By Velda Hammerbacher (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 11:55 am: |
My husband and I will be visiting Bonaire for a day next month off a cruise ship. I've researched a number of sites to visit and wonder which is the better way to get to them: scooter or car? I've read through some of the archives detailing bad car rental experiences. Yikes! Makes me a little leery about renting a car. On the other hand, not much has been said about scooter rentals. Can anyone share their scooter experiences?
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #490) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 2:00 pm: |
Velda
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By Antony Bond (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #224) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 2:38 pm: |
For a day, a scooter is great. It will cost you about USD 25 inc insurance for a two person machine.
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By Velda Hammerbacher (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 9:26 pm: |
Mickey and Antony,
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By Rick Fortune (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 10:43 pm: |
I would go with a scooter. We rent them every year even though we have a truck too. Great way to tour the island. Saves on the fuel cost too. I would talk to the Harley Shop, we have rented from them every year, very fair and attentive.
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By Velda Hammerbacher (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 6:02 pm: |
Rick,
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By Antony Bond (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #239) on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 6:37 am: |
Velda.
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By Deborah Bennett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #114) on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 10:28 pm: |
Is is safe (for the scooters) to leave them parked and snorkel around the island?
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By Antony Bond (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #248) on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 5:12 am: |
Deborah.
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By James Little (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - 10:42 am: |
A strong warning to anyone renting scooters on Bonaire…we rented two 100cc Yamaha’s from Rental Fun Drive, same ownership as the Harley rental place. Despite both of them being locked up, they were stolen. The cable was cut in the middle of the night. Then to make matters worse, the negotiation with the owner was one of the worst experiences I have ever had, he yelled, swore profoundly, and made several threats that he will not let us off the island if we did not pay him in cash and in full for the scooters. Despite the scooters being 2002 models and being in less then poor condition, he wanted full replacement cost for new 2008 scooters. He demanded $5,000 US each and finally settled for $600 each which is still more then they were worth according to ebay and Kelly Blue Book. He also said the $300 deposit taken has nothing to do with damage or loss and is only for internal insurance. Return your scooter at the end of the day to avoid any problems.
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By Bette ( BC from you know where) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1067) on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 8:58 am: |
Hi James, sorry you had to experience that
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By James Little (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 12:15 pm: |
Bette...sorry to say that the insurance the rental place sells for $5 has a $500 deductable, more then the scooter is worth. Yes, I met with the police and filed a report, they never even asked for either a tag number or serial number of the scooters, so it seems they do not take this so seriously or have any way to identify it in the event it’s found. Yes, I read the contract before signing it. Frankly the only issue I had was the way we were treated by the owner of the rental shop. I admitted that I had liability and was willing to pay, but when he started out asking for a new replacement for a very old and poor condition one I was shocked. His terrible behavior and threat to “hold us on the island” made it even worse.
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By Seb (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3448) on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 12:45 pm: |
James, you may not be aware that duty fees on Bonaire are quite high. I have been told that if you are brining over a Harley, for instance, that you would pay 100% duty on the cost of the bike, and 100% duty on the shipping.
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By James Little (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 1:26 pm: |
The duty on a scooter according to the owner was 32%. Not sure about a Harley. I have a copy of the report and will send it to the mod tomorrow.
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