{"id":63469,"date":"2016-03-02T19:13:47","date_gmt":"2016-03-02T18:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/?p=63469"},"modified":"2016-06-10T14:24:29","modified_gmt":"2016-06-10T12:24:29","slug":"traveling-by-scooter-in-barcelona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/traveling-by-scooter-in-barcelona\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveling by scooter in Barcelona"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Scooters-in-Barcelona.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-63474\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-63474 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Scooters-in-Barcelona-e1456357016962-257x300.jpg\" alt=\"Scooters in Barcelona\" width=\"248\" height=\"289\" \/><\/a>Although\u00a0Barcelona is a city that can easily be explored without owning your own set of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/barcelona-on-wheels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wheels<\/a><\/strong>, for some of us there\u2019s a calling to be in charge of our own journey from A to B. One exhilarating way to do it can be to<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">One exhilarating way to do it can be to <strong>ride a\u00a0scooter in Barcelona<\/strong>, or a motorbike for those who like a little more grunt. These two-wheeled (and sometimes three) machines come in all shapes and sizes in Barcelona, from the beefy <strong>Harley Davidson<\/strong> that looks like it\u2019s aching for a long stretch of road in the countryside through to the iconic <strong>Vespa<\/strong> and the romantic visions of sunny days and gelato it inspires.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">So if you do decide to put yourself in the thick of <strong>Barcelona&#8217;s city traffic<\/strong>\u00a0astride a set of two wheels, you may like to keep these pointers in mind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Related article:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/driving-in-barcelona-and-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Driving in Barcelona and Spain<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/traveling-by-scooter-in-barcelona\/#Take_it_easy_if_youre_a_first_timer\" title=\"Take it easy if you\u2019re a first timer\">Take it easy if you\u2019re a first timer<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/traveling-by-scooter-in-barcelona\/#Ensure_you_have_the_right_licence\" title=\"Ensure you have the right licence\">Ensure you have the right licence<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/traveling-by-scooter-in-barcelona\/#General_road_etiquette\" title=\"General road\u00a0etiquette\">General road\u00a0etiquette<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/traveling-by-scooter-in-barcelona\/#Renting_a_motorbike_or_a_scooter_in_Barcelona\" title=\"Renting a motorbike or a scooter in Barcelona\">Renting a motorbike or a scooter in Barcelona<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_it_easy_if_youre_a_first_timer\"><\/span><b>Take it easy if you\u2019re a first timer<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you haven\u2019t already attempted to ride\u00a0a motorbike or a scooter in a city similar to Barcelona, then it\u2019s highly recommended that you take the time to practice in some of the city\u2019s quieter neighbourhoods, such as\u00a0in its outskirts. It\u2019s very different to places like in Thailand or in Indonesia where backpackers can scoot around quite easily in traffic\u00a0that could be described as\u00a0a little more\u00a0forgiving. In <strong>Barcelona&#8217;s city traffic<\/strong>, the general rule is to stick to the right but do take note of the different types of lanes as some are for buses, taxis and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/pros-and-cons-of-bicing-barcelona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bicycles<\/a><\/strong> only. And if you do make a mistake and realise you\u2019re heading the wrong way, <strong>Barcelona\u2019s grid street system<\/strong> makes it impossible to do a quick turn back &#8211; but that\u2019s a good thing! As most experienced motorcyclists already know, you\u2019re much more vulnerable in traffic when you\u2019re on two wheels and there\u2019s a lot less between you and the road when compared to a car.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ensure_you_have_the_right_licence\"><\/span><b>Ensure you have the right licence<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you\u2019re an <strong>EU citizen<\/strong> and have the appropriate <strong>licence<\/strong> for a motorbike, then you should already be well-equipped for up to two years with the right legal documents to hit the\u00a0streets. The requirements for citizens outside of the EU are a little different and you may like to\u00a0check with your embassy or consulate to be sure you\u2019re not erring on the wrong side of the law. In some cases, you may need to obtain an <strong>International Drivers Licence<\/strong> from your country of residence and then if you decide you want to remain behind the handles past six months, then you\u2019ll need to apply and obtain a Spanish driver&#8217;s licence. This is also the case for EU citizens after two years of using a licence from another EU country. But in both cases, best check with your embassy or consulate in Spain.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"General_road_etiquette\"><\/span><b>General road\u00a0etiquette<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Riding-a-scooter-or-motorbike-in-Barcelona.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-63473\"><img class=\"wp-image-63473 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Riding-a-scooter-or-motorbike-in-Barcelona-e1456357034353-300x249.jpg\" alt=\"Riding a scooter or motorbike in Barcelona\" width=\"284\" height=\"236\" \/><\/a>Despite the smaller frame of your <strong>motorbike<\/strong> or <strong>scooter<\/strong> and your possible feelings of nimbleness, you can\u2019t drive side-by-side with another person in the same lane. Imagine the reaction if we saw two Smart cars driving together (because they would fit!) just for the fun of it. And while one of the perks of riding a motorbike or scooter is to use its agility to weave in, out and between heavy traffic, you should always remember to use your indicators, look in your mirrors as well as make a head turn check to ensure the path is clear. A thank you wave doesn&#8217;t go astray either, to any other motorist\u00a0letting you squeeze in the gap.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Renting_a_motorbike_or_a_scooter_in_Barcelona\"><\/span><b>Renting a motorbike or a scooter in Barcelona<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">A good way\u00a0to see if you\u2019re comfortable getting around on a <strong>motorbike or scooter in Barcelona<\/strong> is to rent one first. There are many places offering both short-term and long-term rentals such as <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mondorent.com\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Mondo Rent<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.barcelona-moto-rent.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Barcelona Moto Rent<\/a><\/strong> and <strong>Best Rent a Scooter<\/strong>. But whether you decide to rent or to buy, the most important thing is to prepare yourself: know the road rules, ensure you can legally drive and remain considerate of all other drivers, whether they belong to another motorbike or scooter, or a car, bus or taxi. Have fun and stay safe!<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"\n    class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-valign-bottom kksr-align-left \"\n    data-id=\"63469\"\n    data-slug=\"\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 140px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 25px; height: 25px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"kksr-legend\">\n            <strong class=\"kksr-score\">4.8<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">\/<\/span>\n        <strong>5<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">(<\/span>\n        <strong class=\"kksr-count\">17<\/strong>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">\n            votes        <\/span>\n        <span class=\"kksr-muted\">)<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although\u00a0Barcelona is a city that can easily be explored without owning your own set of wheels, for some of us there\u2019s a calling to be in charge of our own journey from A to B. One exhilarating way to do it can be to One exhilarating way to do it can be to ride a\u00a0scooter [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":63478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4597],"tags":[3514],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63469"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63469"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110974,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63469\/revisions\/110974"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shbarcelona.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}