Getting Around the Algarve from Lagos: Sidecar32 Scooter Review

Last updated on August 21st, 2022

When planning how to get around the Algarve from Lagos, I knew a scooter would be the best option, providing the most flexibility for destination choice and parking needs. We had previously rented a scooter during our vacation to Roatan, Honduras a few years back, and it was a blast to spend the day driving around everywhere. I wanted that same kind of experience in Portugal, and what better place than the Algarve. With Sidecar32’s website describing their rentals as “renting an experience,” I was excited to try out their scooters.

Thinking about renting a scooter with Sidecar32? Here is my honest review of getting around the Algarve by scooter with them.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Sidecar32. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Table of Contents

About Sidecar32

Run by a husband and wife team, Filipe and Marta, Sidecar32 is a local shop in Lagos that rents bicycles, scooters and motorcycles. They are the kindest couple and run their shop smoothly and professionally.

From the time we picked up the scooter until we dropped it off, they made everything easy and enjoyable; even when we had a hiccup with our scooter, they were quick to solve the issue and get us back on our way.

Location

Sidecar32 is located in Lagos just off of the town’s main highway strip, the N-125. Keep an eye out for their shop near the gas station diagonally across the marina.

Address: Largo das Portas de Portugal 1 loja 1, 8600-657 Lagos, Portugal

Sidecar32 Rental Requirements: Scooters and Motos

The following items are required to rent a scooter or motorcycle from Sidecar32:

EU Driver’s License or other driving license plus an International Driver’s Permit
Secondary ID card (passport or national ID card)
Previous experience driving a scooter or motorcycle

scootering around the algarve portugal is one of the best things to do in the algarve

Renting a Scooter with Sidecar32: What’s Included

Included in every rental with Sidecar32 are two helmets, insurance, a top case and a phone holder. All this and unlimited kilometres! Having unlimited kilometres makes riding a scooter so much more fun and allows for extra flexibility to explore anywhere and everywhere.

Fuel is not part of the cost included in the rental price. You need to return the scooter with the same fuel level that you picked it up with. Luckily, the scooter does not have a large tank. For my rental, it cost less than 10 euros to fill the tank.

Getting Ready to Ride

Before you leave the shop, Sidecar32 guides you on how to operate everything on the scooter; so you don’t feel lost and are well informed during your rental period. You will inspect the bike’s condition, and take pictures of any bumps or bruises on the rental.

Their phone number can be found on the rental contract and the vehicle, so you can call them during any kind of issue during business hours. There is also an emergency contact for after business hours.

The rentals at Sidecar32 are relatively new and operate well. You shouldn’t have any issues, but if you do, they make sure there is someone reachable, which is comforting.

My scooter rental was a Honda Vision, and it was the perfect size for me and my travel partner. With our instructions on how to use the scooter, a map of where to go, and helmets on, we were ready to ride.

Getting Around the Algarve by Scooter

One of the best ways to get around the Algarve is by scooter. Scooter parking is free and easy to find, and having a scooter makes it easier to drive through the beautiful narrow streets within towns. The scooter was easy to drive and made getting around fun.

From Lagos, I took the scooter to Silves, the Algarve’s most medieval city, Ferragudo, a small fishing village, and Albufeira, a large adorable town with lots of water activities and where I tried parasailing.

how-to-get-around-the-algarve-by-scooter

Depending on where you take the scooter, you will experience a variety of road types: highways and main roads have paved roads, some towns have cobblestone roads, and on the outskirts of towns, you may find dirt roads. While cars are the dominant vehicle on the road, you will see other scooters and motorcycles while riding around.

When riding, the wind can get chilly, especially while travelling at fast speeds on highways or near the windy coastline. It is best to wear a light sweater/jacket and pants while driving the scooter; it will also help protect you from the sun.

Ideas of Where to Go to in the Algarve with a Scooter

Don’t know where to go? If you are open to it, they will give you a map with recommendations on where to go with your scooter rental.

Here are some ideas of where to go in the Algarve with a Scooter from Lagos:

Sagres
Aljezur
Salema
Monchique
Silves
Albufeira

Looking for a tour option? If you want a driving itinerary prepared by Sidecar 32, you can pre-book a tour with their guide or take a self-guided tour. There are options for tours of the coastline or the interior of the Algarve.

While it was recommended to me by Filipe to visit Sagres, I, unfortunately, ran out of time and did not end up going. I look forward to returning to Lagos and the Algarve in the future.

Scootering Around with Sidecar32: Final Thoughts

Driving on a scooter through Lagos and multiple towns in the Algarve region was one of the most fun parts of my Portugal trip. I had a positive experience and would highly recommend renting a scooter from Sidecar32. When visiting Lagos, rent a scooter from Sidecar32, and rent for at least a day to explore the town and surrounding area.

If you don’t believe me, they are rated a 4.9 by over 100 reviews on Google and won TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice in 2021. Rent with Sidecar32 and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

To learn more about Sidecar32, and book your rental visit their website.

Hope this information helped you plan your scooter rental in Lagos, Portugal with Sidecar32.

Happy travelling!