Exploring Elba on two wheels is one of the most enjoyable and practical ways to take in the island’s scents and panoramas. This guide, created by the staff of Hotel Giardino, explains where to hire a scooter or small motorcycle, what it costs, what is included and how to enjoy your holiday safely and without stress . It uses a question‑and‑answer format with summary tables and includes tips on day trips from Lacona.
Why hire a scooter on Elba?
Hiring a scooter (or small moped) is one of the best choices for moving around Elba. The main advantages are:
- Agility and easy parking – a scooter lets you weave through traffic and park almost anywhere, which is especially useful in summer when car parks are crowded .
- Lower costs than a car – renting and fuelling a scooter is cheaper than a car. A 125 cc scooter can travel dozens of kilometres on a litre of petrol .
- Freedom and fun – riding with the scent of Mediterranean scrub and sea breeze gives a unique sense of freedom. You can stop at viewpoints or beaches whenever you like .
- Reach hidden places – small roads lead to secluded beaches and hill villages that are difficult for cars .
In short, scooters are considered the best way to explore Elba because they save time in traffic and parking, reduce costs and let you experience the island outdoors .
Where can you hire a scooter on the island?
Elba may be small but there are many rental agencies located in tourist centres and arrival points. You can hire a scooter for the whole holiday or just for one day; most operators also deliver the vehicle to the ferry port or your hotel . The main areas are:
Portoferraio (main port)
The greatest concentration of rentals is in Portoferraio, the island’s ferry port. Agencies such as 2P Rent, Rent Chiappi, Happy Rent, Mondo Rent, TWN Rent and Noleggio Lumia have offices or delivery points near the pier . You can book in advance and collect your scooter as soon as you land.
Marina di Campo
This tourist hub on the south‑west coast hosts two TWN Rent branches (in the town centre and at Camping Ville degli Ulivi) and Elba Scooter, which offers competitive rates and free transfer from hotels/campsites to pick up the vehicle .
Lacona (Capoliveri)
There is a TWN Rent branch in Lacona, just outside the beach, which is handy if you are staying at Hotel Giardino. GoelbaRent also delivers scooters to Lacona on request .
Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro
These eastern towns are served by agencies based just outside the centres. Noleggio Lumia and GoelbaRent have depots in Mola (between Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro) and deliver directly to hotels .
Other locations
TWN Rent has an office in Procchio (north‑west). For areas like Cavo or Rio Marina on the north‑east, delivery by prior arrangement is common . Many agencies will deliver anywhere on the island if you contact them.
Summary table of rental agencies
| Rental agency | Main offices | Services and features |
|---|---|---|
| 2P Rent | Portoferraio (Via Marconi, 40 m from ferry pier) | Convenient location. Delivery throughout the island on request. Helmets included, unlimited mileage, 24‑hour assistance. Discount on ferry tickets. Free baggage deposit and car park for customers . |
| TWN Rent | Portoferraio, Marina di Campo (town and Camping Ville degli Ulivi), Lacona, Procchio, Lido di Capoliveri | Local network with six branches. Large fleet of cars, scooters and bicycles. Long opening hours in high season. 10 % early‑booking discount (if booked ≥28 days in advance). New vehicles and option to rent one‑way (different pick‑up and drop‑off locations) . |
| GoelbaRent | Portoferraio (Via Manganaro), Marina di Campo (Via per Portoferraio), Porto Azzurro – Mola | Centralised online booking. Delivery anywhere on the island (free for rentals over €500). All‑inclusive rates with unlimited km, helmet and optional Kasko. Brand of the local tour operator Goelba . |
| Noleggio Lumia | Portoferraio and Mola (near Capoliveri/Porto Azzurro) | Wide range of scooters (50 cc, 125 cc and higher). Strategic offices in Portoferraio and at the Mola roundabout. Helmets and assistance included . |
| Elba Scooter | Marina di Campo (Via Roma) | Specialised scooter rental. Large fleet, competitive rates and easy booking. Free transfer from accommodation in Campo nell’Elba to pick up the scooter. 24‑hour phone support . |
What types of scooters are available and what licence is required?
