Kalymnos scooter question

For those of you in the know, I have two questions about scooter rentals.
1. I was unable to get a motorcycle endorsement on my intl. license. Do you need the motorcycle endorsement for scooters of 50cc or less?
2.  Do you need to reserve scooters, or can you just rent them day of. (We plan on doing mostly walking.)

Thanks much!

Cool thanks. AAA office refused to issue a motorcycle stamp without a valid motorcycle endorsement (although I had one in the past). I did read somewhere that a motorcycle endorsement was not necessary for scooters of 50cc or less. Guess I can just reserve a car.

Not to derail but i'm also curious, the island seems quite small, have any of you gotten away easily just renting bikes?  I'm pretty used to biking everywhere so I don't really see why this Greek island would be any different, plus it is in Europe!

When we got there we just went to one of the scooter shops our host recommended and rented for the week. Super easy. But that was off-season. i think they look at your passport or something but we didn' need anything special.

It was less than 10 euros a day per scooter, which was well worth if you going anywhere other than grande grotta area (assuming your staying in Massouri). Gas was a little pricey, but we also rode the full circumference of the island on a rest day which used a lot.

I would ask your host/lodging provider for help if your having trouble making a reservation. 

you can get a scooter without an endorsement, though technically it is illegal. I was turned away at one shop and the other didn't even bother to look at my license. I did notice that some shops had atvs for rent. If I were to go back, I would prefer that, a front and rear rack for packs and enough space for your partner on the seat. 2 packs and 2 people on a 50cc scooter is quite the balancing act if you are unfamiliar with 2 wheeled travel. I did see Peter Croft there, and he drove one of the small rental cars, but he has enough smarts and experience to back off when something is too dangerous.

We saw a couple scooter crashes trying to carry too much - no real injuries but some lost skin.  One person per scooter I would say or just rent a car.  Two people plus two packs is way too much for a scooter.

My first trip there in 2013 my wife and I rented a scooter with only a US drivers license. First shop turned us down and the second was fine with it. I will say 2 people plus packs on a scooter can be tight.

2nd trip last year we rented a car between 3 people and were very happy with the additional space. I did obtain an international drivers permit through AAA without motorcycle endorsement. They guy offered us scooters too though. I can’t remember details but the car wasn’t much more expensive between 3 people, we went with the cheapest model. FYI I think they only have manual? 

During busy season do what Russ says and try to reserve something in advance.

The crags are a little spread out for biking I think. 

Have fun! That place is amazing! 

Thanks everyone!

I think that more places are requiring the license. Technically, as someone else said, it is the law! Apparently, there are hefty fines if the cops stop you, and no coverage on any insurance if you wreck.

We were turned down without the motorcycle endorsement.  However, we were able to rent a little Toyota Aygo for 20 euros/day in Masouri.  You can pack 4 people and all their climbing gear for the day in there.  It ended up being a lower stress and more convenient option.

I'm in Kalymnos right now. We rented a scooter for 5 weeks at 8 euro a day. They did want to see my international drivers permit. I also have a motorcycle endorsement, but I'm not sure if they cared about that. I'm very happy with the scooter for the little roads and ease of parking.

Five weeks! lucky you :)