My Experience Of Renting A Scooter in Bali

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a scooter in Bali?

Is it safe to drive a moped on the island?

How much is a Bali scooter rental?

I had all of these questions (and a whole lot more) when I first arrived on the island. Since then, I’ve visited multiple times and rented a scooter on every trip. I’ve also been stopped by the police whilst driving a scooter in Bali!

So I’ll cut to the chase: Anyone can rent a scooter – but you’re only covered by travel insurance if you have a motorbike license from your home country.

This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know so that you stay on the right side of the law. I’ve included my thoughts on who should (and shouldn’t) rent a scooter in Bali as well as what documentation you need, costs, and more.

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Should you rent a scooter in Bali

Bali is not the place to learn how to ride a scooter. You’re putting yourself and other people in danger. Over the years, tourists have become more reckless, and sadly, there have been many deaths.

If you’re an anxious driver or not confident on a scooter, do not rent a moped in Bali. It can be overwhelming when you have hundreds of bikes surrounding you at an intersection. By hesitating or making a wrong move, you could put yourself and others at risk.

If you’ve driven a scooter before and feel confident riding one, then yes! You should definitely rent a scooter in Bali. It’s the best way to explore the island and find hidden gems in Bali.

Are you covered by insurance?

This is the big question everyone asks me.

No, you are not covered by any insurance unless you have a motorbike license from your home country. Even if you have one, you will not be covered if you have any alcohol in your system.

So many people have died, and there are constantly GoFundMe pages being shared with tourists looking for financial support as they’re not covered by insurance.

Is it safe to drive a scooter

This one’s debatable.

The roads are in good condition. But what makes it unsafe to ride a scooter is the traffic and how recklessly other people drive.

From my experience, it seems that everyone is in a rush, which causes accidents. Let’s not forget that many people ride their scooters after a few drinks, putting everyone in danger.

Even if you have experience, the drive between the different regions in Bali can be intimidating.

I’ve driven a scooter multiple times, but I don’t feel comfortable driving one from Ubud to Uluwatu, or Canggu to Sanur. The roads are far too congested, and people ride very fast.

In this case, I hop on the scooter with Gary as he is a more experienced driver and is confident on a scooter.

Instead, I choose to drive around the areas I’m staying, where the roads are less busy with no trucks and no huge intersections.

What do you need

If you don’t have a motorbike license, you can still rent a scooter in Bali. But you will not be covered by insurance.

When you go to a scooter rental shop, they will want the following documents from you.

• International Driver’s License (IDP). This can be for a normal car license.
• Passport copy
• Address of your accommodation
• Email address and contact number

What is an IDP

To get an international driver’s license (IDP), you don’t need to do any tests.

All it is is your vehicle license that has been converted into an international license. It’s basically just a translation of your vehicle driver’s license into several different languages. This does not need to be a motorcycle license.

It’s a quick, 20-minute process that needs to be done in your home country before you travel to Bali.

Costs for renting a scooter

If you’re looking at a daily rental, expect to pay between 8 and 15 USD per day, depending on the type of scooter you’re renting.

Scoopy or Vario 110cc | 80 000 – 120 000 IDR p/d

Vario 125cc | 110 000 – 160 000 IDR p/d

NMax | 150 000 – 250 000 IDR p/d

These rates are not often negotiable, unless you’re renting long term.

There’s such a high demand for scooter rentals in Bali, and the shops know that if you don’t take theirs, someone else will.

If you’d prefer to have your scooter delivered to your door, you can book one here.

Tips for renting a scooter

If there’s one thing you take from this post, it’s to err on the side of caution.

Keep your International Driver’s license with you

You need an international driver’s license to drive a scooter in Bali. It’s the law.

Always keep this license with you.

I’ve rented many scooters in Bali over the past 10 years. Up until last year, I had never been pulled over and asked to show my IDP.

But things have since changed. I’ve been stopped many times this year, and there’s an increase in police presence on the roads.

If you do get pulled over and you don’t have your international driver’s license on you, you will have to pay a fine. In some cases, they may even threaten to confiscate your motorbike (worst-case scenario).

Also, if you don’t have your international license on you, it’s a great opportunity for the police to extort tourists and get them to pay “fines” directly to the police officer.

Always wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet should become second nature when renting a scooter in Bali.

Don’t leave your house without one. It’s just not worth the risk!

Bali traffic is hectic, and commuters fly past you on their scooters. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Also, not wearing a helmet is another good excuse for the police to pull you over and give you a fine.

The locals have their own rules, and they can pretty much do as they please. You’ll notice local kids driving scooters or an entire family on one bike, with no helmets. But this doesn’t apply to foreigners.

Do a thorough check of your scooter

Do a full check on the condition of your motorbike and note all the areas where there are dents and scratches.

Check the indicators, lights, and brakes as well.

I always take images and a close-up video of the scooter I rent. This way, if there are issues when you return it, you’ll have proof that the damage was done prior to you renting the scooter.

Personally, I’ve never been questioned about the condition of my scooters when I return them, but I know people who have been.

Filling up with petrol

There are many petrol stations throughout Bali where you can fill up.

