Renting a scooter in Vietnam – Helpful Tips & Information

Scooters and motorcycles are by far the most popular means of transportation for locals in Vietnam.
The cities are bustling with the sound of roaring scooters and motorcycles – you might almost think that every resident of the country owns their own two-wheeler.

During our Vietnam tour, we also rented scooters multiple times. In this post, we’ll share our experiences, when it might be better to skip renting your own scooter, what you should definitely consider when renting, and many other helpful tips and information.

1. DRIVER'S LICENSE & REQUIREMENTS

Most scooters you can rent in Vietnam are 125cc scooters, which handle similarly to 50cc scooters that are often allowed to be ridden with a car driver's license in many countries.
The key difference, however, lies in the higher engine capacity of the 125cc scooters. Therefore, you officially need a motorcycle license.
To be on the safe side, you should also carry a valid international driving permit.
This is only valid when accompanied by your national driver's license, so you must present both documents if asked by the police.

In practice, the Vietnamese police generally check driver's licenses on a random basis. Additionally, most rental shops lend scooters to tourists without checking the required documents. However, it is risky to drive without a valid license. If you are stopped by the police, a fine could be imposed.

It becomes even more problematic in the case of an accident. Your travel insurance may refuse to cover the costs, which could result in significant financial consequences for you. Therefore, it is advisable to only rent vehicles for which you have a valid driver's license.

2. WHERE TO RENT A SCOOTER?

You can rent a scooter practically on every street corner, online, or through your accommodation.
Many accommodations partner with rental companies or have their own vehicles, so a scooter can usually be provided to you quickly.

While the price at reputable rental companies may be slightly higher, there are no hidden fees, and the service in the event of an accident or damage is usually smooth and hassle-free.

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

The rental prices for scooters in Vietnam vary depending on the region, model, and rental duration. Here are some general guidelines:

• Basic scooter (e.g., Honda Wave): around €6 per day.
• Yamaha Luvias FI: around €7 per day.
• Honda Jupiter 110: around €10 per day.

Discounts are often available for longer rental periods. The actual prices may vary depending on negotiation skills, the rental company, and the season.
It’s advisable to compare different offers and negotiate if necessary.

4. THE DEPOSIT

A deposit is almost always required when renting a scooter. Most rental companies either ask for your passport or a cash deposit.

Since your passport is your most important document during your trip (without it, you can’t leave the country), we recommend leaving cash as a deposit.
If there are any issues upon return, the worst-case scenario would be losing some money, rather than having your passport withheld and used as leverage against you.

When renting a scooter through your accommodation, the deposit is often waived, as you're already known to them.
In most cases, the rental price here may be slightly higher, but it saves you from potential trouble with your passport.

5. THE RENTAL AGREEMENT & INSURANCE

When renting a scooter, a very simple rental agreement is usually used, often just one or two pages long. The key components typically include:

• Name of the driver
• Rental price and rental period
• Odometer reading
• Deposit amount
• Insurance coverage (often very limited, so renters may be liable for many damages)
• Overview of pre-existing damage to the scooter

It is important to thoroughly inspect the scooter for any damage before renting it and ensure that these are noted in the agreement to avoid potential disputes upon return.
We found that when renting a scooter through our accommodations, no rental agreement was ever signed.
Instead, we simply received the keys without any documentation or contractual assurance.
While this is an easy and quick solution, it can quickly become a risk in case of an accident or damage.
Fortunately, nothing happened to us. However, if you find this too risky, it's best to always ask for a written contract.

6. THE SCOOTER CHECK: WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN RENTING?

Before you set off on a scooter, be sure to take a short test ride to ensure the scooter is functioning properly. Here are some important things to check:

• Helmets: Make sure you receive disinfected and well-fitting helmets for both the rider and passenger.
• Check the scooter: Inspect the scooter for any visible damage and document it with photos. Also, note it in the rental agreement to avoid misunderstandings upon return.
• Fuel level: Check the fuel level when you take the scooter and return it with the same amount.
• First aid kit: Check if there is a first aid kit in the helmet compartment.
• Emergency contact: Ask for an emergency contact number.
• Vehicle papers: Make sure you get the vehicle papers or at least a copy of them.

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

Our tip: For navigation, we used map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
To use your phone comfortably and safely, we recommend renting a smartphone holder for the scooter's handlebars. This way, you can keep both hands free and focus better on the ride.

7. HOW & WHERE TO FILL UP THE SCOOTER?

You can either refuel at official gas stations or at smaller roadside stalls/shops.

At the smaller shops, fuel is usually sold in old liquor or plastic bottles, and you fill it yourself into your tank.
At the gas station, the attendant will fill the fuel for you, and you pay directly at the pump.

Good to know: The fuel from roadside vendors is often diluted and of lower quality.
This means the fuel will be consumed more quickly, and the price is typically higher compared to a gas station.

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

8. GENERAL SCOOTER RIDING TIPS

• Helmet Requirement: It is mandatory for both the rider and passenger to wear a helmet, even though some people ride without one.
  Wear it for your safety and to avoid fines, as the police do conduct checks.
• Traffic Rules and Riding Style: Traffic drives on the right, but it can often be chaotic. Cars, scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians share the road, and rules are not always followed.
  Expect sudden overtaking, oncoming traffic in your lane, and frequent honking. Ride cautiously and defensively!
• Riding Experience: Without previous scooter experience, it’s not recommended to ride in large cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City – the dense, unpredictable traffic requires quick reactions. Even for experienced riders, it can often be stressful and risky. Instead, opt for Grab or a taxi.
• Road Conditions: In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, the roads are usually good, but in rural areas and on the islands, there are often potholes, unpaved paths, and construction zones.
• Weather & Rain: Be cautious in the rain! Roads can become extremely slippery, and puddles may hide deep potholes.
  During the rainy season (May to October), a rain poncho is essential for every scooter rider in Vietnam – you can buy one cheaply almost everywhere.
• Sun Protection: The wind can make the sun feel less harsh than it actually is. Protect yourself with sunscreen and light, long-sleeved clothing, especially on long rides.
  A face mask helps protect against dust and exhaust fumes.
• Securing Your Helmet: After the ride, you can store your helmet in the scooter’s helmet compartment.
  If there’s no space, you can wedge it under the seat or use a small lock to secure it to the scooter. Helmet theft is rare but can happen.
• Luggage & Valuables: Keep important documents and valuables on your body – ideally in a fanny pack or a small backpack worn in front.
  Occasionally, there are pickpocketing incidents by passing scooters, especially in big cities. Always keep your backpack close or wear it in front when stopped at traffic lights.

9. PROS & CONS OF RENTING A SCOOTER

PROS

• High flexibility and independence
• Faster access to destinations compared to a car or bus
• Can navigate very narrow streets
• Cheaper than a rental car or private driver

CONS

• For longer distances, it can be quite uncomfortable
• No protection from the weather (sun, rain, etc.)
• Limited storage space for personal items
• Higher risk of injury in case of accidents

THIS POST WASN'T ENOUGH FOR YOU? YOU WANT EVEN MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION, AND SIGHTS FOR YOUR TRIP TO VIETNAM?
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• Vietnam Travel Guide: Essential Tips & Information for your Trip

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