Renting a Scooter in Thailand – Helpful Tips & Information

The scooter – the most important means of transport in Thailand. It almost seems like there are as many scooters as there are people in the entire country.
For us, too, it was the go-to mode of transport for shorter trips.
That's why we want to share our experiences, essential information, and helpful tips for renting a scooter in Thailand with you.

1. DRIVER'S LICENSE & REQUIREMENTS

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

To legally ride a scooter in Thailand, you need both your national motorcycle license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The IDP acts as a translation of your license and is recognized in Thailand but is only valid when accompanied by your original license.

In practice, Thai authorities don’t always strictly enforce the requirement for a motorcycle license among tourists.
Many rental agencies are more focused on profits and often rent scooters to tourists with only a car license.
However, riding a 125cc scooter without the proper license could result in hefty fines during police stops.
Additionally, fines are sometimes subject to corruption, with the amount varying based on how much cash you have on hand.

More importantly, if you are involved in an accident without the correct license, your insurance may refuse to cover the costs, leading to significant financial consequences.
For this reason, it’s crucial to adhere to official guidelines and only rent a scooter if you hold the appropriate license.

To stay safe, always wear a helmet, make sure your travel insurance covers motorcycle use, and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free riding experience in Thailand.

2. WHERE CAN YOU RENT A SCOOTER?

You can rent a scooter on almost every street corner, online, or through your accommodation.
Many accommodations have partnerships with rental companies or have vehicles themselves, so a scooter is often readily available.

While prices might be a bit higher with reputable rental agencies, you avoid hidden fees, and if there’s an accident or damage, the service tends to be smooth and hassle-free.

3. WHAT DOES IT COST TO RENT A SCOOTER IN THAILAND?

The cost of renting a scooter varies significantly depending on the scooter’s power and rental duration. Prices are often influenced by tourist areas and high or low seasons.
You can expect around 200 – 250 THB per day (about $6) for an older scooter with less power, and about 250 – 350 THB (about $8) per day for a modern scooter with more power.

For long-term rentals, you might get a better rate. Of course, it depends on who you’re renting from and your negotiation skills.

4. THE DEPOSIT

Almost every scooter rental requires a deposit. Most agencies ask for your passport or a cash deposit.

Since your passport is the most important document during your trip (you can’t leave the country without it), we recommend leaving cash as a deposit.
If issues arise upon return, the worst-case scenario is that you lose some money, instead of having your passport held as leverage.

If you rent a scooter from your accommodation, the deposit is often waived, as they already know you.
Although the rental price may be slightly higher, you avoid potential trouble with your passport.

5. THE RENTAL CONTRACT & INSURANCE

Scooter rentals typically come with a very simple contract, often just one or two pages long. Key components include:

• Driver’s name
• Rental price and duration
• Mileage
• Deposit
• Insurance coverage (often very limited, meaning renters are often liable for many damages)
• A list of any pre-existing damage to the scooter

Make sure to thoroughly inspect the scooter for damage before renting and ensure it’s recorded in the contract to avoid disputes upon return.

6. SCOOTER CHECK: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN TAKING OVER

Before heading out with a scooter, you should take a short test drive to ensure it’s functioning properly. Here are some important points to consider:

• Helmets: Ensure you get sterilized helmets for both the driver and passenger.
• Check the scooter: Inspect the scooter for any visible damage and document it with photos. Also, note it in the rental contract to avoid misunderstandings upon return.
• Fuel level: Check the fuel level when you pick up the scooter and return it with the same level.
• First aid kit: See if there’s a first aid kit in the helmet compartment.
• Emergency contact: Ask for a contact number to call in case of emergency.
• Vehicle documents: Ensure you get the vehicle documents or at least a copy.

If everything is in order, you’re ready to go!

Tip: We used navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
To use your phone conveniently and safely, we recommend renting a phone holder for the scooter’s handlebar, so you have both hands free and can focus better on driving.

7. HOW & WHERE TO REFUEL THE SCOOTER

You can fill up at official gas stations or small roadside stands/shops.

At small shops, you often get fuel in old whiskey or plastic bottles and pour it into the tank yourself.
At gas stations, the attendant fills the tank for you, and you pay directly at the pump.

Good to know: Fuel from roadside sellers is often diluted and of lower quality. This means the fuel burns faster, and it’s more expensive than gas from a station.

In remote areas, you might not find a gas station, so ensure you fill up beforehand; otherwise, you’ll have to rely on fuel from street vendors.

8. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SCOOTER RIDING

• Helmet law: Although it might not always seem like it, Thailand does have a helmet law. For your safety alone, you should comply.
• Left-hand traffic: Thailand drives on the left! Don’t worry too much – you’ll quickly adapt, especially as the flow of traffic will remind you where to go.
• Roads: Roads in big cities, towns, and tourist centers are well-paved.
  However, there are also poor road conditions in Thailand, such as very rocky roads, long gravel paths, and extreme slopes. Driving in these situations is not particularly fun.
• Rain: The rule here is to slow down! It can get very slippery, especially when braking or on steep roads. An accident while on vacation is the last thing you want.
• Sun protection: The cooling breeze can be misleading. Remember that the sun is still there, even if you don’t feel hot. For longer trips, apply sunscreen beforehand.
• Helmet storage: As the name suggests, you can store your helmet in the helmet compartment. For two helmets, tuck the second one between the compartment and the seat.
  This way, you can leave your helmets with the scooter and don’t have to carry them around.
• Backpack: We always carried a backpack for our valuables, worn by the passenger. This provides additional storage space alongside the helmet compartment.
  If you’re concerned about someone snatching something from your backpack while waiting at a stoplight, consider wearing it in the front.

9. PROS & CONS OF RENTING A SCOOTER

PROS

• High flexibility and independence
• Faster than a car or bus
• Can take very narrow roads
• Cheaper than renting a car or hiring a private driver

Cons

• Can be quite uncomfortable for long distances
• Limited storage for transporting items
• Higher risk of injury in case of accidents
• Weather-dependent: not ideal in heavy rain or extreme heat
• Exposure to the sun, so wearing sunscreen is essential

Our Conclusion

If you already have experience riding a scooter, rent one and enjoy the freedom and flexibility.
However, if you don’t have experience, think carefully about whether you want to learn to ride on Thailand’s sometimes chaotic, left-hand traffic roads.

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 Thailand
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Thailand

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.