Rid'In St Barth
Zip through Gustavia's hills on Italian scooters kitted out for island roads.
Why Go
St Barth's ribbon of switchback roads was made for two wheels, and Rid'In hands you the keys to Italian Prima and Viaggio scooters right off the Gustavia harbor.
The Experience
Tucked along Rue de la République just steps from the port, Rid'In is the young, easy-going alternative to the island's car-rental scrum. The fleet is exclusive to St Barth — glossy Italian Prima and Viaggio scooters that handle Gustavia's cobbled climbs and the swooping coast road to Gouverneur or Saline with equal poise. Pickup is quick and personal: staff walk you through the peculiarities of driving on the right side of narrow, hairpin roads, hand over a helmet and gloves, and send you off with insurance already bundled in. Because you're a block from the marina and a short roll from Shell Beach, you can pick up your scooter, stash your bag at your hotel, and be splashing into a hidden cove within the hour.
What to Try
Take the classic loop: Gustavia up over the ridge to Corossol for a fisherman's-village photo stop, then down to Colombier Beach's trailhead, and back via Flamands and Saint-Jean for sunset drinks. Ask for a Prima if you want something nimble for the town's tight lanes, or the sturdier Viaggio if you're two-up and planning longer runs to Grand Cul-de-Sac.
Insider Tip
Reserve at least 48 hours ahead in high season and villa-charter weeks — the fleet is small and turns over fast. Bring your driver's license and a credit card for the deposit, and ask them to store your bag while you scout a hotel-check-in workaround; they're used to boat arrivals with nowhere to drop luggage. Fuel up at the station near the airport rather than paying Gustavia prices.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Rue de la République, Gustavia, 97133 St Barthélemy — a two-minute walk from the harbor. Rentals include helmet, gloves, and insurance. A valid driver's license (motorcycle endorsement not required for 50cc) and credit-card deposit are needed. Best contacted by phone or WhatsApp to confirm availability; expect to leave a passport copy at pickup. Drive on the right, and note that most beaches have free scooter parking but no shade.
Pair It With
- Shell Beach Guide — Five-minute scoot from the shop for a sunset swim and a rosé at Shellona.
- Colombier Beach trailhead — Park the scooter at Anse des Flamands and hike 20 minutes to St Barth's most secluded cove.
- Corossol Guide — A quick uphill ride from Gustavia to the last traditional fishing village on the island.
- Le Select Guide — Return the scooter and walk one block for a cheeseburger in paradise at Gustavia's legendary open-air bar.
