How Much Does Motorcycle Towing Cost in Melbourne? A 2025 Guide

Motorcycle towing services in Melbourne have become an essential safety net for riders facing breakdowns, accidents or mechanical failures on busy urban streets. With growing traffic congestion, varied weather conditions and extended riding beyond metropolitan limits, having a reliable towing provider on speed dial can save time, money and stress. Whether you ride a nimble commuter bike or a heavyweight cruiser, the unexpected can happen—flat batteries, punctured tires, stalled engines, or collision damage can leave you stranded. In these scenarios, professional motorcycle towing delivers prompt transport to workshops or home, ensuring your two-wheeled investment is handled safely and without further damage.

Common situations triggering a tow include mechanical breakdowns on highways, engine overheating in stop-start traffic, electrical malfunctions or simple user errors such as running out of fuel. Tourers venturing away from Melbourne’s CBD into rural areas or along the Great Ocean Road may find limited repair options and opt to tow back to the city. Urban riders facing flat tires and no spare or lacking roadside tools benefit equally from specialist towing. Demand has risen in recent years as motorcycle ownership grows—VicRoads data show a steady increase in registered bikes—and riders increasingly expect 24/7 coverage and transparent pricing.

This 2025 guide outlines the costs you can expect when towing a motorcycle in Melbourne, the key variables that influence those costs, and strategies for minimizing expenses. We draw on industry-wide statistics—average price ranges, base fees, per-kilometer charges, after-hours surcharges, emergency towing premiums, long-distance rates and additional equipment fees—sourced from leading local providers. You will also find comparisons of top-rated companies, insights from real customer experiences, tips on maintenance and insurance considerations, plus practical advice on choosing the right service. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the information needed to navigate Melbourne’s towing market confidently and avoid unwelcome surprises on your next ride.

Understanding the Basics

Motorcycle towing costs are rarely flat fees. Instead, they reflect a combination of factors such as distance, time of day, vehicle type and level of urgency. Most companies apply a base fee—typically between $90 and $150—to cover dispatch, driver arrival and initial hookup. Beyond this, per-kilometer rates kick in once you exceed a predefined radius. According to industry averages, you can expect $2.50 to $4.00 per kilometer for standard tows. These rates vary among providers based on operating costs, vehicle overheads and local demand. Riders should always ask for an upfront quote that includes all foreseeable charges.

Time-of-day and location also influence pricing.

After-hours tows—late evenings, weekends or public holidays—often incur surcharges of $50 to $100 on top of standard fees. Remote or hard-to-access locations may carry additional travel charges or minimum call-out fees to compensate for the driver’s time and fuel. Companies serving Melbourne’s suburban fringe or rural outskirts may factor in return-journey distances if they cannot combine jobs, raising your total cost. Conversely, central-city pickups on main roads tend to be cheaper to serve.

Distance-Based Fees

Distance remains the dominant driver of towing expense. Most providers cap the base fee to the first 5–10 kilometers, then apply per-kilometer rates. For short distances—under 10 km—total cost generally falls between $100 and $300. Beyond that, expect incremental charges. For example, a tow of 50 km could cost:

Base fee: $100
Per-km (40 km x $3.00): $120
Total: $220

Long-distance hauls (100+ km) often command higher per-kilometer fees—up to $5/km—reflecting greater fuel use and wear on tow trucks. Rates for extended runs can start at $200 and reach $1,000 or more, depending on company policies and whether multiple vehicles or special equipment are required. Riders should clarify upfront the distance threshold for steeped rates.

Type of Towing Service Required

Different towing methods involve varied skill sets and equipment, influencing price. Traditional hook-and‐chain towing is rare for motorcycles due to risk of frame damage. Instead, flatbed towing is the gold standard for bikes. Flatbeds provide a level platform that secures the motorcycle upright, minimizing movement. Because flatbed trucks are costlier to operate and maintain, flatbed tows typically incur higher fees—often $20–$50 more than rudimentary wheel‐lift service.

