To rent a motorcycle on Twisted Road, you need a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license or endorsement held for at least six months, you must be at least 21 years old, and you need a mobile phone in your own name plus a credit card that can cover a $750 to $2,000 security deposit. 

Insurance is included through the platform, and Twisted Road runs a quick background check before you ride.

That's the short version. Below is the full checklist, with the details that trip people up and the exact numbers you'll see at checkout.

The Full Rental Checklist at a Glance

1. A Valid Motorcycle License or Endorsement

This is the requirement that stops most people, so get it right first.

You need a current, unrestricted driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, and you must have held that endorsement for at least six months. 

An endorsement is an additional certification added to your regular license that allows you to operate a motorcycle.

These will not be accepted:

• Learner's permits

• Expired licenses

• Licenses with a restriction code

If you don't have your endorsement yet, the fastest path is a Basic Rider Course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation runs these nationwide, and in many states, passing the course waives the DMV riding test. If you have held your endorsement for less than six months but completed an MSF course, you can still ride. In that case, you'll be limited to a smaller subset of motorcycles: standard bikes or cruisers under 900cc.

2. You Must Be at Least 21

The minimum age to rent on Twisted Road in the United States is 21. There are extra requirements for younger riders.

If you are under 25, Twisted Road may require you to provide at least three years of current motorcycle riding experience. 

This is standard across the rental industry because younger riders carry a higher insurance risk.

3. Documented Riding Experience

Twisted Road asks you to describe your riding experience in your user profile. Owners see this before they approve your rental request. 

Nobody rides an owner's bike unless that owner approves the booking, so a complete, honest profile helps you get accepted faster.

List the bikes you've owned or ridden, the years you've been riding, and the kind of riding you do. An owner deciding whether to hand over a $20,000 motorcycle wants to know you can handle it.

4. A Mobile Phone and a Twisted Road Account

You need a mobile phone registered in your own name. Twisted Road verifies it by text message. 

The whole owner-rider coordination happens over text, so this is how you'll arrange pickup and stay in contact during the trip.

You also need a registered Twisted Road account. Creating one takes a few minutes. Here's the full step-by-step rental walkthrough if you want to see the entire booking flow before you start.

5. A Credit Card for the Security Deposit

Twisted Road places a security deposit hold on your credit card before the ride begins. The amount varies by bike and ranges from $750 to $2,000.

Here's how the hold works so there are no surprises:

• The hold is applied the day before your ride starts.

• It is not a charge. It's a temporary hold on your available credit.

• It is released 48 hours after you return the bike in good condition.

Make sure your card has enough available credit to cover both the rental cost and the deposit hold at the same time.

6. Insurance

You must have motorcycle insurance to ride, but you don't need to arrange it yourself. Twisted Road includes coverage on every rental.

The platform's coverage provides up to $1 million in liability and damage protection up to $40,000. 

Riders are responsible for paying any deductible. You can also add supplemental protection at checkout, including roadside assistance and tire protection. Prefer to use your own insurance? You can decline Twisted Road's coverage and ride with a $3,000 security deposit hold instead.

7. Pass the Background Check

After you request a bike, Twisted Road runs a background check on you before the owner is even notified. We review a range of factors, including your driving and riding history, credit score, and criminal background, to confirm you're a good fit to ride.

Rider verification is often instant. It can take a little longer if there are any bumps along the way, like an expired license, so make sure you're available by text in case we need more details from you. Owners are not notified of your request until you've been approved, so build in a little lead time rather than booking a bike for two hours from now.

Renting as an International Visitor

If you hold a non-US license, you can still rent. You'll need to provide a photo of your license when booking, you may be asked to show your passport at pickup, and non-US residents must be at least 25. 

Our full international riders guide covers the details, including International Driving Permits and state traffic laws.

What to Bring to Pickup

When you meet the owner, have these ready:

• The physical license that matches your booking. You won't get the keys without it.

• Your phone, so you can document the bike and stay in contact.

• Riding gear. A DOT-approved helmet at minimum, plus gloves, jacket, and boots.

The owner will photograph the bike from all angles and check your license against your booking. 

Take your own photos of any existing scratches or dings before you ride off. Those photos protect you if there's a dispute about damage later.

Ready to Book?

If you've got a valid endorsement, you're 21 or older, and you have a phone and a credit card, you meet the core requirements. 

The rest takes minutes. Search Twisted Road for bikes near you and start your first rental.

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FAQs

What do I need to rent a motorcycle on Twisted Road?

You need a valid, unrestricted motorcycle license or endorsement held for at least six months, you must be at least 21, and you need a mobile phone in your own name plus a credit card for the $750 to $2,000 security deposit. Insurance is included through the platform.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a motorcycle?

No. Twisted Road includes coverage on every rental, with up to $1 million in liability and damage protection up to $40,000. You are responsible for any deductible. Prefer your own insurance? You can decline coverage and ride with a $3,000 deposit hold instead.

How much is the security deposit to rent a motorcycle?

Twisted Road places a hold of $750 to $2,000 depending on the bike. It's applied the day before your ride and released 48 hours after you return the motorcycle in good condition. It's a hold, not a charge.

Can I rent a motorcycle if I'm under 25?

Yes, if you're at least 21. Riders under 25 may need to show three years of riding history. Non-US residents must be at least 25.

How long does Twisted Road approval take?

Rider verification is often instant, but it can take a little longer if there are any bumps along the way, like an expired license. Make sure you're available by text in case we need more details. Book with some lead time rather than at the last minute.

What kind of license do I need to rent a motorcycle?

A current, unrestricted driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement held for at least six months. Learner's permits, expired, or restricted licenses are not accepted.