If you are wondering whether you should rent a scooter in Bali, then you’ve come to the right place. Having visited Bali multiple times, we’ve had experiences with renting a scooter in Bali, driving a scooter in Bali, and getting around Bali without a scooter (let me tell you, it sucked).
Unlike what many people think, the island of Bali is quite big. It takes at least a good 6 hours just to drive from the south in Uluwatu, to the north near Lovina.
For this reason, many people choose to explore this tropical paradise on a motorbike as it’s often the easiest and most efficient mode of transport to get around.
So in this article, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about renting a scooter in Bali, so if it’s your first time, you’ll finish reading this as a Balinese scooter professional (just not driving-wise).
If you have ALREADY decided to rent a scooter and just looking for a good place, we recommend this scooter rental company. It even delivers to your hotel in Bali!
Should You Rent A Scooter In Bali?
Before we jump into all the procedures and proper paperwork for renting a scooter in Bali, let’s talk about whether you should or not. What are some of the pros and cons when it comes to renting a motorbike in Bali?
Cons of Renting A Scooter In Bali
1. Safety Risk
Whether you should rent a scooter or not in Bali is a hot topic of debate, especially if you have no previous riding experience. Many travelers, tourists, and locals alike generally agree that Bali isn’t a good destination to begin learning how to ride a motorbike.
Busy roads are a serious risk to your safety. Balinese drivers aren’t particularly well-known for their safe and courteous driving manner.
2. Bad Traffic
The traffic is intense in the major towns and cities, and for a new rider, it can be seriously overwhelming. Even speaking as an experienced motorbike rider, it can get intense for me sometimes, especially in areas like Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.
3. Lack of Storage
Storage space on mopeds is practically non-existent, so if you’re a couple planning to go from one town to the next with all of your luggage, it’s probably wise to reconsider. There’s enough space for a helmet underneath the seat and that’s about it.
If you’re solo, then this might be less of an issue as you’ll be able to strap your bag behind you using a bungee cord.
4. Poor Maintenance
Unfortunately, many scooters in Bali are not in top shape and there is a chance they’ll break down on you on the road. That is why it is important to rent it from a reputable source, and also check the brakes, lights, and tires when you rent.
Pros of Renting A Scooter In Bali
1. Renting A Scooter In Bali Is Very Budget-Friendly
One of the best things about renting a scooter in Bali is the fact it is so cheap. I’ve traveled all over Southeast Asia and I can safely say that renting a scooter in Bali is one of, if not the cheapest places to do so.
The cost of renting a scooter in Bali is the equivalent of a big bottle of beer in Bali (only a few dollars). It’s incredible how affordable it is, especially when compared to Grab or GoJek (the Uber alternative in Bali).
Fuel in Bali is also very affordable meaning that the entire experience of renting a scooter for a day or two will cost half as much as a taxi (depending on your destination).
If you are traveling on a budget in Bali, renting a scooter is almost a must.
2. Complete Freedom
You also get complete freedom by renting a scooter, meaning you can explore the island at your own pace and on your schedule.
Not only are pre-booked tours expensive, but they are also often rushed and limited. By renting a scooter, you can take your time at your destination, stopping off along the way, and even making detours to explore the hidden gems of Bali if you would like to.
3. It’s Convenient
Rental companies are quite literally everywhere around the island, even more so in the main tourist destinations. Most of the people who work for rental companies deal with tourists daily and speak good English.
If you can’t find a motorbike Bali scooter rental near you, your accommodation will usually be able to arrange one to be dropped off for you.
It is also worth noting that it’s much quicker to go on a scooter than a car because of Bali’s horrendous traffic jams.
4. It’s A Unique and Fun Experience
Riding a scooter is by far one of the best things about traveling in Southeast Asia. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, zipping around Bali on two wheels is just an adventure in itself, and for the majority of the trips you’ll do on a scooter, you just simply won’t want them to end.
Bali is known for its gorgeous scenery, and by being on a scooter you get to take it all in. Whether you’re cruising through rice paddies, winding your way through the jungle, or flying along the coastline, you’ll have the opportunity to see Bali at its absolute best.
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What Do I Need To Rent a Scooter in Bali?
Bali is one of the easiest destinations in the world to rent a scooter. You can quite literally turn up at a rental company and ride away in less than 5 minutes.
However, to do so you will need to part ways with some form of a deposit and your personal information. The deposit is usually always either your passport, an ID card like a driver’s license, or a cash deposit.
Don’t worry, deposits are completely normal and mean that the renter has some sort of guarantee in the event of an accident.