But the most common place to refuel is with the vendors who sell petrol on the side of the streets in old vodka bottles. They are everywhere!

The standard is 10 000 IDR for 1 liter.

READ MORE: ULTIMATE BALI PACKING LIST

More Tips for Scooter Rentals in Bali

• When using Google Maps, follow the bike routes. They’re often a lot more scenic with less traffic.
• If you need a surfboard rack, they’re easy to add to your scooter and shouldn’t be an extra charge.
• Drive on the left side of the road.
• You’ll often hear people hooting around sharp corners. This is a safety measure to warn other cars that there’s an oncoming vehicle.
• Keep a rain jacket/poncho under your seat if you’re renting a scooter in Bali, especially during the rainy season.
• Don’t drive with your handbag around you. There are more cases popping up of bags being ripped off tourists while driving. Keep them under your seat.
• Cover up or wear sunscreen when riding a scooter in Bali. You’ll be surprised by just how burnt you can get.

Different types of scooters

Before you rent your scooter, you should know what’s out there.

Scoopy | These are pretty scooters, and they’re super light and easy to drive. They aren’t all that powerful, as they only have a 110cc engine, but they’re the best option if you’re a beginner.

Vario 110cc | I’d classify this as Scoopy level but more “masculine”. These Bali scooters don’t have a lot of power. But they get the job done and are better suited for driving around the area where you’re staying, as opposed to long distances.

Vario 125cc | This is more powerful than the above two. I rented a Vario 125cc scooter for my Bali road trip, and it was perfect. But, if you’re 2 people on the scooter and you’re driving pretty far, you will start to get uncomfortable after a few hours of driving. There’s also not much storage space under the seat.

NMax | The NMax has a 155cc engine and is the best Bali scooter rental out there. It’s got lots of power and plenty of space under the seat. Also, it’s super comfy! However, it may be a bit too heavy for those who haven’t driven a scooter before.

READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU

Taking your scooter to other islands

If you’re planning on doing an overland scooter trip to other islands – Lombok is another favorite – there are a few things you need to know.

Notify your rental company. It’s also important that you tell the scooter rental company of your plans to explore other islands. Sometimes they do not want this, especially if they don’t have the original papers.

Keep original scooter papers with you. When taking ferries, you may be asked to show these. This is not always the case (I was asked for mine when going to Java), but keep them under your seat in case.

Always have your international driving permit with you. When crossing from Bali to Java, I was asked to show mine. A standard driver’s license was not allowed.

Make sure the scooter is in good condition. You’ll be driving far distances on busy roads, so check that the tread on the tires is still good and that your lights and brakes are working properly.

Here’s my recommended Indonesia travel route if you want to venture further from Bali.

New laws about renting a Scooter in Bali

Scooters have made headlines in Bali over the past couple of months.

This is due to the increasing number of traffic violations and accidents involving foreigners.

As a result, the governor wants to impose stricter rules about renting scooters in Bali.

However, this is all in talks, and there are currently no bans for tourists renting mopeds in Bali.

It’s important to note that if you don’t have a motorbike license in your home country, you will not be covered by travel insurance!

Best scooter trips in Bali

Now that you’ve rented your scooter in Bali, let the adventure begin!

I found several hidden gems in Sidemen, including waterfalls and rice fields, and this is a great area to visit on your scooter.

If you’re planning on exploring beaches, head straight to the Bukit Peninsula and visit these 12 best beaches in Uluwatu. This is also an awesome region to explore as the roads are less busy.

If you’re looking at doing an overland trip, I suggest you start with Ubud for some yoga, before going north to Munduk, which has the most incredible views and sights in all of Bali.

Take the short ferry ride over to Java Island and hike Mount Ijen. Then drive to Red Island in Java and enjoy a few days on the remote beach where you can learn to surf.

On your way back to Bali, stop at Balian Beach. It’s one of the most secluded beaches I’ve been to. I did this trip over 10 days and loved every minute of it!

Alternatives to renting a scooter in Bali

Not everyone will be comfortable riding a scooter in Bali. Perhaps you’re visiting with your family and a scooter isn’t an option.

You should consider the following alternative:

GoJek and Grab | Both Grab and GoJek have cars and scooters available. They work like Uber (but Uber isn’t allowed in Bali).

All you need to do is download the app, and order your scooter or car.

Alternatively, you could get a driver and car for the day for as little as 500 000 IDR ($30). This will allow you to explore the hot spots and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide.

Click here for reliable transport in Bali.

FAQs

Do you need a license to rent a scooter in Bali?

Yes, you need an International Drivers Permit to rent a scooter in Bali. This is the law, and I have been stopped a few times by police and asked to show my license.

Is riding a scooter in Bali easy?

No! The traffic in Bali is intense and if you have never ridden a scooter before, you can hurt yourself and others. But if you only ride a scooter in quiet areas with little traffic, it will be easier.

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Psst… Planning your Bali adventure? Check out these other posts!

• Where to Stay in Bali
• Ultimate Guide To White Water Rafting in Bali: Telaga Waja River
• Guide To Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking in Bali
• 10 Best Things to Do in Gili Trawangan
• Insider Guide to Exploring Balangan Beach in Bali

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