Licence & law
Before renting a motorcycle or scooter in Lisbon, the first question is almost always the same: which licence do I need? The answer depends on the vehicle's engine size and, in some cases, on your age and how long you've held your licence.
This category gathers our articles on licensing, licence categories (AM, A1, A2, A), the rules for drivers holding a car licence (category B), and the documents you need to carry in Portugal before setting off.
If you're visiting and carry a foreign licence, or you've never ridden a motorcycle and want to know where to start, these articles were written to answer the most common questions before you book.
18 articles · updated 31 October 2026
All Licence & law articles
Motorcycle rental insurance: what it covers, what it doesn't, excess
Motorcycle rental insurance in Lisbon: what third-party, own damage and theft cover, the excess, and how it ties in with the deposit.
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Motorcycle Rental Deposit: Amounts, Card Hold and Release
Motorcycle rental deposit in Lisbon: how much per model, how the credit or debit card hold works and when the amount becomes available again.
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Do I need an international driving permit for Portugal? Guide
Do I need an international driving permit for Portugal? What EU, UK and US licences are worth, minimum age, A1, A2 and A categories, and the deposit.
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Brazilian driving licence in Portugal: renting a bike in Lisbon
Is a Brazilian driving licence valid in Portugal? What IMT and the 2026 agreement say, and what we ask for motorcycle rental in Lisbon: category, age, deposit.
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Motorcycle Rental in Portugal for Touring: What's Included
Motorcycle rental in Portugal: 400 km a day, deposit, insurance, licence and Spain. Real numbers from our Sobreda shop, October 2026 prices.
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A2 Licence Bikes: What You Can Ride in Portugal
A2 licence bikes in Portugal: 35 kW limit, power-to-weight ratio, age, moving up to category A and which bikes to rent in Lisbon.
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Motorcycle insurance in Portugal
Discover the exact costs of motorcycle insurance in Portugal. From 125cc scooters to dual-sports, learn legal requirements, coverage types, and how to find the cheapest rates.
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Electric Scooter Without a License in Portugal: What the Law Says
Can you ride an electric scooter or kick-scooter without a license in Portugal? Current legislation, environmental impact, technology and scooter rentals.
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Can I Ride a 125 on a Car Licence (B Licence) in Portugal?
Have a B car licence and are 25? Learn how to ride a 125 on a car licence in Portugal and avoid traffic with the new blue Honda PCX. Book at RENT.MOTO.pt.
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50cc Moped License in Portugal: Where to Get It
In Portugal, scooters, mopeds and motorcycles up to 50 cc (or electric up to 4 kW) are ciclomotores. Where to get a 50cc moped license to ride them.
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How Much Does a Motorcycle Licence Cost in Portugal in 2026?
What a motorcycle licence costs in Portugal in 2026: A1, A2 and A categories, driving school prices (€700–1,400), IMT exams and extra costs.
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How Much Does it Cost to Register a Motorcycle in Portugal
What it costs to register a motorcycle in Portugal: buying from a dealer (€100–150), importing from the EU, vehicle tax, inspection and plates.
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Where can you park motorcycles in Portugal
Learn where you can park motorcycles in Portugal legally. Find out the parking rules in Lisbon and other cities and avoid fines.
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What is a motorcycle inspection
Learn what is checked during a motorcycle inspection in Portugal. Find out when to do it, what’s tested, and how much it costs.
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Can I ride a motorcycle with a car license in Portugal?
Wondering if you can ride a motorcycle in Portugal with your car license? Find out which bikes you can legally ride with a category B license and the conditions required.
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Motorcycle rental in Portugal without a license
You can rent and ride a scooter in Portugal without a motorcycle license! Discover the 50cc and 125cc options available at rent.moto.pt and enjoy Lisbon freely.
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Can you ride a motorcycle without a license in Portugal?
Learn which motorcycles and scooters you can legally ride without a motorcycle license in Portugal. Find out the rules, engine limits, and the best options for riding in Lisbon.
Read more →Motorcycle Rental in Lisbon: A Beginner’s Guide and What to Know
Motorcycle rental in Lisbon for beginners: never rented a motorcycle or first time riding in Portugal? This guide helps you feel confident and ready to ride.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
Which licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Lisbon?
It depends on the engine size: for scooters up to 125 cc, a category B (car) licence is enough if you're over 25; for larger motorcycles you need a category A or A2 licence, depending on power. See the articles in this category for the details by engine size.
Is my foreign licence valid in Portugal?
Driving licences issued in the EU are valid in Portugal with no extra formality. For non-EU licences, we recommend checking whether an International Driving Permit is required before your trip.
Can I ride a 125 cc scooter with just a car licence (category B)?
Yes, as long as you're over 25 — it's the most common route for visitors who want to rent a scooter in Lisbon without getting an A1 licence.