On top of the deposit, you’ll need to write down your full name, accommodation address, and your phone number. This will usually be a WhatsApp number because this is pretty much how everyone communicates in Bali.
Finally, you’ll need money to pay for the motorbike rental itself. You always pay upfront, so don’t fret, you aren’t getting scammed.
Believe it or not, the scooter rental companies in Bali never ask to see your International Driving Permit or anything that proves you can legally drive in Bali. It is quite sad because it shows that they care more about the money than the safety of the drivers on the island.
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How to Rent A Scooter In Bali?
If you’ve just arrived and want to rent a scooter but don’t know where to begin, there are three ways to rent a scooter in Bali:
- Asking your accommodation to arrange one for you (usually a little bit more expensive because the hotel takes a cut)
- Searching on Google Maps for a rental shop (fake reviews and limited to a small area around you)
- Reserving it online via Klook (our go-to since their bikes are good quality and they deliver to your hotel)
We used to go to different rental shops and looking for the best deals, but now we just reserve it online because it is so much simpler and usually cheap.
Bali Rental Scooter Checklist
Before you hop on your scooter and ride away, it is important to check a few things to make sure your bike is in good condition and you have everything you need.
1. Tires
Tires are your safety net between yourself and the hard tarmac beneath. The last thing you’re going to want is for a sudden downpour and you’ve got bald tires. This is a serious safety hazard and is not to be underestimated. Make sure both tires have good tread depth and are well-inflated.
2. Brakes
The brakes are also an incredibly important aspect of the motorbike. Bali is a very mountainous island and so you will be using your brakes a lot. Check for any signs of wear by testing them before accepting the bike. Better yet, go for a test drive and make sure they work properly.
3. Lights
If you’re out in the provinces, things can get seriously dark. There are virtually no street lamps in Bali so you’re going to need all of your lights in full working order. This includes your headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Check that your high beam lights work as well!
4. Engine
Before the rental agent rides off, start the engine. Look and listen for any unusual noises or rattles that may indicate something is wrong with the engine. See if any warning lights come up by the speedometer. Any light on the dashboard of a scooter is a big no-no.
5. Bodywork
Examine all corners of the moped, and take pictures and a video documenting the evidence. This is your way out should a rental company try to claim you have damaged the bike.
6. Helmet
I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet. Check it is in good working order and that the strap works correctly. Do not accept a helmet that doesn’t fasten. This could potentially save your life.
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Types of Scooters In Bali
So you’ve decided to rent a scooter in Bali, great! Now you have to pick which type of scooter you want.
Scooters in Bali have engines that range from 110cc to 160cc, the higher the cc, the more powerful the engine is.
The most common types are:
- Honda Scoopy and Honda Beat – 110cc
- Honda Vario (also known as Honda Click) and Yamaha Fazzio – 125cc
- Yamaha NMax – 155cc
While 110cc might seem little, it is more than enough to get around Bali. My favorite scooter when I was driving in Bali was the Honda Vario followed by the Honda Scoopy.
💪 Pro Tip: If you are having two people on one scooter, you’ll want to get a scooter with 125cc. Otherwise, you might struggle a little bit on the turns and uphills!
Cost of Renting A Scooter In Bali
The cost of renting scooters in Bali depends on what type of scooter you pick. Bikes with smaller engines such as the Honda Scoppy and Honda Beat cost around 5 to 6 USD per day. While bikes with bigger engines such as the Yamaha NMAX cost around 12 USD per day.
However, you can often get a discount if you are renting for a longer duration (over a week), you can often get a discount.
Renting A Scooter In Bali Without an International License
Perhaps the most common question we get is “Can you rent and drive a scooter in Bali without an International Driving License?” The answer is yes, but is it legal to? No. Do the locals care? Meh, sometimes.
Foreigners without proper documentation on scooters are no rare occurrences in Bali. Matter of fact, some of the locals in Bali don’t even have the proper documentation.
The scooter rental companies in Bali don’t ask to see your International Driver’s License, but if you get stopped by the police, they certainly will. By law, you cannot drive in Bali without an International Driver’s Permit.
What Happens When The Police Stops You On A Scooter Without An International Driving License
If the police stop you and you are driving without a valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP), also colloquially known as an International Driver’s License, then you are going to be in trouble.
When the police stop you, they’ll ask you to see your vehicle’s registration, which your scooter rental company should’ve provided. Then he’ll ask to see your license. If you can’t produce the proper license, the police will tell you what the fine is.
