Scooter Rental FAQs
Everything you might want to know about your Key West scooter rental
What do I need to rent and operate a scooter in Key West?
All scooter renters and operators must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Every person who plans to operate the scooter must complete our rental waiver and provide their license.
For safety, riders must have recent, confident scooter experience or hold a valid motorcycle endorsement. Riding a scooter briefly on a vacation many years ago is generally not sufficient experience. Key West has active traffic, frequent pedestrian activity, and drivers who may not anticipate scooters, so riders must be alert, have good reflexes, and be comfortable operating a scooter in real-world street traffic.
Our team may assess a rider’s ability before releasing the scooter. If we believe a guest cannot safely operate it, we will not permit them to continue with the rental and will cancel the reservation. This policy is intended to protect the rider, passengers, and everyone sharing the road.
Can two people ride on one scooter?
Yes. All scooters in our fleet are designed for two passengers: one operator and one passenger. The operator must be at least 21 years old, meet our scooter-experience requirements, and be comfortable handling the different balance, braking, and turning dynamics of riding with a passenger.
The combined rider-and-passenger weight limit is 350 pounds. Only two people may ride at a time—never three people, and never with a child seated between the operator and passenger. Each rider must use the scooter’s designated seating position, and the passenger must be able to sit facing forward and securely use the passenger footrests. Florida law requires motorcycles carrying a passenger to have passenger footrests.
A child may ride as a passenger only when they can safely sit in the designated passenger seat, face forward, hold on securely, and reach the footrests. Riders under 16 must wear a DOT-compliant helmet when riding a moped.
Do I need to refuel the scooter during my rental?
Your rental includes a full tank of gas, and you do not need to refill the scooter before returning it—simply return it as-is.
Under normal riding conditions, a full tank typically lasts at least one week and often longer. If you run low on fuel during your rental, you are responsible for refilling it. For long-term scooter rentals, guests are responsible for monitoring the fuel level and purchasing fuel as needed.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement or special license to rent a scooter?
No motorcycle endorsement is required to rent and operate our 49cc scooters. A valid regular driver’s license is sufficient, and we also accept valid international driver’s licenses.
However, all riders must meet our experience and safety requirements. Guests should have recent, confident scooter-riding experience or a motorcycle endorsement, and our team may decline a rental if we believe a rider cannot operate the scooter safely in Key West traffic.
Where can I ride a rental scooter in Key West?
You may ride your scooter throughout Key West, Stock Island, and as far as Key Haven. Scooters may not be taken beyond Key Haven, where U.S. 1 becomes unsuitable for our 49cc scooters.
Scooters may be ridden on public roads where regular vehicles are allowed, but never on sidewalks, beaches, bike paths, pedestrian-only areas, or any other area closed to motor vehicles. Scooter rentals are generally not permitted on military installations.
Please follow all applicable traffic laws, posted signs, speed limits, and parking rules. Florida’s driver guidance distinguishes mopeds and motor scooters from bicycles and requires them to operate in accordance with road rules applicable to motor vehicles.
What should I do if my scooter breaks down or has a mechanical problem?
If your scooter develops a mechanical issue or breaks down, contact Bone Island Rentals as soon as possible.
During business hours (8:00 AM–6:00 PM): Call our support line at (305) 849-7417. We will arrange assistance and, if necessary, a replacement scooter so you can continue enjoying your trip.
After business hours (6:00 PM–8:00 AM): Email info@boneislandrentals.com with the scooter’s location and a description of the issue. Leave the scooter in a secure, safe, and legal parking location. If paid parking is necessary, keep your receipt and we will reimburse the cost. If you need to take an Uber to continue your trip, keep that receipt as well and we will reimburse the Uber expense.
Do not leave the scooter in a prohibited parking area. Guests are responsible for towing fees and related charges if the scooter is towed because it was illegally parked.
Where can I park a rental scooter in Key West?
Key West is very scooter-friendly, with dedicated scooter and motorcycle parking available throughout the island. These designated spaces are generally free to use.
If you choose to park in a regular metered vehicle space, you must purchase the required parking time at the meter and follow all posted restrictions. Never park a scooter on a sidewalk; sidewalk parking can result in a ticket.
Most Key West hotels and tourist destinations offer designated scooter parking, but availability and property-specific rules vary. Please confirm parking arrangements with your hotel or vacation rental.
Guests are responsible for all parking fees, tickets, towing, impound charges, and related costs incurred during the rental. If these are not handled by the guest, Bone Island Rentals may charge an administrative fee or submit a transfer of liability.
Are helmets included, and do I have to wear one?
Helmets are available upon request at no additional cost. Because our supply is limited and delivery drivers do not routinely carry helmets, please request them before pickup or delivery. We offer multiple helmet sizes, from small through XL, and a helmet can be provided for a passenger as well when requested in advance.
You are also welcome to use your own helmet. For the 49cc scooters in our fleet, Florida law provides a helmet exemption when the scooter meets the statute’s engine, power, and speed criteria.
What safety rules should I know before riding a scooter in Key West?
Always obey traffic laws, posted signs, speed limits, right-of-way rules, and parking regulations. Operate the scooter only where motor vehicles are legally permitted—never on sidewalks, beaches, bike paths, pedestrian areas, or off-road terrain. (I adjusted “where vehicles are prohibited” to “where motor vehicles are legally permitted,” which appears to be what you intended.)
Park only in safe, legal locations where the scooter does not block a sidewalk, entrance, driveway, vehicle, or pedestrian path. Key West’s streets can be narrow, busy, and full of blind spots, with tourists, cyclists, and pedestrians moving unpredictably. Stay alert, ride defensively, and never race, speed, or operate the scooter in a way that could endanger yourself or others.
How do I return my scooter, and what if I need to extend my rental?
Return options depend on how you received your scooter. If you picked it up from one of our locations, you can generally return it to that same location, including after hours. If we delivered the scooter to your hotel or vacation rental, we can usually arrange pickup there; return instructions and pickup details must be confirmed with our team at delivery.
If you need more time, please contact us at least one hour before your scheduled return time to request an extension. Extensions are typically easier to arrange during slower periods, but they are subject to availability and are not guaranteed during peak seasons—especially holidays. During busy periods, contact us as early as possible before your rental is scheduled to end.
Late returns are evaluated based on how long the scooter is kept beyond the scheduled return time, and additional charges may apply.
Do I need to refuel the scooter during my rental?
Your rental includes a full tank of gas, and you do not need to refill the scooter before returning it—simply return it as-is.
Under normal riding conditions, a full tank typically lasts at least one week and often longer. If you run low on fuel during your rental, you are responsible for refilling it. For long-term scooter rentals, guests are responsible for monitoring the fuel level and purchasing fuel as needed.