are required.

Because Barbados is a busy island, it is generally not recommended that vacationers rent bikes or mopeds as a primary mode of transportation. Traffic and street conditions can be very confusing for foreigners. Driving is done on the left side of the street, and it is not unusual to have heavy traffic and poor lighting on the roads during rush hour.

Bikes and mopeds are both excellent ways to see the island's more remote areas, offering vacationers a great chance to enjoy the fresh air and famous scenery. Reasonable rates make two-wheeling adventures available to almost everyone, and excursions to the Barbados countryside are made more pleasant by the independence allowed by bicycles and mopeds.

Print   Return to Normal View