Spain is traditionally a market in which the idea of ??“always buying before renting” is very strongly installed – and not only for motorcycling. However, little by little, the trend is changing… also in terms of motorcycles.
More and more individuals or companies decide to rent a motorcycle to live the real motorcycling experience before deciding to buy their own machine or provide their employees with a functional and economical work vehicle.
We are not referring to renting a moped to ride along the coast during the summer – although this type of summer rental has always been very active in our country – but to renting a scooter to convert it into an everyday travel tool or even a machine. large displacement to carry out that dream trip alone or in the company of friends.
A new type of customer that we could call “occasional biker” personified as someone who does not own a motorcycle but wants to live the experience of traveling a motorcycle route or moving around the city with 24/7 availability and without resorting to “sharing” units. ”.
And statistics show that the phenomenon is increasing. The increasing presence of foreign citizens who choose this system during their stay in the city and the hyper-professionalization of businesses in the sector have made motorcycle rental – we insist; not to be confused with “motosharing” – has grown in Spain, no more and no less, than 400% since 2021 according to sector sources. Below, we explain everything you need to know before renting.
One of the big obstacles when buying a motorcycle is usually the initial outlay. This is always much lower in the rental, although it is true that, in some cases – especially large displacement motorcycles for solo trips – a deposit may be required, which is obviously always returned immediately upon return of the vehicle.
Without a doubt, the main advantage of renting is that it frees the user from any type of bureaucracy. Simply sign the rental contract, pay the agreed amount… and off you go. Logically, and in consequence of the previous point, the client can also not worry completely about the maintenance and repair costs of the rented motorcycle or changes of oil, tires, brakes, etc.
Each and every one of the motorcycles delivered to customers has been checked down to the smallest detail to ensure its perfect running condition and maintenance. The driver at the handlebars can be absolutely certain that when his motorcycle leaves the rental business, it does so as if it had just left the factory. Most medium and large displacement motorcycle rental companies also allow the possibility of having a 24-hour assistance service that ensures permanent protection of both the machine and the driver.
Another positive thing about renting is that you can choose between several motorcycle models depending on your needs. For example, if you only need a motorcycle for a short weekend trip, you can rent a sport-tourist or a trail bike if you plan to go out in the mountains or a scooter to use in the city. It is true that, in some cases – such as long-distance group trips – we usually work with a single model for all users in order to facilitate the replacement and repair work of the tracking vehicles.
Although all brands have “test” units for those customers who want to test their motorcycle before making a purchasing decision, this can also be done perfectly through a rental service, which will allow the machine to be tested in real conditions. use or simply the handlebar skills of the renter. In certain environments, such as highly touristy ones, it is usually easier to find rental businesses nearby than dealerships.
It is one of the most interesting facets and one of the most increasing in demand; participating in organized motorcycle trips, so that you ride with an expert guide, with all services covered, maximum security and without the client having to worry about anything other than enjoying the route. Renting a motorcycle to take a trip this way is much more sustainable and fun and forever friendships are forged.
Before renting a motorcycle – of any displacement – you should be very conscientious about what the insurance coverage includes. Although – logically – companies offer several alternatives, the best advice is always to hire the maximum possible to film with absolute peace of mind. It is also necessary to make clear the possible expenses that are borne by the tenant if there are any beyond fuel.
Driving a motorcycle carries a certain risk and that is assumed by both the lessor and the lessee. But logically, during the time of use of the motorcycle, the driver must commit in good faith to take care of that machine as if it were his own; That means handling it with caution, having a safe place to store it, not leaving it to third parties and not exposing it to damage that has nothing to do with normal motorcycling.
In the event of an accident or any incident, the best advice is to be sincere and clear with the rental company and honestly explain what happened. Driving a rental motorcycle does not change the rights and duties of the driver as such.
Despite what it may seem – except for maximum “barrabasada” or totally reckless use – the company is going to take the client’s side since their motorcycles are insured and we have to make it easy for them to make a claim.
As we have said, there is nothing wrong with using a rental motorcycle to gain experience; For example, those people who – despite having a driving license – have not been behind the handlebars for a long time. But you also have to be realistic and not be reckless enough to rent machines that exceed the capacity of the eventual driver. It is much more logical and the experience will be much more enjoyable to rent an affordable motorcycle at the customer’s real level. And remember that, if in doubt, professionals are there to advise.
