Renting a motorbike in Réunion: licence, roads and advice

Réunion is a French department: mainland French rules apply identically. There is no local rule and no special licence to arrange.

• A1 licence (from 16) — motorbikes up to 125 cc and 11 kW.
• B licence (car) — you may ride a 125 cc provided you have held it for at least 2 years and completed a 7-hour training course. This is the most common case among visitors.
• A2 licence (from 18) — motorbikes up to 35 kW.
• A licence — any engine size, after 2 years on A2 plus further training.

Two things to anticipate: hire companies almost always require a minimum licence age (often 1 to 3 years) and a minimum rider age specific to each vehicle. Both conditions appear on every listing — check them before booking rather than at the counter.

If your licence was issued outside the European Union, check whether you need an international driving permit before you travel.

Two items are required by law for rider and passenger alike:

• an approved helmet (ECE standard), properly fastened;
• CE-certified gloves, compulsory since November 2016.

Most Réunion agencies provide helmet and gloves with the vehicle — some add a jacket or back protector. But it is not automatic: check the equipment list on the listing, and ask the agency if in doubt. On Tropiloc the “Ask the agency a question” button, on the vehicle page, puts you in direct contact with them.

Beyond the legal minimum, pack for the temperature swings: it can be close to 30 °C on the coast and under 10 °C early in the morning at altitude. A windproof layer and something warm change everything on the Volcano road.

The island suits two wheels remarkably well, provided you match the route to your level.

• The Volcano road, from Le Tampon and the Plaine des Cafres: a long steady climb towards Pas de Bellecombe, through landscapes that change completely within an hour.
• The climb to Maïdo, from Saint-Paul: surfaced all the way to the viewpoint, a demanding but manageable series of hairpins. Set off early — mist often rises mid-morning.
• The Cilaos road: hundreds of bends and several narrow tunnels. Magnificent, but for confident riders, especially in the wet.
• The west coast, from Saint-Paul to L'Étang-Salé: the gentlest ride, ideal for finding your feet.

One thing to know: the coastal road between Saint-Denis and La Possession can be switched or closed depending on swell and rockfall. Check its status before heading north.

The relief creates micro-climates: it can be bright sunshine in Saint-Gilles and raining in the highlands at the same moment. On a bike, that difference is felt very differently than in a car.

A few simple habits:

• Set off early. Mornings are clearer; cloud usually rises from the lowlands from 10–11 am.
• Check the forecast and alert levels before each ride, particularly from December to March (rainy season and cyclone risk).
• Beware wet surfaces in the highlands: lingering damp, leaves and run-off make some bends treacherous.
• Plan your fuel: stations thin out as soon as you leave the coast.

The most pleasant riding season runs from April to November (austral winter): drier, cooler, less cyclone risk. To fine-tune your dates, see our guide on when to visit Réunion.

The vehicles offered on Tropiloc belong to verified professional agencies: they are insured for hire. What varies from one listing to another is the excess — the amount that would remain payable by you in the event of damage.

Do not confuse two things:

• the deposit is a guarantee taken by the agency at pick-up (card imprint or cheque), returned after the hire if all is in order;
• the excess is what you actually pay in the event of damage, up to the limit set in the contract.

Both amounts appear on every listing, before payment. On two wheels, also look closely at what the contract covers in the event of a fall with no third party involved — that is the point that varies most between agencies.

It depends entirely on what you plan to do with the island.

• A scooter (50 to 125 cc) is ample for the coast, hopping between beaches, errands and evenings out. Easy to park, economical, accessible without particular experience.
• A motorbike comes into its own as soon as you head for the highlands: the long climbs towards the Volcano, Cilaos or Maïdo call for torque and real road-holding. It is also the choice for riding pleasure.

For a mixed trip — coast and mountains — a well-powered 125 cc remains the best compromise, accessible on a B licence plus the 7-hour course.

Compare what is available: motorbikes to hire in Réunion and scooters, from verified local agencies, with online booking and flexible cancellation. Pick-up available at Roland Garros airport.

The right gear, a checked forecast and a route matched to your level: on those terms, Réunion is an exceptional playground on two wheels. Enjoy the ride!