Easiest motorbike rental Zakynthos: licence rules, gear checklist & tips

Nothing beats a Zakynthos holiday, and right now you can travel safely by scooter! There is nothing like cruising along Zakynthos’ coastline on two wheels, and why bring your own when you can rent one here? Renting is easy, but there are a few important things you should know before planning your trip if you want to rent a motorbike in Zakynthos.

By the end of this article, you will know about:

• The licence rules you must follow;
• The essential and optional gear to keep you safe;
• How to book and pick up your rental;
• Practical tips for storage, security, insurance, and emergencies.

1. Licence rules

The laws regarding the driving licence you need to drive or rent a vehicle in Greece are not strict, but you need to know them so you can rent the motorcycle you booked. Also, rules for renting a vehicle are even stricter than normal driving laws because they take into consideration insurance company requirements. These companies set special requirements for rental cars and motorcycles depending on factors such as licence category and driver’s age.

Which driving licence do you need for each engine size?

To drive a scooter in Greece, you need at least a category B car licence. This is enough for 50cc mopeds, while motorcycle licences (Categories A, A1, or A2) are required for scooters with larger engines (125cc or more).

A valid driving licence from your home country is enough in most cases. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet or from a country that has signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Also, some countries have agreements with Greece, and their citizens are also allowed to drive in Greece without an IDP needed as long as they have a valid driving licence. The list includes:

If you come from any other country, you need an IDP.

Make sure your licence is valid

It is easy to forget to check your licence, and you only need enough bad luck so it’s expired or provisional, in which case it is not accepted. Also, we cannot rent you a vehicle if you have a learner’s licence. There is one exception to this: if your licence was issued in Greece and it includes Code 121 in field 12, it is accepted. We will talk more about codes later.

EU driving licence restriction codes

These driving licence restriction codes appear on licences to show that the holder of the licence may only drive under certain conditions. If you want to drive a scooter or motorbike, here are some codes you should consider:

• 42: Restricted to vehicles with special controls (for disabled riders).
• 44.01 – 44.05: Adaptations like modified steering, braking, or acceleration.
• 78: Limited to motorcycles with automatic transmission. This is common if you pass the test on a scooter/automatic.
• 79: A general restriction code, meaning the entitlement is limited according to specific national rules;
• 79.02: You may only drive three-wheeled mopeds (tricycles) or light quadricycles under category AM. This code can also imply that the vehicle must be adapted to suit medical needs, such as modified controls for motorcycles or mopeds.
• 79.03: Licence valid only for tricycles, not for two-wheeled motorcycles/scooters;
• 79.04: Licence valid only for vehicles with an automatic transmission.

2. Booking & pickup

When booking any vehicle, you should plan. Before making any decision, make sure you answer these questions:

Should I book ahead or rent on the spot?

The general rule is “book as early as possible”. If you travel in the high season (June-September) or on islands with limited availability, the difference in price might be greater if you book ahead. It is also common to rent a motorbike on the spot, but availability is not guaranteed, prices might be higher, and the choice is limited. 

Where should I pick up the motorbike?

This decision is key when planning your trip. Do you want the vehicle ready for pickup at the airport or at the hotel in town? There are many pros and cons; we have summed them up so you can choose the best pickup location for your vehicle according to your needs.

When and how do I pay for my motorbike?

Most companies require you to pay in advance by card when booking the vehicle, especially if you book it online. Depending on the company, some might ask you to pay at pickup in cash. We recommend you choose a trustworthy company where you pay in advance and are offered proof of payment to avoid scams.

Additionally, some companies require a security deposit. It can be €50–€500 depending on bike size. Clarify when and how it will be returned. Also, take into account delivery and collection charges. Some companies will always charge you for these services, while others offer free delivery and collection during business hours, and charge for after-hours services (21:00–08:00).

At TopRentals, you choose the option that suits you best. When it comes to location, our prices will vary depending on pickup and drop-off locations, but we can assure you that we offer the best prices you will find.

How full should the tank be when I drop off the motorbike?

The golden rule is same-to-same policy, so you should return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel you rented it. In many cases, you will pick up the scooter or motorbike with a full tank, and you should return it full, which is called a full-to-full policy. As always, we recommend clarifying this to avoid being charged inflated fuel prices by the company.