Current Pricing Trends

As of 2025, the average motorcycle towing rate in Melbourne sits in the $100–$300 range for short urban tows. That aligns closely with data from nationwide‐group.com.au, which reports comparable figures for towing cars and motorcycles alike. This marks a modest 5–7% increase from 2023 levels, driven by rising fuel costs, employee wages and insurance premiums for tow operators. Electric tow trucks are slowly emerging but have yet to become mainstream; most fleets remain diesel-powered.
Base fees across Melbourne typically range from $90 to $150. Premium firms with state-of-the-art equipment or rapid-response guarantees tend to charge at the upper end of this spectrum. Mid-tier companies hover around $100–$120 for a basic call-out, while budget operators may offer $90-base services but augment with surcharges or mileage mark-ups. Per-kilometer rates also vary: lower-cost outfits advertise $2.50/km, whereas premium providers charge $3.50–$4.00/km. Emergency towing in situations such as multi-vehicle collisions or severe roll-overs can add $120–$200 to the bill, reflecting the complexity and safety risks involved.

Additional Fees to Consider

Beyond base and distance fees, a series of ancillary charges can inflate your final invoice. After-hours surcharges are among the most common, tacking on $50–$100 for any service requested outside typical business hours (roughly 8 am to 6 pm weekdays). If you call on weekends or Australian public holidays, expect closer to $100 extra, as staff and driver rates escalate.
Fuel surcharges may also apply, especially when oil prices spike. Some companies add a percentage (typically 5–10%) to cover their fluctuating fuel overheads. Loading additional items into the tow truck—motorcycle cases, top-boxes, spare parts—might incur handling fees of $20–$40. Storage charges can begin accruing after 24 hours if you cannot immediately collect the motorcycle from the company facility; these fees vary from $25 to $60 per day.

Top Towing Companies in Melbourne

Melbourne’s towing marketplace features a mix of national chains, local operators and family-owned businesses. Among the most reputable motorcycle towing providers are:

1. Fateh Tow Service: Family-owned with over 10 years’ experience in South East Melbourne, Fateh Tow Service specializes in 24/7 emergency towing. Certified drivers and technicians maintain a state-of-the-art fleet, including flatbeds and specialized tools. Known for exceptional customer care and strict safety protocols, Fateh handles motorcycles, cars, SUVs and trailers with equal expertise. Base fees average $110, with per-km charges at $3.20. After-hours surcharge: $75. Contact us for more information.


2. Nationwide Towing Group: A national chain offering uniform pricing and a large fleet. Base fee $95, $2.75/km. Strong insurer partnerships enable quicker claims processing. Some customers cite impersonal service but competitive rates.

3. Falcon Towing & Recovery: A family firm competing on rapid response—guaranteed arrival within 30 minutes in metro areas. Base fee $120, $3.50/km. Known for upfront quotes and transparent billing, but slightly above-average pricing.

4. Swift Bike Rescue: Specialized in two-wheeler towing only. Base fee $105, $3.00/km. Offers complimentary roadside battery checks. Limited to bike weight up to 300 kg; heavier tourers may need alternative providers.

5. CEOTowing: Premium provider with high-end equipment, including low-profile tilt decks. Base fee $140, $4.00/km. Targets luxury motorcycle owners; often used by dealership service centers for customer pickups.

Customer Reviews and Experiences


Real user feedback underscores the importance of reliability, transparency and driver professionalism. Common themes include:

1. Value vs. Speed: Riders on a budget often choose lower-cost operators but risk longer wait times. Conversely, premium services guarantee arrival within 20–30 minutes but charge higher rates. One reviewer noted paying $140 base plus 50 km at $4/km for a late-night tow—significantly above cheaper weekday rates.

2. Upfront Quotes: Transparent providers like Falcon Towing and Fateh Tow Service often secure positive reviews due to no-hidden-fees policies. Customers appreciate knowing they won’t get slapped with surprise surcharges for straps, fuel or mileage.

3. Equipment Handling: Flatbed towing earns consistent praise for safeguarding against frame scratches and fluid leaks. A number of riders recounted buckled fairings after using substandard wheel-lift services.

4. Customer Service: Personalized attention from family-owned outfits—return calls, follow-ups to confirm pickup locations and ETA—ranks highly. Several reviewers cited Fateh’s technicians for their courteous demeanor and extra mile in transporting luggage or bike covers at no extra charge.

Prevention Strategies

The best way to reduce towing costs is to avoid needing a tow at all. Regular maintenance checks on battery health, tire pressure, fluid levels and brake pads can forestall many roadside breakdowns. Keeping a portable tire repair kit, lithium jump-starter and basic toolkit onboard allows you to address minor issues without calling for assistance. Planning fuel stops on longer rides and refilling before low-reserve alerts prevent costly “out of fuel” tows. If you ride in groups, consider sharing roadside-tool duties to reduce the likelihood one solo rider ends up stranded.

