If you’re lucky enough to go there, you’ll soon learn that scooters and mopeds are by far the most common ways of getting around in Bermuda, both for tourists and expats. Let’s explore the basics…

Scooters are less expensive and more convenient than cars, which are deliberately limited in number to avoid the Island’s roads becoming too congested at peak hours.

When you first arrive as an expat, you’ll most likely be given the use of a free rental scooter for a few weeks from a local rental company such as Oleander Cycles or Smatt’s, paid for by your new employer. By the time this rental expires, the idea is that you’ll have purchased a new or used scooter of your own.

There’s a good market in used ones so it’s easy to pick one up. A new one may cost US$3,000 whilst used ones go as low as US$500 or less. We recommend using a classified ads website such as emoo.bm as a good way to find a used vehicle, or try the small ads in one of the local papers, such as the Royal Gazette.

Riding and safety tips

Scooters are very easy to ride: there are no gears – just an accelerator handle and a brake handle. Don’t worry if you haven’t ridden one before. It’s easy and all you need is a basic sense of balance.

The scooter will need to be registered in your name at TCD (the Transport Control Department), insured with a company such as Colonial, and you’ll have to sit a very simple driving test to get your local Bermuda driving licence (a local licence is not needed when you are using a rental bike).

  • Basic tips for riding include the following:
  • For safety, wear your helmet at all times
  • Keep to the left-hand side of the road
  • The speed limit is 35 kph (approximately 22 mph)
  • Take care driving when the road is wet
  • Lock your cycle when it’s not in use
  • Don’t drink and drive

See also: Moving Offshore: A Quick Budget

If you are a lawyer or chartered accountant and interested in working in the Bermuda/Caribbean region, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site also includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.