From our experience, they give you a traffic violation ticket, and on it is one of the violations circled and the fine. The amount is huge, like several hundred USD. For most of us, we won’t have that amount of cash on us. So the police officer will then ask you to go to the police station with him.
At this point, you can usually just say, “Oh, I’ve only this much money on me”, and then the police officer will take all of it as a bribe and leave you alone. I’ve not heard of anyone getting taken to the police station. Most police officers in Bali just want money as a bribe.
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Getting Your International Driving Permit
The safest and best way to drive a scooter in Bali is to have your International Driving Permit (IDP), or sometimes commonly referred to as the International Driving License.
The IDP functions as a translator of your license to the countries you are visiting, which means that you’ll still need to be legal to drive in your own country.
And since you’ll be driving a scooter, you’ll need to have a motorbike license from your country plus an IDP.
Though you can get an IDP when you are in Bali already by mailing your country’s offices, the best way to do it is to get it before your travels.
📝 Note: Make sure you get your IDP from your government-affiliated company back home. Many websites offer something similar to the official IDP, but they are not official and sometimes don’t work.
Is It Safe to Drive a Scooter in Bali?
If you have a little bit of experience and feel comfortable and confident in driving, then you should be pretty safe on a scooter in Bali.
Outside of the main towns and cities, the roads are relatively traffic-free and are well paved. But inside the cities, it’s hot and busy, with cars, trucks, buses, other scooters, and pedestrians all coming out from all angles.
As we’ve mentioned, the traffic in Bali is no joke and shouldn’t be underestimated.
It’s also worth remembering that if something was to happen on the scooter, you would be liable. This includes damages to the rental scooter, damages to the third party, and damages to yourself.
If you don’t have adequate travel insurance, you certainly won’t be covered in the event of an accident. And even if you do have travel insurance but are without a valid motorcycle license, then you can guarantee that your insurance won’t pay out in the event of an accident.
This might also be a good point to mention the many online sources advising against giving your passport as a deposit.
If you’re not familiar, they often include horror stories of renters falsely accusing customers of damaging the scooter, thereby withholding the passport and leaving customers helpless. That is why it is important to rent from a reputable company.
Tips For Renting A Scooter In Bali
1. Get an International Driving Permit and a Motorcycle License
If you’re legal to ride motorbikes back home, you’ll still need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive a scooter legally in Bali. And if you don’t even have a motorcycle license, it might be worth it to get it for your safety.
2. Always Wear Your Helmet
If you don’t wear a helmet when you’re riding a scooter in Bali, then you’re an idiot. They’re designed to protect you in the event of an accident, and even on the shortest scooter rides, the potential to have an accident is always there.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are approximately 29% effective in preventing fatal head/brain injuries and 67% effective in preventing head/brain injuries to motorcyclists involved in traffic crashes.
3. Check The Condition of Your Scooter Before Renting
You don’t want to rent a bike that’s broken, or breaking. You’ll put yourself and others in danger. Check things like the tires, engine, brakes, and whether your lights work. This is why we recommend renting scooters from a reputable company, such as this one.
4. Document The Condition of Your Scooter Before Renting
Do this by taking detailed pictures of every panel, and any damage that’s already on the bike. This is for your benefit and the renters. It’ll be your evidence if they accuse you of falsely damaging the bike. I also recommend taking a video.
5. Obey the Rules of the Road
This is an obvious one and should go without saying. In any country you ride a motorbike or drive a car, always obey the local rules of the road. Not only will it keep you as safe as possible, but you also won’t be a target for potential traffic police in the area.
In Bali, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, so keep that in mind you Americans!
6. Be Cautious Of Scams
There are always bad apples out there. You might encounter a shop that tries to charge you more than what the website says or try charging you for damage that you didn’t cause. Always try to rent from a well-reviewed place.
7. Park Safely
Parking can be tricky in Bali. From the pedestrian point of view, it might look like you can park anywhere on the island, and that is somewhat true. The rule of thumb is as long as you are not going to be blocking someone, either other vehicles or pedestrians, you are fine.
However, some places have designated parking spots, and it is recommended that you park there, though the rule above can still apply.
Alternatives To Renting A Scooter In Bali
GoJek or Grab
If you’ve read this far and still think that renting a scooter in Bali might not be for you, then fear not as there are other, more than suitable options for getting around the island.
Though there is no Uber in Bali, travelers can get a Grab, aka Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber. The app is great, and as well as ordering taxis, you can also order food.
But in regards to the taxis, you get the fare upfront and you can pay through the app via a debit or credit card. There’s also the option to pay cash if you prefer.
