Cheapest Motorcycles to Rent (Scooters, Standards & More)

Dec 13, 2025

When people search for the cheapest motorcycles to rent, they’re usually trying to get on a bike that fits their plans without paying for more than they need. Pricing can feel hard to compare at first, especially when scooters, standards, cruisers, and touring bikes all show up side-by-side with very different daily rates. In this blog, we break down real rental pricing to show which motorcycles cost the least to rent, how prices differ by category and brand, and where renters actually save money.

The short answer: the cheapest motorcycles to rent are scooters, averaging $80/day, followed by standard motorcycles at $112/day. Honda scooters offer the lowest average pricing at $72/day, while Royal Enfield standard motorcycles come in at $77/day. These figures are based on more than 13,890 verified rentals on Riders Share, reflecting what riders actually pay rather than advertised rates.

Want to see how these prices look in your area? Browse motorcycle rentals on Riders Share and compare real listings by daily rate, bike type, and brand.

How to Use Our Pricing Data to Save Money on a Rental

Before getting into the numbers below, here's what matters most: bike type affects rental cost more than brand does. A Honda cruiser and a Harley-Davidson cruiser are priced closer together than a Honda scooter and a Honda touring bike. Across thousands of rentals, the same cost patterns show up again and again. Riders who spend less tend to make decisions in this order: category first, brand second, trip length last.

1. Start with the bike type that fits the trip. Scooters and standard motorcycles cover most city riding and short day trips at a much lower daily rate than adventure or touring bikes. Renting a touring motorcycle for local riding usually means paying for comfort and range that won’t come into play.
2. Japanese brands tend to cost less across categories. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha typically price 15% to 30% below American and European brands in the same category. For most rental use, the difference in ride experience is smaller than the difference in price.
3. Category choice has the biggest impact on total cost. A scooter renting at $80/day for three days totals $240. An adventure bike at $119/day for the same length comes out to $357. That’s a 49% difference before brand pricing even enters the picture.

Cheapest Motorcycles to Rent by Category

Below is a category-by-category breakdown of motorcycle rental pricing, ordered from the least expensive options to the highest.

• Scooter Rental: $72 to $92/day
• Standard Motorcycle Rental: $77 to $142/day
• Cruiser Rental: $87 to $139/day
• ADV Motorcycle Rental: $97 to $128/day
• Sport Bike Rental: $101 to $196/day
• Touring Motorcycle Rental: $101 to $143/day
• Dual Sport Rental: $105 to $173/day
• 3-Wheel Motorcycle Rental: $153 to $200/day

Scooter Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $72 to $92

Scooters are the most affordable option on our platform. They're best for city commuting, short trips, and first-time riders who want something lightweight and easy to handle. Honda scooters sit at the low end around $72/day, while Vespa and other European brands top out near $92/day. If your plans stay within city limits, this category delivers the lowest daily spend.

Standard Motorcycle Rental Costs

Average daily rate: $77 to $142

Standards hit the sweet spot between cheap bike rentals and genuine motorcycle capability. These upright, neutral-position bikes work for beginners and experienced riders alike. Royal Enfield anchors the budget end at $77/day, while Ducati standards reach $142/day for riders who want Italian performance. Most Japanese standards fall in the $85 to $108/day range.

Cruiser Motorcycle Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $87 to $139

Cruisers are built for highway riding, relaxed touring, and classic American style. Honda cruisers offer the best value at $87/day, largely undercutting the category average. Harley-Davidson cruisers, the most popular rental on the platform, run around $119/day. Indian cruisers come at a premium rate of $139/day.

Adventure Motorcycle Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $97 to $128

Adventure motorcycles are designed for long-distance touring and mixed terrain. They're a common choice for multi-day trips and scenic routes. Kawasaki offers the best value in this category at $97/day, while BMW adventure bikes average $128/day. The 32% price difference reflects brand positioning more than capability for typical rental use.

Sport Bike Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $101 to $196

Sport bikes are built for aggressive riding, track days, and performance-focused use. Honda sport bikes offer entry-level pricing around $101/day, while Aprilia sits at the top of the range at $196/day. Kawasaki and Yamaha sport bikes fall in the $114 to $118/day range, offering strong performance without the European premium.

Touring Motorcycle Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $101 to $143

Touring bikes focus on long-distance comfort and two-up riding. Yamaha touring models start around $101/day, making them the most affordable option for longer trips. Harley-Davidson touring bikes average $131/day, while BMW touring motorcycles top the category at $143/day.

Dual Sport Motorcycle Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $105 to $173

Dual sport bikes handle both pavement and off-road riding. Royal Enfield dual sports start around $105/day, while BMW dual sport models reach $173/day. Kawasaki sits in the middle at $115/day, offering trail capability without premium pricing.

