- Table of Contents
- 1. What are the License Requirements to Rent a Motorcycle?
- 2. Can You Rent a Motorcycle in the U.S. with an Expired Motorcycle License?
- 3. Can You Rent a Motorcycle in the U.S with a Learner’s Permit?
- 4. Renting a Motorcycle in the U.S. as a Non-US Resident
- 5. Can You Rent a Motorcycle in the U.S. with an M2 License?
- 6. America’s Best Motorcycle Rental Services & Their License Requirements
- 6.1 EagleRider Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
- 6.2 Hertz Ride Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
- 7. Motorcycle Sharing Platforms - License Requirements
- 7.1 Riders Share Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
- 7.2 Twisted Road Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
- 8. Scooter Rentals - License Requirements
- 9. Motorcycle with Sidecar Rentals - License Requirements
- 10. Can-Am Spyder Rentals - License Requirements
- 11. Slingshot Trike Rentals - License Requirements
- 12. Takeaway
Whether you own a motorcycle or not, you may find yourself renting a motorcycle at least once in your life. This is especially true for American citizens and visitors who enjoy spending their vacations in the United States.
Wonder why? It is because America is home to the world's most beautiful and exciting motorcycle rides, such as the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, Hana Highway, Cascade Loop, etc. Anyone who enjoys riding a two-wheeler cannot resist exploring these breathtaking roads. While you can bring your motorcycle to explore these roads, sometimes renting a motorcycle from the nearest rental service is the more convenient option.
Also Read: 5 Best Motorcycle Rides in America for Harley Davidson Rentals
Renting a motorcycle is usually an easy process. However, some people are unable to rent a motorcycle due to strict license requirements. This article will discuss the motorcycle rental license requirements so you will be better prepared to rent your favorite vehicle from a trusted rental service.
1. What are the License Requirements to Rent a Motorcycle?
Just like how car rental companies require a driver’s license, motorcycle rental services throughout the United States require a valid motorcycle license to be able to rent a motorcycle. Moreover, your motorcycle license must include an endorsement to be allowed to rent a motorcycle.
2. Can You Rent a Motorcycle in the U.S. with an Expired Motorcycle License?
No. Motorcycle rental services do not accept an expired, suspended, or revoked license. You will need to get your license renewed to be eligible to rent a motorcycle.
The rental services will also not provide you a rental if your license will expire during the rental period. This is because riding a motorcycle with an expired license is technically the same as riding a motorcycle without a license. To avoid inconvenience, make sure your license is valid and up-to-date.
3. Can You Rent a Motorcycle in the U.S with a Learner’s Permit?
Unfortunately, no. To rent a motorcycle you need a full motorcycle license as no rental service accepts a learner’s permit.
4. Renting a Motorcycle in the U.S. as a Non-US Resident
If a foreigner is in possession of a valid motorcycle license issued by the appropriate department from his/her home country, it will be accepted by most motorcycle rentals.
On the other hand, some motorcycle rental companies only allow tourists from specific countries to rent using their country’s licenses. Other rental services demand an international license permit. This is especially true for renters with licenses in languages other than English.
5. Can You Rent a Motorcycle in the U.S. with an M2 License?
Whether you can rent a motorcycle while in possession of an M2 license depends solely on the motorcycle rental service. Some rental services will accept an M2 license, but the majority of companies prefer it if you have a M1 license.
5.1 M1 vs M2 - What’s the Difference?
With an M1 motorcycle license, you can ride and rent any type of motorcycle, whether it be a scooter, electric bike, moped, sport bike, cruiser, or tourer.
On the other hand, the M2 is a restricted license only allowing you to ride and rent a moped, scooter, or motorized bicycle that cannot exceed a speed of 30 mph.
Some states put a restriction code on your motorcycle license, restricting you from riding and renting a certain type of motorcycle. Make sure you are aware of a motorcycle rental service’s license requirements before you go to get a motorcycle.
6. America’s Best Motorcycle Rental Services & Their License Requirements
America boasts the best motorcycle manufacturers, such as Harley Davidson. It also has the most competitive and highly organized motorcycle rental companies, such as EagleRider and Hertz Ride.
Here are the motorcycle rental license requirements for the best motorcycle rental services operating across the United States.