When and where am I dropping off the motorbike?

The most common choice is returning your bike at the pickup location, but you can opt for a different place. Maybe you picked it up in town and wanted to leave it at the airport in the middle of the night. Many companies, especially when booking ahead, will ask when and where you want to drop it off, but if they don’t, make sure you do it.

3. Gear checklist

Always wear a helmet when driving a motorbike or scooter in Greece

Both rider and passenger must wear helmets when riding a motorbike or a scooter. What is more, not any helmet is accepted, as it must be E-marked with the European standard ECE 22.05 or the new 22.06. Also, the helmet must be securely fastened and in good condition.

Police officers often check if the helmet is E-marked, and the fines are more unpleasant than the helmet: around €350 + licence points. Recent statistics show that one in six riders is caught without a proper helmet. Police checks are frequent, especially in tourist-heavy areas. We offer you a free helmet, so we recommend that you use it.

Optional gear you can use when riding a motorbike

While these are not required by law, there are many accessories you can wear to increase your safety or just make your ride more enjoyable. Some might feel uncomfortable in the heat, but they can save your life.

• Gloves to protect your hands;
• Motorbike pants or Kevlar jeans, which are much safer than shorts, which are risky;
• Boots or sturdy shoes. We advise against wearing sandals when driving;
• Ear protection for long rides, as they can be uncomfortable due to the loud engine and wind.

4. Tips

Insurance

We talked about insurance, but what do we include with scooter rentals?

• Basic Insurance: Includes Third-party liability (TPI), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). No credit card or deposit is required.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – optional: Includes limited excess.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) – optional: Includes minimal excess.

For other questions about insurance, like the excess for scooter insurance, you can check the FAQ.

What if my motorbike breaks?

We keep our vehicles in optimal condition so you don’t have to worry about a brake failure or gearbox malfunction. On the other hand, a flat tire or fuel contamination can happen to anyone.

If you have any issues, we include 24/7 Road & Phone Assistance in all rentals. You can contact us, and if necessary, we will provide a replacement vehicle. The contact information is provided in the rental agreement and confirmation emails.

Keep your documents close

In case of a police check, you must have the following documents on hand:

1. Your valid driving license: It must include a motorbike entitlement (A1/A2/A). Considering the conditions mentioned earlier, we recommend that you have an IDP.
2. Rental agreement: This proves you’re authorized to use the vehicle. It should include your name, rental dates, and motorbike details. Some companies include insurance details here, too.
3. Passport or National ID: Police officers need it for identification or if you’re involved in an accident.
4. Insurance certificate: Rental companies usually provide it. If you paid for extra coverage, like CDW or theft insurance, make sure it’s documented.
5. Vehicle registration papers: These are typically kept onboard the bike in the storage compartment. Make sure you have them at all times, as they confirm the bike is legally registered and roadworthy.

Safe storage and anti-theft security

“The man who sleeps with a machete under his pillow is a fool every night except for one.” Based on this saying, we recommend using at least two security devices. A disc lock on the brake disc makes the bike hard to roll, while a chain lock can easily secure it to a pole or fence. If you want to give a thief a small heart attack, you can opt for a portable alarm clock.

When it comes to parking, busy areas are your go-to. Always look for cameras and park near shops to reduce the risk of a possible thief. In some big cities like Athens, you can find official moto parking areas, but that’s not an option in smaller cities and towns. At night, avoid leaving your scooter on the street if possible, as some hotels offer private parking or locked garages. Even a courtyard can help.

You can remove temptations by not leaving helmets, bags, or other valuables on top of the scooter or even in the under-seat storage. They are easier to break into than most people think. Use this storage only for small, non-valuable items. 

Some beaches have lockers where you can store your valuables. Always carry your valuables, especially on islands where helmet theft is common. You can ask local people about this, as they know best.

5. You are ready to book a scooter

If you respect everything you’ve read so far, you should be ready to book your scooter or motorbike for Zakynthos. We give advice we believe in, so if you want a company you can safely rent a vehicle from, whether it’s a scooter, a car, or an ATV, here at TopRentals, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for a custom experience and the best prices you’ll find. Gear up, ride safe, and discover Zakynthos the way it was meant to be explored: freely, on two wheels.