3-Wheel Motorcycle Rental Prices

Average daily rate: $153 to $200

Three-wheelers like Can-Am Spyders and Polaris Slingshots are set at premium rates because they offer a very different riding experience. Can-Am averages $153/day, while Polaris runs around $200/day. These rentals appeal to riders looking for added stability or something outside traditional motorcycle categories.

Affordable Motorcycle Rentals Comparison Chart

What Are Some Budget Motorcycle Rental Destinations in the U.S.?

Some of the cheapest places to rent a motorcycle in the U.S. are cities with high owner inventory, long riding seasons, and popular routes that can be done as day trips. These conditions keep daily rates lower and help renters avoid the higher costs that come with multi-day rentals. 

Budget-friendly motorcycle rental destinations include:

Dallas, TX: One of the lowest-priced large markets on the platform, with rentals starting as low as $39/day thanks to a high number of available bikes.

Houston, TX: A large number of owner listings keeps most rentals between $30 and $125/day, with plenty of options for standard motorcycles and cruisers.

Phoenix, AZ: Consistently competitive pricing, with off-peak rentals starting as low as $24/day. Even during winter months, pricing stays within reach due to the size of the local inventory.

Fort Lauderdale, FL: One of the lowest-priced Florida markets, with Harley rentals starting around $38/day and a large selection available year-round.

Miami, FL: Rates tend to run higher than Fort Lauderdale, but listings still start near $40/day, especially for scooters and cruisers along the coast. Browse in advance and get the opportunity to find bikes for as low as $28/day!

San Diego, CA: A large number of listings drives entry-level rentals as low as $24/day.

Los Angeles, CA: Pricing varies widely by bike type, but the size of the market makes it easier to find lower daily rates if you compare listings.

Browse Affordable Motorcycle Rentals on Riders Share

Now that you know where the cheapest motorcycle rentals actually come from, take the next step and look for one that fits your plans. On Riders Share, you can find motorcycle rentals across scooters, standard bikes, cruisers, and more, all listed with real daily prices from owners. Start with the lower-cost categories, check what’s available near you, and book a bike that stays closer to the lower end of the price ranges covered above.

Motorcycle Rental Pricing FAQ

Before you start searching, it helps to have a few common pricing questions answered. Here’s what riders usually want to know.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle for a day?

The average cost to rent a motorcycle for a day ranges from $75 to $150 on peer-to-peer platforms like Riders Share, depending on the bike type and location. Entry-level motorcycles start as low as $25 to $50/day, while premium touring bikes and Harley-Davidsons typically run $100 to $200+/day. This is roughly 50 to 60% less than traditional rental companies, where daily rates often exceed $200 before taxes and fees. On Riders Share, you're renting directly from local motorcycle owners who set their own competitive prices.

What is the cheapest type of motorcycle to rent?

The cheapest motorcycles to rent are standard street bikes, small-displacement cruisers, and entry-level models. Bikes like the Honda Rebel 500, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and Suzuki SV650 range from $38 to $90/day on Riders Share. Scooters and mopeds are even more affordable, with some listings starting around $20 to $35/day. These beginner-friendly options also come with lower insurance costs, keeping your total rental price down.

Is it cheaper to rent a Honda or a Harley-Davidson?

Honda motorcycles are generally cheaper to rent than Harley-Davidsons. Honda rentals start around $45 to $55/day for models like the Rebel 500, while Harley-Davidson rentals begin at $50 to $100 per day for entry-level models like the Street 750 or Sportster. Higher-end Harley touring bikes can reach $150 to $250/day. If budget is your priority, Honda offers reliable options at lower rates, but if you want that classic American cruiser experience, Harley rentals on Riders Share are still a lot cheaper than traditional rental shops.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle for a week?

Renting a motorcycle for a week on Riders Share typically costs between $500 and $1,200, depending on the bike. Weekly rentals usually include 10 to 20% discounts compared to paying the daily rate seven times. For example, a $100/day motorcycle might cost around $600 for the week instead of $700. Weekly rentals also often include higher mileage limits or unlimited mileage, making them ideal for road trips where you want to rack up miles without worrying about overage fees.

What is the best day of the week to rent a motorcycle?

Weekdays offer the best motorcycle rental rates, with savings of around 10 to 15% compared to weekend bookings. Fridays and Saturdays see peak demand, so owners charge premium rates. If your schedule is flexible, booking a rental that starts on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday can lock in lower prices. Some owners on our platform also offer midweek specials to fill gaps in their calendars, and last-minute weekday availability sometimes comes with additional discounts.

What is the cheapest month to rent a motorcycle?

The cheapest months to rent depend on your location, but generally fall during the off-season. In northern states like Chicago and Denver, rates can drop 25 to 40% from October through April when winter reduces demand. Southern markets like Austin and Phoenix offer the best deals from November through February. No matter where you're renting, avoid major rally dates like Sturgis in August and Daytona Bike Week in March, when prices hike up due to high demand.