6.1 EagleRider Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
EagleRider is an internationally known motorcycle rental service famous for their BMW, Harley Davidson, Honda, Indian, Yamaha, and Can-Am Spyder rentals. But most importantly, EagleRider is known for its well-organized and safe rental process. EagleRider’s motorcycle rental requirements are listed below:
License Requirements
A valid license with a motorcycle endorsement or a full motorcycle license.
Other Requirements
- Renters must be at least 21 years old for unrestricted rental options and international locations.
- Renters between ages 18-20 can only rent 500 cc motorcycles or below. Moreover, they can only rent within the United States.
- Renters between ages 18-20 must provide a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement. They must also provide proof of completing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Course or Harley Davidson Authorized Training Program.
Foreign License
- Renters need a valid motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement issued by their home country.
- Renters must have an unrestricted license.
- A three-wheel license is required to rent a three-wheeler.
International License
For some pick-up locations outside the United States, renters may need to provide an international license. Moreover, an international license will be required only if the country license cannot be read by EagleRider agents.
| EagleRider - Motorcycle Rental Requirements | |
|---|---|
| License Requirements | Valid license with a motorcycle endorsement suited to the type of motorcycle. |
| Other Requirements |
21 years old No age restrictions for passengers |
|
18-20 years old: A valid license with an endorsement or a motorcycle license Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course or Harley Davidson Authorized Training Program Rental restriction: 500 cc motorcycles only Cannot rent at international locations (restricted to U.S.) |
|
| Renting with a Foreign License | Motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement License should not have any restriction codes Three-wheel license required to rent a trike, Slingshot, Can-Am Spyder |
6.2 Hertz Ride Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
License Requirements
A valid license with a motorcycle endorsement suited to the type of motorcycle.
Other Requirements
Renters should be at least 21 years old to rent a 500 cc motorcycle.
Renters should be at least over 21 years old to rent a 1000 cc motorcycle.
Renters should be at least 25 years old to rent a 1001 cc or larger motorcycle.
Renters must have at least three years of riding experience.
Foreign License
- Renters can rent a motorcycle from Hertz Ride with a license provided by their own countries.
- License should not be restricted to two-wheelers with engines larger than 500 cc.
- Renters must have three years of riding experience.
- Renters must be 25 years old or older.
| Hertz Ride - Motorcycle Rental Requirements | |
|---|---|
| License Requirements | Valid license with motorcycle endorsement |
| Other Requirements | For 500 cc motorcycles, riders must be at least 21 years old For 1000 cc motorcycles, riders must be over 21 years old For 1001 cc or larger motorcycles, renters must be at least 25 years old Must have three years of riding experience |
| Renting with a Foreign License | Valid license License should not be restricted to 500 cc vehicles Must be age 25 or olde Must have three years of riding experience |
7. Motorcycle Sharing Platforms - License Requirements
Click on any motorcycle rental listings available at Riders Share, Twisted Road, or any other peer-to-peer motorcycle sharing platform. The first thing you’ll notice is these three words: “Motorcycle License Required.”
Here are the motorcycle rental license requirements for the best rental platforms in the United States.
7.1 Riders Share Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
Riders Share has strict motorcycle license requirements. Here are the details:
License Requirements
- Renters must possess a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Renters should provide proof of previous riding experience.
- Riders Share does not accept temporary or expired licenses.
Other Requirements
- Renters must be at least 21 years old.
- Renters should possess a valid credit card.
- Renters must be willing to do a background check.
Foreign License
- Renters must have a valid foreign motorcycle license.
- Renters must select their home countries during license verification.
- The motorcycle endorsement on the foreign licenses must be visible.
| Riders Share - Motorcycle Rental Requirements | |
|---|---|
| License Requirements | A valid license with a visible motorcycle endorsement Proof of previous riding experience Temporary or expired licenses are not accepted |
| Other Requirements | At least 21 years old. Valid credit card required Undergo background check. |
| Renting with a Foreign License | Valid foreign motorcycle license License verification. Visible motorcycle endorsement |
7.2 Twisted Road Motorcycle Rental License Requirements
For a safe and convenient renting experience, Twisted Road has the following license and other rental requirements:
License Requirements
Renters must possess a valid and unrestricted license with a visible motorcycle endorsement.
Renters must have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least six months.