Gojek is another mobile taxi service, almost identical to Grab in what it can do, though I’ve found Gojek to be slightly more expensive than Grab in Bali.
Official Bluebird Taxis
Of course, before the taxi-hailing apps like Uber, Grab, and Gojek, regular taxis were a thing, and still are in Bali. If you’re on the island for any length of time, you’ll see the famous BlueBird taxi chain.
They’ve been around for decades and can be trusted to ferry you around the island. However, watch out for the ‘fake’ BlueBird taxis, posing as official ones with their similar sky blue color and uniformed drivers.
Those companies can often charge much higher than the official BlueBird taxis and are known to not use the meter.
Chartering Your Car and Driver
If you are traveling in a group, then perhaps chartering a car and driver might be the more convenient option for you. This is great for those who have a short Bali itinerary but want to see as much as possible. It also isn’t as expensive as you might think!
Where To Rent A Scooter In Bali?
If you are already in Bali, renting a scooter is extremely simple. As we mentioned, we recommend booking it online with a reputable company such as this one, and then having it delivered to you. Most scooter rental companies deliver the scooter free of charge.
Where To Rent A Scooter In Canggu?
- Canggu Scooter & Car Rental Wira Services – Super reliable and one of the most popular scooter rental companies in Canggu. They even offer free delivery for the Canggu area.
- Canggu Bike Rental – A trustworthy company to rent scooters from. They offer a wide selection of bikes, as well as free delivery to many areas in Bali (not just Canggu).
Where To Rent A Scooter In Ubud?
- Aloha Ubud Scooter Rental – Great rental company with competitive rates and a decent selection of bikes. The scooters are generally all in pretty good condition.
- Ubud Rent Motor Bike – P.bawa Rental – The bikes are in excellent condition and the owner is very responsive and happy to answer any questions you have. Plus, they have free and prompt delivery to any accommodation in Ubud.
Where To Rent A Scooter in Seminyak?
- 493 Scooter Rental – Communication is super easy via WhatsApp. The rental company has a wide variety of scooters, and all of them were in good condition. The owner is more than happy to switch out a scooter for you in case you don’t feel comfortable with a certain model or don’t like how it handles.
- Bikago Motorbike Rental Seminyak – A great motorbike rental company with multiple shops across Bali. Their prices are generally higher, but their scooters are all really high quality. They even offer motorbike excess insurance.
Where To Rent A Scooter In Kuta?
- Sewa Motor Bali – One of the most popular scooter rentals in Kuta, but for good reason. Their bikes are high quality, though you might find them a little bit pricier than their peers.
- HR Bike Rental – Great scooter rental in Kuta with the option to put your request online and get it delivered to your accommodation. They have a good variety of motorcycles as well as clean helmets, which is a rarer occurrence than you think.
Renting A Scooter In Bali FAQs
How Old Do You Need To Be To Rent A Scooter In Bali?
To legally rent a scooter in Bali, you need to be at least 18 years old. However, it is not unheard of that scooter rentals don’t check your age. Underage driving is not uncommon in Bali, and we’ve seen multiple local teenagers driving scooters around the island.
Which Side Do They Drive On in Bali?
In Bali, which is a part of Indonesia, drivers drive on the left side of the road.
How Much Is Gas In Bali?
You can expect to pay around 15k IDR per liter of gas in Bali. Keep in mind that this changes frequently so don’t be surprised if you find yourself paying a bit more.
Do You Need Travel Insurance When Renting A Scooter In Bali?
No, you do not need travel insurance when renting a scooter in Bali. Travel insurance only covers you if you have the proper documentation for driving a scooter in Bali, so keep that in mind before purchasing some.
How Are The Roads In Bali?
The roads in Bali can be a mixed bag, ranging from well-maintained highways to narrow, winding roads with varying conditions. In popular tourist areas and main cities, you’ll generally find good quality roads. However, as you venture into more rural areas or smaller villages, the road conditions can become less predictable, with potholes and uneven surfaces.
Can You Take Your Bali Scooter To Other Indonesian Islands?
Yes, just make sure you have your original scooter documentation with you (which the rental company should’ve given you). You’ll also need to notify the scooter rental company ahead of time.
Conclusion: Renting a Scooter in Bali
Renting a scooter in Bali can be one of the best ways to get around the island. However, driving in a new country, especially on a motorbike, can be very different.
Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll need to know everything about renting a scooter in Bali, including where to get one, how to get one, what type of documentation you need, and more!
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