Hiring a Scooter or Motorbike in Bali - Our Tips

We think that renting a scooter or motorbike is one of the best ways to get around in Bali. It gives you the complete freedom to explore by yourself and see as much of the island as possible.

Compared to a car, scooters allow you to easily tackle the narrow streets and to weave through the heavy traffic that can often build up in busier areas.

After renting dozens of scooters from different companies across Bali, we've created this guide with our tips to avoid getting ripped off and the companies we recommend.

Can Tourists Still Rent Scooters in Bali?

There have been lots of news reports about a crackdown on tourists renting scooters in Bali. We have not noticed any differences here on the ground. No action has been taken to limit scooter rentals, and it remains exactly the same as it has been over the past few years.

Where To Rent a Scooter in Bali?

Here are the main places you can rent a scooter from in Bali:

1. Bikago

After renting dozens of scooters from different vendors across Bali, Bikago is by far our favourite. The scooters we’ve received are always near-new, and the customer service is amazing. Here's why:

As one of the island's most reputable rental companies, you'll pay a premium compared to basic roadside vendors. However, it's still affordable and worthwhile to have a reliable vehicle, allowing you to make the most of your time without breakdowns.

2. Streetside Rental Companies

You can’t move far in Bali without encountering a handful of streetside scooter rental companies. Especially if you're staying in a tourist hotspot like Ubud, Seminyak, or Canggu.

Using a local company is a cheaper option compared to Bikago. However, you'll need to be vigilant and shop around.

Vendors will usually have a few different models to choose from. Make sure you see the vehicle first and take a quick test drive to ensure it's up to standard. It's also worth checking for online reviews using Google Maps.

When renting a scooter for an extended period (a month or more), we'll usually choose a local company as the hassle of shopping around is worth it for the savings in the long term.

But if you're only in Bali for a week or two, we recommend using Bikago so you can book ahead and are guaranteed a smooth experience no matter what happens.

3. Your Accommodation

Our final recommendation is a bit of a lazy one, but perfect if you just need something to get around the local area.

Most accommodation providers offer scooter rental for guests. This is a quick and easy way to get hold of a scooter and you're unlikely to need documents or a deposit as they already have your details.

You'll pay a similar price compared to using streetside rental companies. But be mindful that these don't come with insurance or any guaranteed help during a breakdown either.

In our experience, the quality of scooters from accommodation providers can vary greatly. We have received everything from an old Vario on its last legs to a brand new Scoopy belonging to the owner's mum.

How Much Does it Cost?

The prices for renting a scooter or motorbike are always changing and depend upon who you rent from and what’s included.

Typically, you’ll pay anywhere between 60,000 IDR to 100,000 IDR ⓘ per day to rent a basic scooter such as Scoopy or a Vario.

You can save by renting weekly or monthly. Monthly prices for scooters tend to start at around 1.2 million IDR ⓘ for a basic scooter.

For a maxi scooter (with a bigger engine) such as an NMAX or a motorbike such as a Yamaha XSR, expect to pay at least double.

Important Things To Know

Here are a few tips we think you'll need to know when renting a scooter and driving in Bali:

What Do You Need To Rent a Scooter in Bali?

Having rented scooters from lots of different companies, they are all different, however, some of the things you might need are:

How To Get an International Drivers Permit

An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is a must-have document if you want to rent a scooter legally in Bali.

Official IDPs can only be provided by certain organisations in each country and usually need to be purchased before you leave.

Online services claiming to sell them are unofficial and could invalidate your insurance if you use them.

The official organisations are:

• UK - PayPoint (no longer issued by the Post Office)

• Australia - Australian Automobile Association (AAA)

• USA - American Automobile Association (AAA)

• Canada - Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

• New Zealand - Automobile Association (AA) of New Zealand

What Will I Need As A Deposit?

Some rental companies may ask for a deposit. This might be cash, a hold on your credit card, your passport, or some other ID. Avoid giving your passport as a deposit - you may need this at some point!

Can You Rent a Scooter if You Can’t Drive?

If you’ve never driven a scooter before, Bali is not the best place to learn.

We’ve driven scooters all over Asia and the roads in Bali are among the most chaotic we've experienced. Especially around the busier areas of Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. The quiet parts of the island are easier.

It’s best to get some experience before you get to Bali. That being said, if you are already here and have no other choice, you can pick up some confidence by taking a scooter lesson.

Two companies you can use are Canggu Scooter Lessons (Emily used this company) and Bali Motorbike Lessons, both of which will offer lessons across most of the island.

In a lesson, you'll start by getting used to the bike and practising driving and manoeuvres in an empty car park, before finally progressing onto the roads.

Which Scooter or Motorbike Should I Get?

If you don’t know much about scooters, choosing which one to get can be overwhelming. Here is a summary of the different types you’ll find in Bali:

Basic Scooter

This category includes Honda Scoopy (which has become somewhat an icon around Bali), Honda Vario, Honda Beat, and Yamaha Mio. These are the cheapest scooters to rent.

They have an automatic gearbox so there is no clutch to worry about. They also have a smaller engine of around 110-125cc which is the easiest to handle for more inexperienced riders.

Maxi Scooter

This category includes the Yamaha NMAX and the Yamaha Aerox.

These have bigger engines of 155CC and offer more power. However, they are much larger scooters and more difficult to weave around traffic in busy areas.

We'd only recommend one of these if you're travelling around the island to more rural and mountainous areas.

Motorbike

This includes any semi-automatic and manual motorbikes such as the Yamaha XSR, Honda CB, or the Honda CRF. Bikes tend to be much more expensive per day than scooters.

Only choose these if you are comfortable using a clutch on a bike.

How To Get Fuel In Bali

The cheapest place to fill up your tank in Bali is at a large gas station, usually branded "Pertamina". However, these are usually on the main roads quite far from the tourist areas.

That’s why many convenience stores also sell fuel at the roadside. Just look out for the word "Pertamini."

Some might have a dedicated fuel pump whereas others will have fuel in bottles. This might seem odd. But it is still legit. You’ll pay a little extra for fuel from the roadside, but it’s still very cheap compared to Western countries.

Regardless of where you get fuel, the process is the same. Arrive at the pump and open your seat. Tell the attendant how much gas you would like and they will do the rest. I usually just say ‘full,’ but you can also say the price you are willing to pay, such as 50,000 IDR ⓘ.

Alternatives To Hiring a Scooter

If you’re not comfortable hiring a scooter, here are some alternative ways you can get around Bali:

1. Grab or Gojek

For simple A-to-B journeys, such as moving accommodation or travelling to one specific attraction, we prefer using online taxis such as Grab or Gojek (similar concept to Uber).

Download the app, create an account, and order a car or scooter taxi from most places on the island. Just be aware of any Gojek-free zones and make sure you have mobile data.

The prices are set in stone and clear before you book. You’ll pay the same amount even if you get stuck in traffic. There is also a setting on Grab where you can hire drivers by the hour.

2. Private Driver

This option is best for day trips where you visit multiple destinations in one day. Private drivers are affordable and very knowledgeable about the island.

There are many ways you can hire a driver such as through friend recommendations, via your accommodation, or using this booking form on Klook.