Learner’s permits, expired and temporary licenses, or licenses with a restriction code will not be accepted.
Other Requirements
- Renters should be a registered Twisted Road member.
- Renters should be at least 21 years old.
- Renters 25 years old or below must buy premium insurance coverage.
- Renters must provide documented riding experience.
Foreign License
Renters must have a valid license from their home countries.
Non-U.S. residents must be at least 25 years old.
| Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental Requirements | |
|---|---|
| License Requirements | Valid and unrestricted license with a visible motorcycle endorsement Must have had motorcycle endorsement for at least six months Learner’s permits, restricted, expired, and temporary licenses are not accepted |
| Other Requirements | Registered Twisted Road member At least 21 years old Renters ages 25 or below must buy premium insurance coverage Proof of previous riding experience |
| Renting with a Foreign License | Valid foreign license Non-U.S residents must be at least 25 years old |
8. Scooter Rentals - License Requirements
You can rent a scooter from EagleRider, Riders Share, or any other local scooter rental service.
Most of these rental services require renters to have a valid license. You can rent a scooter with a smaller displacement even if you have a restricted license. If you are at least 18 years old, you will not find it difficult to rent a standard scooter.
That being said, the Mr. Scooter Rentals in San Francisco does have strict license requirements:
- Renters must possess a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Renters must be at least 21 years old with adequate riding skills and experience.
- Non-U.S residents must provide an international license.
9. Motorcycle with Sidecar Rentals - License Requirements
For motorcycle sidecar rentals, you must possess a valid vehicle license with a motorcycle endorsement. Depending on the state where you want to get a sidecar rental, you may or may not also need a separate trike endorsement.
In California, you will need a Class C license to be eligible to rent and ride with a motorcycle sidecar.
In Washington, you will need a license with a three-wheel endorsement to be eligible to ride with a motorcycle sidecar.
In Florida, you will need a motorcycle license or a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement to be eligible to ride with a motorcycle sidecar.
In Nevada, you only need a valid driver’s license to be able to ride with a motorcycle sidecar.
STATES THAT REQUIRE A 3-WHEEL LICENSE/TRIKE ENDORSEMENT FOR SIDECAR MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
- California
- Washington
Motorcycle with Sidecar Rentals - A Closer Look at the 2022 Motorcycle Rental Trend
10. Can-Am Spyder Rentals - License Requirements
The Can-Am Spyder is an exciting three-wheel vehicle that offers a unique riding experience. Over the years, rental services have tried to meet the surging demand for Can-Am Spyder rentals. Depending on the state where you want to rent a Can-Am Spyder, you will have to provide a three-wheeler license.
However, not all states require you to have a motorcycle endorsement to be able to operate a Can-am Spyder. Therefore, you can easily rent a Can-Am Spyder or any other three-wheeler with only a valid driving license in the following states:
STATES THAT DON’T REQUIRE A 3-WHEEL LICENSE FOR CAN-AM SPYDER RENTALS
- California
- South Carolina
- Nevada
In these states, a valid driver’s license is all you need to be eligible to rent and ride a Can-Am Spyder
11. Slingshot Trike Rentals - License Requirements
For trike or slingshot rentals, some states require you to have a three-wheeler motorcycle license
Luckily, most states do not require you to have a three-wheeler license, Making it easier to rent a trike for a thrilling riding experience. Here is a list of states that do not require you to have a three-wheeler license:
STATES THAT DON’T REQUIRE A THREE-WHEELER LICENSE FOR SLINGSHOT (TRIKE) RENTALS
- Arizona
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- California
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Delaware
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Louisiana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Washington
- Colorado
- Vermont
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Indiana
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Washington
In these states, you only need a valid driving license to be able to rent and ride a trike rental
12. Takeaway
Renting a motorcycle is simple as long as you meet all the standard requirements. Most first-time renters fail to reserve their favorite ride because they do not have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement.
If you are a novice rider, make sure you complete the MSF course, pass your DMV test, and obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement.
Already have a license? Make sure it is still valid before approaching a motorcycle rental service.
If you want to try out a three-wheeler for your next excursion, check the license requirements of your local rental service so you can prepare accordingly before getting your rental.
Also Read: Top 10 Motorcycle Rentals For Your Next Motorcycle Vacation
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