Rental fleets usually offer two main engine sizes:
- 50 cc scooters – “cinquantini” limited to ~45–50 km/h. Legally they can be driven from age 14 with an AM licence, but rental agencies require you to be at least 18. They are cheaper and suitable for short trips, but struggle on hills and longer routes .
- 125 cc scooters – the most popular choice for tourists. They reach about 90 km/h and have enough power for hills, even with a passenger. A standard car driving licence (B) is sufficient. Common models include Kymco Agility 125, Yamaha NMAX 125 and Honda SH 125 .
- Higher‑capacity scooters/motorbikes – some agencies also rent 150 cc, 200 cc, 300 cc scooters or full motorbikes. These require motorcycle licences (A2/A3) and are mainly chosen by enthusiasts. A 125 cc is already plenty for exploring Elba .
Licence and safety requirements
- Age and licence – most companies require drivers to be at least 18 and hold a valid licence. EU licences are accepted; travellers from outside the EU should carry an International Driving Permit. A B licence covers scooters up to 125 cc .
- Helmet – wearing a helmet is mandatory for both driver and passenger. The agency provides helmets, but check they fit properly .
- Passenger rules – 50 cc scooters can carry a passenger only if homologated and will struggle on hills. A 125 cc comfortably carries two adults .
How much does it cost to rent a scooter on Elba?
Prices vary by engine size, rental duration, season and when you book. Indicative rates are:
- Low season (spring and late September) – a 125 cc costs about €30‑35 per day; a 50 cc €25‑30 .
- Shoulder season (late June and early September) – €40‑45 per day for a 125 cc; weekly packages around €160 .
- High season (late July and August) – around €50 per day for a 125 cc. Multi‑day packages are about €95‑110 for three days or €190‑210 for a week. Premium scooters (e.g., 250 cc) can cost €60 per day .
Additional costs:
- Deposit – agencies require a refundable deposit, usually around €100 for 50/125 cc scooters (higher for bigger models) .
- Fuel – fuel is not included; a full tank for a 125 cc costs €10‑15. Scooters are delivered with fuel and must be returned at the same level .
- Unlimited mileage – most rentals include unlimited km .
- Insurance – third‑party liability is included by law. Some companies offer optional zero‑excess Kasko at an extra cost .
- Extras – a second helmet is usually included. Top boxes and locks are often provided; other accessories (waterproof jackets, courtesy kits) may be available on request .
On average, renting a 125 cc scooter costs €35‑40 per day (less in low season and more in August) .
What is included in a scooter rental?
Standard inclusions typically cover:
- Helmet(s) – at least one helmet; most companies provide two if requested .
- Unlimited mileage – ride as much as you like without worrying about distance limits .
- 24‑hour roadside assistance – local rental agencies will help or replace your scooter if you break down .
- Insurance – basic third‑party cover is mandatory; many rentals include zero‑excess Kasko or offer it as an optional extra .
- Lock – a chain or disc lock is usually included .
- Top box or under‑seat storage – many scooters come with a rear box or ample under‑seat space .
- Maps and information – some agencies provide a map or tourist guide .
- Extra services – some rentals, such as 2P Rent, offer free car parking and baggage storage for customers .
Read the rental contract carefully to check what is included and what extras cost; ask for a second helmet, child seat or larger helmet if needed .
Should you book the scooter in advance? How does online booking work?
Yes. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in July and August when demand is high. Pre‑booking guarantees availability and often secures a better price. GoelbaRent, for example, allows you to choose dates, pick‑up location and vehicle online and delivers the scooter to your hotel; delivery is free for rentals over €500 and charged on a sliding scale for shorter rentals . TWN Rent offers a 10 % discount when booking at least 28 days in advance . In low season, a few days’ notice is usually sufficient .
To book, you normally need a credit card and personal details. You will receive a voucher to present on arrival . Always check cancellation conditions; many rentals allow free cancellation up to a few days before arrival .
What safety precautions should you follow when riding a scooter on Elba?
Riding a scooter on the island is wonderful, but there are some important safety rules :
- Drive cautiously on narrow, winding roads – many coastal roads and mountain routes are narrow with blind curves. Keep right, moderate your speed and use engine braking on descents .
- Beware of road surface and weather – traction decreases on wet or uneven surfaces. Avoid riding in heavy rain or strong wind; wait it out .
