Renting a Scooter in Bali - Helpful Tips and Information

The scooter is the primary means of transportation in Bali and the best way to get around flexibly. It almost seems like there are more scooters than residents on the island.
During our stays, we mostly relied on scooters. Here, we’d like to share our experiences as well as essential information and helpful tips for renting a scooter.

1. DRIVER’S LICENSE & REQUIREMENTS IN BALI

Most scooters available for rent in Bali are 125cc or higher, which typically require a valid motorcycle license. While these scooters may handle similarly to smaller scooters allowed with a car license in some countries, the increased power of a 125cc scooter generally requires a license for motorcycles.

To legally ride a scooter in Bali, you’ll need both your national motorcycle license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The IDP serves as a translation of your license and is recognized in Indonesia but is only valid when presented alongside your original license.

In practice, authorities in Bali don’t always strictly check whether tourists hold the required motorcycle license. Many rental agencies prioritize making a profit, and in most cases, you can rent a scooter with just a car license. However, riding a 125cc scooter without the proper license could result in expensive fines during a police stop.
These fines are often calculated based on how much cash you have on hand, as corruption does occasionally occur.

More importantly, if you are involved in an accident and do not have the correct license, your insurance may refuse to cover costs, leading to significant financial consequences.
For this reason, it’s essential to follow official guidelines and rent only a scooter for which you have a valid license.

To stay safe, always wear a helmet, ensure your travel insurance covers motorcycle use, and familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and hassle-free riding experience in Bali.

2. WHERE TO RENT A SCOOTER?

You can rent a scooter almost anywhere in Bali—on nearly every street corner, online, or directly through your accommodation.
Many accommodations have partnerships with rental agencies or have their own scooters on-site, so you’ll usually have quick access to a scooter.

Although prices at reputable rental agencies are often a bit higher, they generally come with no hidden costs, and service in case of an accident or damage is reliable and straightforward. We rented our scooters in Ubud and Nusa Dua through BIKAGO and were impressed by their comprehensive insurance package and convenient pickup and drop-off service.

3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A SCOOTER IN BALI?

Rental prices vary widely depending on the scooter’s engine, rental duration, and the area. Tourist locations may also adjust prices according to peak and off-seasons.

Here are some general guidelines: An older, lower-powered scooter may cost around $6 per day, while a modern, more powerful scooter will run between $8 and $10 per day.
Longer rental periods often come with discounts. Your final cost depends on the rental agency and your bargaining skills. in Bali, it’s quite common to negotiate the rental price a bit.

4. THE DEPOSIT

A deposit is almost always required when renting a scooter. Many rental companies will ask for either your passport or a cash deposit.
Since your passport is your most important document while traveling—without it, you can’t leave the country—we recommend leaving cash as a deposit instead.
If issues arise at return, you might lose some cash but won’t risk your passport being used as leverage.

When renting through your accommodation, the deposit is often waived since they already know you.
The rental price may be slightly higher, but you avoid potential problems with leaving your passport as collateral.

5. THE RENTAL AGREEMENT & INSURANCE

Typically, the rental agreement for a scooter is very simple, often only one or two pages long. Key elements include:

• Driver’s name
• Rental price and duration
• Odometer reading
• Deposit
• Insurance coverage (usually limited, meaning renters may be liable for many damages)
• A record of existing damage to the scooter

It’s essential to thoroughly inspect the scooter before renting it and ensure any existing damages are documented in the contract to avoid disputes upon return.

6. THE SCOOTER CHECK: WHAT TO LOOK FOR AT PICKUP

Before setting off, take a short test ride to make sure everything is in working order. Here’s a checklist:

• Helmets: Ensure you receive sanitized helmets for both driver and passenger.
• Inspect the scooter: Check for visual damage and document it with photos, noting it in the contract to prevent misunderstandings upon return.
• Fuel level: Check the fuel level when you pick up the scooter, and return it at the same level.
• First-aid kit: Look for a first-aid kit in the helmet compartment.
• Emergency contact: Ask for a number to call in case of emergency.
• Vehicle documents: Make sure you have the vehicle documents or at least a copy of them.

Once everything is set, you’re ready to go!

Tip: For navigation, we used map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
To keep your phone secure and accessible, consider renting a smartphone holder for the scooter’s handlebars, freeing up both hands for driving.

7. HOW & WHERE TO REFUEL THE SCOOTER?

In Bali, you can fill up at official gas stations or at smaller roadside stands and shops. Roadside sellers often sell fuel in old liquor or plastic bottles, and you fill the tank yourself.
At a proper gas station, an attendant will fill the tank, and you pay directly at the pump.

Good to know: Fuel sold by roadside vendors is often diluted, meaning it burns faster, and it’s usually more expensive than at a gas station.
In remote areas where gas stations are scarce, make sure your tank is full to avoid relying on roadside vendors.

8. GENERAL TIPS FOR RIDING A SCOOTER

• Helmet law: Bali has a helmet law. Follow it for your safety, even if it seems like no one else is.
• Left-hand traffic: Bali drives on the left! This may take some getting used to, but you’ll adjust quickly as the traffic around you will keep you in line.
• Road conditions: While the roads in towns and tourist areas are good, you may encounter some rough conditions on the island—think gravel, rocks, and steep inclines.
  Riding can be challenging in these situations.
• Rain: Slow down when it rains! Roads become slippery, especially when braking or on steep paths. Avoiding accidents is worth it.
• Sun protection: The cooling breeze can be deceptive. Even on longer rides, apply sunscreen before setting out.
• Securing your helmet: After your ride, store your helmet in the helmet compartment. If you have two, secure the second one by fastening it between the compartment and seat.
  This lets you leave the helmets with the scooter.
• Bags: We kept valuables in a backpack worn by the passenger. This gives you extra storage space beyond the helmet compartment.
  If you’re worried about theft at traffic lights, consider wearing your backpack in front.

9. PROS & CONS OF RENTING A SCOOTER

Pros

• High flexibility and independence
• Faster than a car or bus
• Access to narrow roads
• Cheaper than renting a car or hiring a private driver

Cons

• Uncomfortable on long journeys
• Exposure to weather conditions
• Limited storage
• High injury risk in accidents
• No sun protection unless you apply sunscreen

Are you planning a tour through Bali and its famous neighboring islands? Our other guides may interest you:

• Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip
• Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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