Bottom Line: Travelers with no scooter experience or on a short vacation are not recommended to rent a scooter; experienced and confident riders can give it a try. Rental rates range from Rp 70,000–200,000 per day depending on the model. Before setting off, make sure to prepare an International Driving Permit (IDP), and watch out for roadside police checks and accident claim traps—details below.
In Bali, motorcycles are a common mode of transport for locals, especially in places like Ubud, where people often zip through rice fields on two wheels. Many tourists may be tempted, thinking scooters are both economical and convenient for exploring Bali freely.
Is Riding a Scooter in Bali Safe?
Short answer: It depends. If you’ve never ridden a scooter and are only on a short vacation, we don’t recommend trying it; but if you’re an experienced rider with confidence, go for it!
Riding a scooter in Bali offers a unique thrill—cruising through rice paddies, feeling the breeze, and soaking in the stunning scenery is unbeatable. But don’t forget, Bali’s traffic conditions are completely different from other regions, especially in busy urban areas. Locals and expats often drive on instinct, creating a chaotic scene. You might also face traffic jams or sudden downpours. Be mentally prepared!
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Scooter?
Scooter rental prices in Bali vary by model, age, and location.
Short-Term Rental Costs
- Scoopy or Vario 110cc: 70,000–110,000 IDR (about $6 USD) / day
- Vario 125cc: 100,000–150,000 IDR (about $7 USD) / day
- NMax: 100,000–200,000 IDR (about $8 USD) / day
Long-term Rental Costs If you’re planning to stay in Bali for an extended period, opting for a long-term rental is usually more cost-effective.
- Scoopy or Vario 110cc: 1,100,000 IDR (about $70 USD) / month
- Vario 125cc: 1,500,000 IDR (about $95 USD) / month
- NMax: 2,000,000 IDR (about $125 USD) / month
Refueling Street vendors in Bali often sell gasoline in old vodka bottles, at around 10,000 IDR (about $0.60 USD) per liter.
Reasons Why Riding a Scooter in Bali Isn’t Recommended 🚫🏍️
However, for foreign travelers, riding a scooter in Bali comes with considerable risks. Here are several reasons why we don’t recommend scooters as your primary mode of transportation:
1. Heavy Traffic and Complex Rules 🚦
Bali’s traffic environment is far from easy, especially in popular areas like Kuta, Jimbaran, and Seminyak, where severe congestion is common. Additionally, Bali follows right-hand driving, unlike Taiwan or China. For visitors accustomed to left-hand driving, adapting to local traffic flow can be quite challenging. Add to that the constant flow of vehicles, rare traffic lights, and locals riding against traffic when stuck in jams—all these factors make riding a scooter a higher-risk endeavor.
2. Unstable Driving by Foreign Tourists on the Roads 🌍
Bali’s roads are shared not only with locals but also with many foreign tourists, some of whom have never ridden a scooter in their home countries. Their lack of experience and unstable driving can lead to reckless behavior, posing a significant safety hazard. Even if you’re a skilled rider, you may still be at risk due to their unpredictable driving.
3. International Driver’s License and Safety Gear Requirements 📄
Riding a motorbike in Bali requires an International Driver’s Permit; otherwise, you risk being pulled over and fined by local police. Additionally, Bali law mandates that all motorbike riders wear helmets, but many tourists overlook this due to habit, which is both unsafe and could lead to fines.
4. High Medical Costs 💰
According to the owner of Mr. Lobster, a restaurant in Bali, he often encounters tourists injured in motorbike accidents who, unable to move around, end up resting and dining at his place instead of joining other activities. It’s crucial to note that medical expenses in Bali are extremely high. If you get injured, the medical bills can blow your travel budget and really spoil the fun. (Personal experience: a friend broke their ankle last time; a simple splint and bandage cost 12,000,000 IDR, roughly USD$800.)
5. Road Conditions and Natural Factors 🌧️
Road conditions in Bali are unpredictable, especially in Ubud or rural areas where roads are narrow, muddy, and can quickly deteriorate with changing weather. During the rainy season, weather shifts rapidly—a sudden downpour can make roads slippery, and with Bali’s hilly terrain, unfamiliar visitors are at risk of slipping or losing balance. The climate is also highly variable and hard to forecast, so even on a seemingly sunny day, be prepared for sudden heavy rain or strong winds.
6. Affordable Alternatives 🚖
In fact, Bali offers many budget-friendly transportation options, such as private car hire, ride-hailing motorbikes, or ride-hailing cars. Compared to renting a motorbike, these are safer and more convenient, making them a more reliable choice for travelers unfamiliar with local traffic.
Read more: Bali Private Car Hire Guide – Costs, Booking, and Benefits
Further reading: A real-life case of using ride-hailing apps for motorbikes to save time and effort!
👇 Insider Deals for Bali 👇
Key Safety Tips for Renting a Scooter
If you still insist on using a scooter as your mode of transport, be sure to keep these reminders in mind:
- Always wear a helmet! No matter how uncool or stuffy it feels, a helmet is a must. Many accidents happen due to overconfidence or drunk driving.
- Drive on the left: Remember, Bali follows right-hand drive, so you’ll be driving on the left side of the road!
- Avoid carrying a handbag on your body: Bag snatching is common locally.
- You need an International Driving Permit: While many shops don’t check, you could be fined if stopped by police.
- Purchase health insurance: Medical costs are high locally, so insurance provides coverage in case of an accident.