- Wear appropriate gear – even in summer, wear closed shoes, a long‑sleeved jacket, a light waterproof or reflective jacket, and of course a helmet .
- Obey traffic rules – stick to speed limits (50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside), avoid risky overtaking and heed ZTL (restricted traffic zones) which operate in many towns .
- Parking – use designated motorcycle spaces; do not park on pedestrian areas or protected dunes .
- Watch for animals and low visibility – slow down on country roads at night; wild boars or goats can cross unexpectedly .
Take breaks to enjoy the view, carry water, and savour the journey .
Why is Hotel Giardino in Lacona an ideal base for exploring Elba by scooter?
Hotel Giardino is in Lacona, at the centre of the homonymous gulf. Its location is almost equidistant from the main towns: Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio are 10–16 km away (15–25 minutes by 125 cc scooter) . From here you can ride west to Fetovaia or east to Capoliveri in less than half an hour. A table summarising distances from the hotel shows how easy it is to reach the whole island .
Besides its strategic location, the hotel offers a peaceful 30,000 m² park with pine trees where you can relax after a day on the road . Each room has a numbered parking place for cars or scooters in a shaded area . The hotel is family‑run with a friendly atmosphere, and rooms provide all comforts: private bathroom, satellite TV, safe, Wi‑Fi and air conditioning . Guests enjoy a generous buffet breakfast, home‑cooked meals and quick access (100 m) to the golden sandy beach of Lacona .
The hotel can arrange discounted ferry tickets, offers free parking and is pet‑friendly . It also provides advice on itineraries and can help you hire bikes or scooters locally.
Distance summary from Hotel Giardino (Lacona)
| Destination | Approx. distance | Travel time by 125 cc scooter |
|---|---|---|
| Marina di Campo (west) | ~9 km | ~15 min |
| Capoliveri (south‑east) | ~10 km | ~15 min |
| Porto Azzurro (east) | ~10 km | 15–18 min |
| Portoferraio (north) | ~16 km | 20–25 min |
| Procchio (north‑west) | ~15 km | ~20 min |
| Marciana Marina (north‑west) | ~25 km | 35–40 min |
| Fetovaia (south‑west) | ~20 km | 35 min (winding road) |
| Rio Marina (north‑east) | ~25 km | 40 min |
| Pomonte (west) | ~30 km | 50–60 min (via western ring road) |
What to visit near Hotel Giardino (Lacona)
The area around Lacona offers beaches, historical villages, nature trails and sport. Highlights include:
- Lacona Beach – the hotel’s “home beach” is the island’s second longest (1.2 km). A wooden boardwalk crosses protected dunes with centuries‑old junipers. The sea is shallow and crystalline, with both free areas and beach clubs .
- Laconella Beach – a secluded bay west of Lacona with fine white sand, emerald water and peaceful atmosphere .
- Margidore Beach – a quiet 500 m dark‑pebble beach east of Lacona, popular for snorkelling and diving .
- Capo Stella panorama – a short hike to a promontory dividing the gulfs of Lacona and Stella with views of Montecristo and Monte Capanne .
- Capoliveri – a hilltop village 15 min away; wander its medieval alleys, enjoy the views and visit the Calamita mine and nearby beaches like Barabarca, Zuccale, Morcone and Innamorata .
- Porto Azzurro – a charming fishing village with a Spanish fortress and palm‑lined waterfront, lively evening markets and nearby Barbarossa Beach .
- Marina di Campo – the longest sandy beach on the island, with a lively seafront and attractions like the Pisan tower and Elba Aquarium. It is also the gateway to the scenic Western Ring road through Sant’Andrea, Chiessi, Pomonte, Fetovaia and Cavoli .
- Trekking and mountain biking – trails such as Monte Tambone behind Lacona, the Romanesque church Pieve di San Michele and the sanctuary of Madonna di Monserrato, or the Capoliveri Bike Park on Monte Calamita .
Conclusion
Hiring a scooter on Elba is affordable and gives you maximum freedom to explore this varied island. Choose the right engine size, book ahead, follow safety rules and enjoy the ride. Staying at Hotel Giardino in Lacona gives you a central, peaceful base with easy access to beaches and attractions, free parking and friendly hospitality. Get your helmet and sunscreen ready and set off to discover every corner of this Tuscan paradise.