Take a ride at Island Scooter Rentals
Victoria Sweeney offers scooters and bicycles at Island Scooter Rentals.
SUN PHOTO/LOUISE BOLGER
One of the best things about vacationing on Anna Maria Island is that you don’t need to move your car from the moment you arrive. In fact, you don’t even need a car. The Island’s free trolley can get you anywhere you want to go, and if you need just a little more flexibility in your transportation, the trolley can also get you to Island Scooter Rentals’ front door.
Island Scooter Rentals in Bradenton Beach is conveniently located on Gulf Drive within the grounds of the Silver Surf Resort. Victoria Sweeney has been the owner of the business since 1998, when she heard about a business opportunity on Anna Maria Island while living in Key West. Originating from Chicago, Sweeney is a long way from winter’s snow and ice and couldn’t be happier.
At Island Scooter Rentals Sweeney offers bicycle rentals at $5 per hour, $15 for 24 hours and $45 per week.
Scooter rates start as low as $25 per hour for a single scooter and $35 per hour for a two- person scooter. In addition, Island Scooter Rentals has a variety of rental rates based on the number of hours you need topping out at $65 for a single scooter and $95 for a two-person scooter for 24 hours. Two-day and weekly rates are also available, as well as group rates and specials including a 10 percent off coupon on their Web site. Rates do not include tax. You must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license to rent. If you’re under 18 with a valid driver’s license you can rent if you are riding with an adult.
Complimentary helmets and maps are provided for both bike and scooter rentals, in addition to locks, baskets and pickup and delivery for regular bikes. Scooter training is a must and Sweeney won’t let you go until you’re comfortable and she’s satisfied. You can prearrange to pickup a scooter as early as 9 a.m. and return it as late as 7:30 p.m.
Island Scooter Rentals’ scooters are fully automatic, two-stroke gas engines which get 40 to 50 miles per gallon. Sweeney turns over approximately 1/3 of her fleet each year and spends a lot of time and energy on maintenance and service to insure scooter safety. She stands on her 10-year reputation doing business on Anna Maria for having the best rates, being the most convenient and maintaining a quality fleet.
In addition, new and used scooters are available to purchase at Island Scooter Rentals, with two-year warranties on new scooters. She can also arrange for maintenance and repairs on your personal scooter.
Riding a scooter or a bike on Anna Maria Island is one of life’s simple and affordable pleasures. Leave the car in park and make shopping a real adventure with a scooter or bike rental from Island Scooter Rentals. And, just one more thing – when you get off the trolley at Silver Sands Resort, don’t look for an actual front door. Just head for the striped umbrella and tan and ride.
Island Scooter Rentals
1301 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beachat
The Silver Surf Resort
941-726-3163
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Visa, MasterCard, Discover
www.islandscooters.com