How to Rent a Scooter in Albania. A Complete Guide for Coastal Resort Towns
Renting a scooter in Albania is the perfect way to zip around resort towns like Durres, Saranda, Vlora, and Shkembi—affordable, mobile, and with the wind in your hair! In 2025, the scooter (50-125 cc) and e-scooter market is thriving, especially on the coast, where traffic and parking are constant challenges. Prices start at €5/day, but there are nuances: winding roads, mandatory helmets, and occasional police checks. Drawing from traveler reviews (Tripadvisor, Reddit, Riderly) and rental platforms (BikesBooking, Moto Rental Albania), here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for coastal resorts.
1. Where and How to Rent a Scooter
- At Tirana Airport (TIA): Not ideal—scooters are rare and pricier (€20-30/day). Better to take a taxi to the city (€10-15) and rent locally.
- In Resort Towns:
- Durres: Plenty of rental spots near the beach and promenade (Riderly, Moto Rental Albania). Search “scooter rental Durres” on Google Maps or ask at hotels. Book via Riderly.com—starting at €5/day for 50cc.
- Saranda: Abundant options in the city center and Ksamil (BikesBooking, Tripindicator). Prices €5-15/day. Easy to find near the port or main street.
- Vlora: Rentals at the port and beaches (iRentalVlora). From €25-30/day in peak season, cheaper off-season (October-May: €15-20).
- Others (Shkembi, Himara, Ksamil): Local agencies near beaches. In Shkembi and Golem, from €10/day via hotels.
- Online Booking: Use Riderly.com, BikesBooking.com, or DiscoverCars for price comparison and free cancellation. For e-scooters, try HubbScooters.com (Tirana and Durres, €15-20/day).
- Tip: Book 1-2 weeks in advance during peak season (June-August)—scooters sell out fast. Off-season (October-May) offers up to 40% discounts.
2. Requirements and Documents
- Age and License: Minimum 18 (preferably 21), driver’s license with AM or A1 category (for 50-125 cc). Tourists need a national license + International Driving Permit (IDP) in English/Albanian—mandatory for police, though some agencies accept just national licenses (especially in Saranda).
- Deposit: €50-200 (refunded upon safe return). Pay by card or cash (lek or euros).
- Tip: Carry a photo of your license and passport. Without an IDP, fines range from €40-100, and insurance may not cover accidents.
- Note: For e-scooters (Hubb), basic licenses suffice, but speeds are limited to <50 km/h.
3. Rental Costs
Costs vary by season, model, and city (based on October 2025 data from Riderly and BikesBooking):
|
City |
Model (50-125 cc) |
Off-Season (€/day) |
Peak Season (€/day) |
Deposit (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Durres |
50 cc |
5-10 | 10-15 | 50-100 |
|
125 cc |
10-15 | 15-20 | 100-150 | |
|
Saranda |
50 cc |
5-8 | 8-12 | 50-100 |
|
125 cc |
8-12 | 12-18 | 100-150 | |
|
Vlora |
50 cc |
15-20 | 25-30 | 100-200 |
|
125 cc |
20-25 | 30-40 | 150-200 | |
|
Shkembi/Golem |
50 cc |
8-12 | 12-15 | 50-100 |
- Extras: Helmet (included or +€1-2/day), lock, top case, and GPS (+€2-5). Fuel: €1.5-2/liter, enough for 100-150 km.
- Discounts: Weekly rentals save 20-30% (€100-150 for 7 days). E-scooters in Durres: €15-20/day, free charging.
- Note: Saranda and Ksamil are cheaper, Vlora pricier due to demand. Avoid “unofficial” renters without contracts—insurance may not apply.
4. What’s Included and Safety
- Standard Package: New scooter (Yamaha, Piaggio), helmet, basic insurance (CDW with €50-100 deductible), and a 5-10 min briefing on operation.
- Safety: Roads in resorts are good, but Riviera routes (to Saranda) and Durres traffic can be risky. Speed: 40-60 km/h. Helmets are mandatory (fine €15). Police rarely check but target tourists more.
- Tip: Check brakes, tires, and lights before riding—take photos. Refuel at Kastrati or Alpet stations.
- Note: Insurance may not cover tires/glass—opt for full coverage (+€5/day). For Riviera routes (Himara), choose 125 cc with strong brakes.
5. Handy Tips and Hacks
- Where to Look: Find rentals near beaches, hotels, or promenades (Durres: near Roman Amphitheatre; Saranda: at the port). Ask locals—cash deals often get discounts.
- Routes: In Durres, ride along the promenade (€5/day suffices). In Saranda, zip to Ksamil (30 min, €10-15/day). In Vlora, Llogara Pass is scenic but needs experience.
- Savings: Rent for 3+ days for 20% off. Off-season (October-May) cuts prices by 30-40%. E-scooters via Hubb in Durres include free charging.
- Risks: Avoid night rides (poor lighting). Winding roads are slippery in rain. Parking: €1-2/hour in city centers, free at beaches.
- Alternatives: Nervous? Rent a bicycle (€5/day) or e-bike (EBA in Tirana/Durres, €15/day).
- Humor: In Albania, a scooter’s like a local jeep: dodges traffic and grabs coffee on the go! But take it slow—better safe than in a clinic. 😄
6. Recommendations from LUX-ALBANIA HOME
Planning to rent a scooter and stay in Durres, Saranda, or Shkembi? We’ll help you find apartments (from €25/day) and recommend trusted rental spots. Contact us:
- Email: office@luxalbaniahome.com (we check it, but not instantly!)
- Phone, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp: +355 69 517-31-01 (always a message away).
Renting a scooter in Albania is freedom and fun! Follow these tips for an epic coastal adventure. Need route or booking help? Reach out—we’re working round the clock for you! 😎
