The Guide to Renting a Scooter in Tonga

What You Need to Know About Scooter Rental in Tonga

Renting a scooter can be a fun way to explore the islands of Tonga! Feel the wind whipping through your hair as you ride from ancient South Pacific landmarks to amazing natural attractions, passing through villages and dodging pigs. What’s more, scooters use a lot less gas than cars, often making it a more economically way for one person to get around. But where can you rent a scooter in Tonga, what’s included and what else do you need to know? We’ll go through all of that and more in this guide to renting a scooter in Tonga!

Tips for Hiring a Scooter in Tonga

Know the road rules in Tonga – check them out in How to Drive in Tonga
Check the state of the helmet provided by the rental company before agreeing to rent
Stick to the main sealed roads of Tongatapu and Vava’u – we list a few fun routes to take in The Best Roads to Ride a Scooter in Tonga
Avoid driving at night when the visibility is low
Consider bringing your own bike repair kit, as they are not included in rentals.

What Do You Need to Hire a Scooter in Tonga?

Not just anyone can pick up a scooter in Tonga. There are a few conditions you’ll need to meet, including a Visitor’s Driving Licence.

A Full Valid Driving Licence from Certain Countries or a Visitor’s Driving Licence

To legally drive a scooter in Tonga, you need to either have a full valid driving licence from a visitor-visa exempt country or a Visitor’s Driving Licence. The latter costs around TOP$40 and can be purchased from the Ministry of Infrastructure in Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu) and from the Police Station in Neiafu (Vava’u). Learn how to get a Tonga Visitor’s Driving Licence here.

Driver’s Age

The minimum driving age in Tonga is 18 years old. So you need to be at least this age to hire a scooter in Tonga.

Rental Bond

A bond is also expected to hire a scooter as insurance to the rental company, not only as an incentive for you to look after the vehicle but so funds are available in case you damage the vehicle. Different scooter rental companies ask for the bond in different ways, the most common being cash (expect around TOP$600), while other methods could be preauthorising your credit card or holding your passport.

Day Rate

Finally, you will need money to pay for the day rate of the rental itself. Scooter rentals are typically around TOP$50 a day.

What’s Included in Scooter Rentals?

With scooter rentals in Tonga, there are a few typical inclusions:

A full tank of fuel
A helmet
Unlimited kilometres

A Note About the Inclusions

The quality of helmets given by scooter rental companies in Tonga greatly differs, with some rental companies having old deteriorated helmets. If you doubt the safety of the equipment or vehicle provided, don’t risk renting.

Insurance for Scooter Hire?

Very few vehicle rental companies in Tonga have insurance policies. If you damage a vehicle, you will be charged an amount decided by the rental company. Take out your own travel insurance that covers vehicles.

Where to Rent a Scooter in Tonga

Scooters are available to rent on the islands with the most extensive road network, Tongatapu and Vava’u. Scooter rentals are available through vehicle rental companies, as well as guest houses.

Scooter Rentals in Tongatapu

M&N Scooter Rental – This scooter rental company is based at the Tonga Holiday Villa, Nuku’alofa. They offer Forza Ciclone Scooters 49cc. Transfers from the airport are available to their depot. Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Island Cars & Scooter Rental – Vehicle rental company based in Fangaloto, Popua, Nuku’alofa. They offer 125cc scooters.

NOA Guest House – The budget accommodation in Nuku’alofa offers a number of services including scooter hire.

Scooter Rentals in Vava’u

[Update: Tropo Rentals is no longer operating. We will update this page if another scooter rental company becomes available in Vava’u].

Tropo Rentals – The vehicle rental company based in Neiafu offers 50cc 4 stroke automatic scooters. They offer pick-up/drop-off at accommodations.

Alternatives to Hiring a Scooter in Tonga

Due to the limited choice of scooter rentals in Tonga, you might want to consider your other vehicle options. Here are some other ways you can enjoy a self-drive tour of Tonga:

Car Rental

Car rentals can be found in abundance in Tongatapu and slightly less so in Vava’u. Car rental companies in Tongatapu include Star Rental, Avis, FAB Rentals, Jetsave, Little Italy Rentals, Me Rentals and more. In Vava’u, have a look at Coconut Rentals, Illena Rental, ‘Ana Tevunga Rental and more. While some fleets are small, offering standard small cars, some rental companies have a wider choice from small cars to SUVs. Check out your car rental options in The Best Car Rentals in Tonga.

Bicycle Hire

While you might not be able to get quite as far a car or scooter, you’ll be surprised just how can you can go when hiring a bicycle on the small islands of Tonga. Bicycle hire is available in almost all of the island groups in Tonga, with rates ranging from TOP$15 a day to TOP$30 a day. Some resorts, especially in Ha’apai, offer guests free bike hire. Find out more about renting a bike in Where to Rent Bikes in Tonga.

More About Renting a Scooter in Tonga

That’s it for our guide on renting a scooter in Tonga. Be sure to bookmark our Tonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get Around Tonga for even more transport tips.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page