Scooters, Key West

Another nifty way of both getting around Key West AND determining if you've had to much to drink would be riding on a scooter. You can rent these little gizmos darned near anywhere, usually for about $29 a day, maybe less. They get something like 80 miles to the over-priced gallon, and are perfect for the cramped and in many cases non-existent Key West parking.

We didn't do the scooters, but I was talking to another couple who had. These were middle aged folks, like me. They said that riding them was a blast, but that sitting on them for extended periods of time could be "painful". It could be one of those "you're not as young as you feel" things. If you're getting a scooter to save money, great idea. If you're riding one to feel young, I'd suggest a convertible instead.

Just as a contact number, I'm listing "Barracuda Scooters" below. But again, you can find 'em all over the place.

Tourists have the option of renting Scooters to use for getting around this island. PLEASE PLEASE don't get drunk and then drive around with these, so many people are killed while driving drunk on scooters it no longer merits a mention in the Keys Citizen.

4 more images

This place (Randall J's) was right next to the Miami Subs where we ate lunch (1800 N. Roosevelt). The sign says that they also have motorcycles. I have not used their scooters as I do not think I would be safe in traffic on one.

Other locations

OLD TOWN
Scooters Only
Next to Sloppy Joe's
505 Green Street
(305) 296-0208

NEW TOWN
Scooters and Bikes
3340 N. Roosevelt
Next to Publix
(305) 295-9495

Their ad says: "We are the only company in town with the APRILIA (a special scooter for two).
We also rent SCARABEO single scooters.

We are OPEN 9AM-10PM, 7 Days a week.
(We are the only company open after 5PM.)

*INTERNET OFFER*

Print this web site and bring it with you.
Get ONE HOUR FREE per person with a minimum 2 hour rental.

Coupon good for one person or your whole group / family.

(Minimum value $20)

ASAP Scooters & Bicycles is a free delivery service that will deliver to you anywhere in Key West.
Their phone: 305- 797- 0685; open early & late daily. They take advance reservations, have both single & double scooters & several kinds if bicycles to choose from. Great prices.

Key West is a great place for a scooter. Low gas mileage, easy parking. Fun.
Paradise Rental gets high marks in my book. I got a flat way over on the far side of the island. They came out and had me on a new scooter within minutes.
Please see my tip under warnings/dangers.

2 more images

I think the best idea to get the most out of your sightseeing experience in Key West is to rent mobility scooters, power chairs and bikes. For fantastic service and pricing I loved Island Comfort Mobility. For health issues or convenience, you'll be able to see all the sights comfortably with these! For the more active sightseer, bikes and beach cruisers are also a fantastic and fun choice which you can find more information about here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Comfort-Mobility-Key-West/126009324147044

I rented a scooter for a week and absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED it. While someone wrote about their butt being sore - I don't know what they were talking about. My scooter was comfortable and the "trunk" in the seat was large enough for all my beach stuff and even my groceries. Parking was easy as there are a lot of scooter parking areas. Just be sure you READ the signs, as there are some motorcycle parking areas where scooters may be parked illegal and if you follow suite you will be paying the ticket too. Having a car in Key West is a waste as everything is so close (its a small island). The scooters make perfect sense. If you are planning on going off the island - then rent the convertable of your dreams....otherwise the scooter is the way to go....and if you are with several people - there is usually enough space to park four scooters in one car parking spot...Scooting down the back streets off the beaten path was cool too...take the long way home.....

Watch out for rental companys that pay commission to their agents. They pay 20% to the agent for the rental fee + any damage you do to the scooter? Would'nt you inflate the damage charges if you received a cut?

I'd recommend renting mopeds if you are in Key West for a couple of days. At first I didn't want to spend the money, but 70$ for three days ended up being worth it.

It's sooo much easier to drive to Duval St., or wherever, during the day when you're on mopeds, especially when you are looking for parking. Not only that, but they're fun. There were 9 of us riding around on the mopeds and we had a blast...

At night though, I'd suggest taking a taxi to Duval St. (if you aren't in walking distance) because the cops will bust you with a DUI if you are wasted.

You pretty much have to either rent a scooter or bike, or buy a scooter or bike. That's hands done the best way to travel here. Cars are really a burden if you don't plan on leaving the Key West area much. There's no parking and gas prices are really high. Plus, it's good for you to ride a bike now and then!!! Park the car and walk if you have to!!