- Only give a copy of your passport: Never hand over your original passport to the rental shop.
Inspecting the Scooter’s Condition
Devilish Details Before You Ride (Vehicle Inspection)
Don’t just take the keys and ride off! Before starting the engine and leaving the shop, pull out your phone, start recording, and carefully inspect the following key points on video as evidence.
1. Exterior Bodywork (Are You the Scratch King?)
- Walk around it: From the front, side panels, rear, and mirrors, carefully check for any scratches, paint chips, dents, or cracks.
- Pay special attention: Look at the screw points on the body panels for signs of tampering or looseness—this could indicate a past crash.
- Recording tip: As you film, point to each scratch with your finger, and ideally have the shop owner or staff member appear in the shot giving a thumbs-up to acknowledge these are pre-existing damages.
2. Basic Function Tests
- Mirrors: Are they tight? Is the view clear? Many local scooters have loose mirrors, which would never pass inspection back home but are common here. Tighten them or swap for another scooter.
- Lighting system: Have a friend stand in front and behind the scooter to test the headlights (high/low beam), turn signals, and brake lights. In Bali, riding without lights at night is dangerous, and non-working turn signals can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Horn: Give it a honk. In Bali, honking is usually a ‘warning’ rather than ‘aggression,’ so the horn must work.
3. Mechanics & Tires (Safety First)
- Brakes: Squeeze both the front and rear brakes — do they feel too loose or too tight? Any strange noises?
- Tires: Check the tread depth. If they’re worn smooth, hitting painted lines in the rain will definitely cause a skid — insist on swapping the bike.
- Dashboard: After starting the engine, make sure the speedometer and fuel gauge are working properly.
4. Storage & Accessories
- Helmet: Usually comes with a half-shell helmet. Check if the strap is broken and if the inner lining is clean. If hygiene is a concern, bring a lightweight inner cap from Taiwan, or grab a cheap shower cap from a local convenience store to use as a liner.
- Ignition: Does the engine start smoothly? Can the steering lock engage?
Essential Documents (Get This Wrong and You’ll Be Ripped Off)
When riding in Bali, police checkpoints are very common. If you can’t produce the right documents, they’ll typically ask for a “fine” (what locals call coffee money), ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
1. International Driving Permit (IDP) — Most Important!
- Taiwan Driver’s License: You must first exchange it for an International Driving Permit (available at the Motor Vehicle Office, usually ready within a day if you’re within 100 km). Note that the little pink booklet from the office must be used together with your original Taiwan car or motorcycle license.
- Note: A simple translation of your Taiwan driver’s license is not valid here! Make sure you have the actual International Driving Permit.
- Category A: Double-check that Category A (motorcycle) is ticked on your IDP.
2. Passport & Visa
- Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times (it’s best to lock the original in your hotel safe and just carry the copy). If a police officer insists on seeing the original, you can go back to get it.
3. Rental Contract
- Keep the small receipt from the shop, which has the license plate number and rental period, behind your phone case or in your wallet for inspection.
Insurance Verification Steps (So You Won’t Cry If Something Happens)
Many people think the insurance that comes with a rental is all-encompassing, but that’s not the case! Bali scooter rentals typically fall into three categories:
1. Understand the English on the Contract
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) / Theft Insurance: If the scooter is stolen, how much do you have to pay?
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Collision Insurance: If you damage it, do you have to pay a deductible?
- TPL (Third Party Liability) / Third-Party Liability Insurance: This is the most important! If you hit someone or damage someone else’s property, the insurance company will cover the other party. Check if this is on the contract.
2. What is a ‘Deductible’?
- Rental insurance usually has a deductible (Excess/Deposit). For example, if the policy says the deductible is 2 million IDR, and your repair costs 3 million IDR, you only pay 2 million IDR, and the insurance company pays 1 million IDR.
- Ask the shop: You must ask: ‘If I crash, how much do I pay?’ If the amount is ridiculously high, consider paying extra for ‘zero deductible’ full coverage.
3. Take a Photo of the Insurance Sticker
- In Bali, legal rental scooters usually have a government-mandated compulsory insurance sticker on the windshield. Take a photo of it! It has the policy number and expiration date. If something does happen, this number allows you to check basic coverage at a hospital or police station.
Final Thoughts
While renting a scooter is indeed the most economical and convenient way to explore Bali, safety should always come first when you’re out and about. Especially abroad, if an accident unfortunately happens, not only are you in unfamiliar territory, but you could also face sky-high medical bills—it’s just not worth it. I’d recommend considering safer ways to get around when exploring this beautiful island, so you can truly enjoy Bali’s scenery and culture without a worry.
Remember, safety first! This isn’t meant to scare you, but to remind you that life is precious—it’s not worth risking it just to save a little money!
More About Private Car Hire
- Must-Have Bali Travel App: Complete Gojek Guide
- Motorbike vs. Private Car in Bali: Which Should You Choose?
- Bali Mandarin-Speaking Drivers, Guides & Car Hire Tours
- Gojek & GoPay in Indonesia/Bali: Registration, Usage & Top-Up Guide
- Nusa Penida Transport Guide: Taxi, Gojek, Car Hire & Scooter
- Complete Gojek & Grab Ride-Hailing Guide with Screenshots
- Bali Motorbike Rental Guide: Prices, Safety & What to Know
- Arriving in Bali: Airport Transfer Options & Day-1 Tips
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