Scooter rental. Amalfi coast. Anyone done this?
 

So, has anyone ever rented a scooter in Positano? If so, what was it like and how far did you travel? FYI....my boyfriend is experienced cycle driver.

And lived, possibly not !

www.positanorentscooter.com

fun but risky expensive paid 35 eu/da several years ago

playing tag with big buses

on small roads requires lots of skills.

these days disgression being the better part of valor

tigercarrentals.com an econo car for the week from 200 eu

safer cheaper better for me.

Good luck!

Thanks.....does anyone have a positive experience with scooters? We will probably opt out at this rate. But my boyfriend thinks he will be fine with his experience......I need to to hear some more positive feedback for me to be sold. Again any feedback appreciated!

Here's a scientific formula you should consider:

Absence of positive = negative.

I saw an Italian get wiped out on one on the Amalfi coast. It wasn't pretty. If you do rent one, check that your health/auto insurance covers you.

If your boyfriend's experience isn't in Italy or Asia, it's not the same type of driving.

Two years ago we were in Greece on Naxos, Santorini, Milos and Sifnos and rented a quad to share on each island and lived to tell the tale. We went everywhere with it and didnt feel like it was dangerous (except for one time with a bus suddenly coming head on on one side from a curve and a high cliff on the other, that was a bit nerve-wracking). We dont have a license but I think we were allowed up to 50cc without (not absolutely sure on the size). It was a little slow at times with both of us on, and once going up a big hill in Santorini I had to get off and walk, but for the most part it was fine. I am not disputing the fact that it could be dangerous, but I would definitely do a quad again.

Wow, I must have this mixed up with a different thread, I thought it was about Greece, sorry.

I have been on the Amalfi Coast but not on a scooter or quad.

I have not done this. I have driven the Amalfi coast, and I am an experienced scooter rider. I have ridden a scooter in a quieter part of Italy) I would love to give it a try, but I really, really think it is dangerous.

The road is exceptionally winding and narrow in parts. It is packed with buses who have to swing wide around the bends. Italian drivers are, to be polite, "Confident and aggressive". Your rights as a rider are one thing on paper, quite another on the road. The rider is going to see little of the scenery because they will be trying too hard not to end up a casualty.

In answer to your question, you could ride down as far as Sorrento,or the other way to Salerno, or via Amalfi up to Ravello. If you let your heart rule your head, and escape unscathed, I think it would be close to an experience of a lifetime.

Willit....I'm so confused. I think it would be so much fun and nice not to be stuck on a bus! Still a little scared though. I guess we could try it one day and go from there. I thought about a small car, but I hear parking is a huge issue. Thoughts?

Having been a passenger in a car on the Amalfi Coast I can say that there is no amount of money in the world that would convince me that this is a good idea. My hubby has ridden a motorcycle and there is NO WAY he would even try this!

Sounds romantic - reality is that it is not. Alot of these corners have mirrors so drivers can see around them and there are times when buses have to stop, back up, to let other buses go around them. Seriously - NO WAY.

Jynx - Sorry, I was a little flippant. As a lover of scooters and Italy, I would love to do the road, if I could close the road to all other traffic, or ride at 5am with nobody else about, the combination of bike and scenery would be unbeatable.

Unfortunately these are unlikely to be options, and the risks are just too great. As pointed out by others, the ride is scary as a bus passenger, scarier still by car, by scooter, under normal conditions, potentially lethal. Even parking for scooters is an issue.

If you really want to do a scooter ride in the area, you could bus to Salerno, hire a scooter, and ride down the Litoranea to Paestum. It is much flatter,less spectacular, but safer.

I am totally with jamikins - "Having been a passenger in a car on the Amalfi Coast I can say that there is no amount of money in the world that would convince me that this is a good idea. My hubby has ridden a motorcycle and there is NO WAY he would even try this!". In fact my hubby, who has also driven a car all over Europe, would not drive a car on the Amalfi Coast.

Personally I would not ride a a scooter *anywhere* in Italy, except possibly the quietest, most rural village location.

Stick to buses and boats.

No, no, no - not a fun experience and p'haps a deadly one.

Still no good reviews.....guess I have my answer. THanks everyone.

I'm heading there and I'll be renting and riding a scooter.
I'm an old-ish 60. I currently ride and have been riding large and medium sized motorcycles for 40 years.

dangers: other traffic of course, riding at night or on wet roads, riding with a passneger.

now do all of that and add liquor to the driver and you'll probably make the newspaper.

Here's a curious fact about scooters. If you've had too much lemoncello, riding a scooter, as opposed to a regular motorbike, with a center tank/bar, can be more difficult because of the natural tendency to press your knees inward against the tank/center bar to balance.
Its not there with a scooter and you can find yourself out of control.

Try hiring a driver; most hotels will be glad to arrange one for you and you are bound to be safer. That way you can enjoy the scenery without endangering your person.

The SITA buses work as well, but you are not in control of your schedule.

Since your boyfriend is the experienced bike rider, why don't you compromise. He rents the scooter. You ride the bus. If you meet at the next destination, you can enjoy the overnight stay. If you do not meet at the next town, at least you can arrange for the repatriation of the body.

Sure beats clinging to his back with your eyes clamped shut stifling a scream.

Why get Positano to rent a scooter? Positano is one of the most expensive village of the Amalfi Coast.

The first village you meet on the costal road if you come from Salerno is Vietri sul Mare.
Here the less expensive scooter rental: www.amalfibikerental.com

The coastal road SS 163, which is the main road of the Amalfi Coast, is wide from 7 to 8 meters and in the narrowest can also be less than 4 meters.
From this road will branch off a myriad of other streets, alleys, paths and stairs that descend to the sea, climb to the mountain, or go across countries and villages.

Because of this tortuous shape, the Amalfi Coast is low in parking lots and parking areas. The transit to trailers, motor homes and tour buses is subjected to authorization. Those arriving by car, in the spring or summer, might even find difficult stop on the SS 163 to take a picture and even more to stop and visit some beach.

If you're lucky enough to find parking, then you must be willing to pay between 3 and 6 euros for every hour spent in the coveted parking spaces.

Queues of cars in both directions, on the public holidays, or Saturday and Sunday, can become endless

Your holiday in these conditions can become an excursion to one of the infernal circles of Dante Alighieri, because of the heat and of the inability to enjoy the paradise where you are.

Think about it people!

Most riders won't even ask the question -- they'll just do it as it is by FAR the best way of getting around the Amalfi coast. I've been here many times (am writing from Praiano now) and always get a scooter (except the time I rode my motorcycle down from Germany -- which is another story).
If you are a first timer then it can be quite intimidating -- but people aren't crazy with them (contrary to the way it might look).
My wife has meniere's -- which gives her vertigo and nausea if she shakes her head -- much less experiences G-forces -- and she will ride on the back. That said -- I've been riding off and on all my life and have done two solo European motorcycle tours.
Cars are harder on the Amalfi coast -- scooters, SITA bus or walking is better.
All that said -- I WON'T ride a scoter in Bali!