Visit Porto by electric scooter

South of Porto
Rest and relaxation

Want to explore Porto in a fun and unique way? Try the city's shared electric scooters ! They're easy to use, readily available, and reasonably priced. Follow our guide to discover Porto by electric scooter !

Using electric scooters in Porto

There are two ways to get around Porto by electric scooter:

You can rent scooters from a shop specializing in scooter, bicycle and moped rentals.
You can use the scooters (and some bicycles that are sometimes available) on a self-service basis.

We mainly used the self-service scooter rentals, which can be found almost everywhere, as in all major European capitals for the past few years.

Bird and Bolt are the two main brands for self-service electric scooter rentals.

Read our article on Porto's trams, a means of transport as much as a journey through time and a tourist activity!

Be a respectful citizen and use scooters wisely. It's easy to be tempted to ride on sidewalks, run red lights, and take liberties between pedestrian and cyclist rights. Be mindful of pedestrians and strictly adhere to the rules of the road, or you risk a fine! Finally, park your scooters properly to avoid a penalty and allow everyone to enjoy this convenient service!

The two brands we encountered are Bolt and Bird, market leaders. To use them, you need to download an app on your smartphone and create an account by linking a bank card. You simply scan a QR code on the scooter and off you go, it activates! The scooters are personal, but they can be used by two people simultaneously depending on the total weight. Depending on the model, the maximum weight while in motion is approximately 120 kg. Some models have the battery underneath, others in front or behind; this changes the scooter's center of gravity, so you'll quickly find a favorite (we liked the ones with the battery in front).

Whether you're riding a scooter or a bike, don't ride just anywhere!

Remember to unlock a scooter with enough battery power depending on the distance you plan to travel!

The rates are around €12 per hour, depending on the time of year and other factors, which we didn't always understand… It's a perfect way to get from one place to another. If you want to ride around all day, check out a rental shop for more attractive rates. The idea is to pick it up, ride it, and drop it off. We're not going to keep it for riding around. Because it's heavy, bulky, and expensive!

A practical way to get back to Jardim do Morro and the metro from Vila Nova de Gaia, but also a superb viewpoint over the city? Porto's cable cars, of course!

Where to ride a scooter in Porto?

Porto is hilly. Scooters aren't made for that… Don't bother taking the steep, cobbled streets; you'll just get in the way of pedestrians, risk a reprimand (and a fine), and at worst, hurt yourself! For the historic center, sneakers are still the best way to get around. When you start getting to the city center, Porto West, Porto Beach, and Porto South, it's even better! Here are a few examples:

Are you in the historic center and need to quickly get somewhere downtown? Hop on a scooter! The app lets you find a designated drop-off point marked by paint on the ground in a flash. You have to park your scooter in specific spots so that the network maintenance crews can pick them up, move them, and recharge them. You'll see that some stations are always empty (down below) and others are always full (up above!). If a station is full, don't force your way through and knock over all the scooters (we've seen it happen several times); just go to a nearby station.

The narrow, cobbled, and steep streets and alleyways are not easy to drive on!

Use the cycle paths or drive carefully.

Explore Porto's waterfront by scooter ! A great ride to take is from Ribeira to Foz do Douro. There are drop-off points as far as Matosinhos, so you can enjoy a long ride and even venture into western Porto to admire the views. Once you reach Foz do Douro, you'll ride along the oceanfront – it's very pleasant and the seafront promenade is wide enough for easy riding!

On the other side, you can start from Vila Nova de Gaia and head towards the ocean, passing through a pretty fishing village, reaching the marina, then the nature reserve and finally the beaches. They are less crowded than those of Foz and just as lovely.

Porto West by scooter

Vila Gaia de Nova, near the marina by scooter

Scooters are a great way to explore lesser-known neighborhoods, which are more functional and practical than touristy. For example, in Vila Nova de Gaia, if you want to go shopping in a mall, it's sometimes more convenient and faster than waiting for a bus or metro. Discover the Bonfim district, which is undergoing redevelopment. Head to Porto West to experience a more bureaucratic side of Porto (in Boavista), where the major retailers are also located.

Another nice walk idea: Start from Jardim do Morro and walk along the Douro to see the other bridges and go up the river towards picturesque neighborhoods.

Take the Porto funicular for a quick but fun ride! Perfect for reaching the top of the city quickly and cheaply.

You now have all the information you need for a successful scooter ride in Porto! If possible, wear a helmet (even a cap or a beanie), as it remains a fast and dangerous means of transport in case of a fall.