Emergency preparedness includes storing contact numbers for multiple towing providers in your mobile phone, ideally those with roadside assistance coverage via your insurer. Membership clubs often offer subsidized or free tows up to a set distance, so weigh the annual fee against potential per-incident costs. Finally, equip your bike with high-visibility gear and emergency tri-fold reflectors to reduce accident risk, particularly on poorly lit roads where breakdowns prove more dangerous and complex to resolve.

Insurance Considerations

Many motorcycle insurance policies include optional or standard roadside assistance packages covering tows—usually up to a fixed distance such as 20 km. Another benefit can be coverage for emergency repairs, battery starts, fuel delivery and lockout services. Premium policies with broader geographic limits (statewide or national) shield riders from steep long-distance towing bills when touring beyond Melbourne.

When evaluating insurance, check these specifics:

1. Towing Distance Cap: Some policies limit free tows to 15–20 km; excess distance is charged at standard rates.
2. Number of Claims per Year: Policies may restrict you to one or two annual roadside events—additional incidents incur out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Excluded Services: Battery replacements, tyre patches or jump-starts might be billed separately even if tow itself is covered.
4. Approved Providers: Insurer-appointed tow companies usually have negotiated rates, but riders can request alternative providers—verify whether the insurer will honor the service.
5. Emergency Roadside vs. Comprehensive Cover: Roadside assistance only covers breakdowns, not accident recovery. For collision scenarios, comprehensive cover may extend to accident towing fees.

Essential Questions to Ask

Before committing, ask potential towing providers these critical questions:

1. What is your base fee and per-kilometer rate?
2. Are there after-hours or weekend surcharges?
3. Do you provide flatbed towing for motorcycles?
4. Are all drivers certified, and do you carry adequate insurance?
5. What is your average response time in my area?
6. Can you guarantee no hidden fees— straps, fuel, storage?
7. Do you offer real-time GPS tracking of your tow truck?
8. Is emergency winching, load recovery or multi-storey rescue part of your service list?
9. Are there limits on bike weight or size?
10. Do you provide receipts or invoices suitable for insurance claims?

Evaluating Customer Service

Customer service quality often correlates with overall satisfaction more than price alone. Key indicators include:

1. Responsiveness: Are calls answered promptly? Do they offer an ETA?
2. Communication: Does the dispatcher update you if delays arise?
3. Professionalism: Are drivers courteous, uniformed and punctual?
4. Transparency: Are all fees explained beforehand? Can you receive a written quote?
5. Follow-Up: Will they follow up post-service to confirm your motorcycle arrived safely?
6. Online Reviews: Platforms like Google, Facebook and Trustpilot can provide recent customer feedback. Look for patterns— consistent praise or recurring complaints.
7. Reputation with Insurers: Tow companies partnered with major insurers often meet strict service and pricing standards, simplifying claims.

Key Points

Motorcycle towing costs in Melbourne hinge on several interconnected factors: base call-out fees, per-kilometer rates, time-of-day surcharges, equipment requirements, and additional services like winching or multi-storey recovery. Short urban tows generally range from $100 to $300, while emergency or long-distance hauls can climb well beyond $500. Transparent providers clearly outline fees up front, reducing bill-shock. Flatbed towing remains the safest method for two-wheelers but costs slightly more than rudimentary wheel-lift methods. Insurance coverage can significantly offset expenses, especially for policyholders with generous roadside assistance packages.

When selecting a towing service, prioritize reliability, equipment quality and clear communication over rock-bottom pricing. Family-owned outfits like Fateh Tow Service combine local knowledge with personalized care and certified technicians, offering 24/7 coverage backed by a modern fleet. National chains and specialist bike rescuers fill their own niches, but all reputable providers share one common trait: no hidden fees and respect for your motorcycle’s safety.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To avoid the hefty costs and inconveniences of emergency towing, adopt proactive maintenance routines and carry essential roadside tools. Shop insurance policies for robust roadside assistance, ensuring your plan matches your riding habits—urban commuter, weekend day-tripper or long-distance tourer. When you do need professional help, ask the right questions: what you pay, when you pay and exactly what services you receive. Armed with this guide, Melbourne riders can approach towing decisions with confidence, safeguarding both their wallets and their bikes’ well-being.