Will you be renting a scooter in Bali? It can be a little confusing finding the right scooter while visiting Bali. There are so many scooter rental companies, but not all are of good quality. Plus, if you have an accident, it can get difficult and expensive.
I live in Indonesia and am lucky to rent my bike from a Balinese family I’m very close to, so I get a great deal. But knowing which company to rent from, the cost and the rules is very important to ensure a safe trip.
Previously, I rented my scooter from a company called Bikago. They can be slightly more expensive than street-side companies in Bali, but their customer service, bike quality, and prices remain competitive.
In this post, I’m quickly running through what you can expect when renting a scooter in Bali, typical costs, rules and most importantly, how to stay safe and legal.
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🛵 BEST BALI BIKE RENTAL
If you want to rent a scooter in Bali as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. I recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Bali-based bike rental company. 🤗
Why You Should Be Renting a Scooter in Bali
Bali is a big island, and if your plan is to explore more than the neighbourhood you’re staying in, then you’ll need a scooter.
This is even more true if you’re planning to stay in Bali for longer.
Renting a scooter will give you the freedom to visit other locations, plan day trips, and visit friends without melting in the summer sun or paying for taxis all the time.
Walking in Bali can also be hard due to the heat, and high traffic in areas such as Denpasar, Ubud, and the west coast from Canggu south to Bukit can make it dangerous for pedestrians.
Using a scooter is more time-efficient than driving a car, since traffic can double the time it takes to reach a destination. It’s also much more economical, plus fuel is super cheap.
You’ll find that popular spots, restaurants, cafes and beaches are spread out, and there are so many beautiful places to visit in Bali that having transport is a must.
Read next >> I took my scooter and went on a month-long road trip around Bali. I’ve written a complete 4-week itineary, including the places I loved most.
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Where & How to Rent a Bike in Bali
There are two ways of renting a scooter in Bali. You can pre-book online or visit street-side rental shops, which are generally cheaper than pre-booking.
Rental shops are everywhere in the popular neighbourhoods, so you won’t have any difficulties finding a bike to rent.
The problem with street-side rentals is that, although they provide good-quality bikes, extras such as a sanitised, fully functional helmet, a mobile phone holder, roadside assistance, a full tank, and optional insurance against theft are not available.
You’ll also struggle to get free delivery and pickup to your hotel.
Therefore, I think it’s important to rent a scooter from an established rental company. The company I used previously, Bikago, included the basics above, as well as extras like a SIM card, a lockable top box, surf racks, and first-aid kits.
Additionally, a really good thing about Bikago is that they deliver the bike straight to your hotel and pick it up at the end of your trip. It keeps things easy and hassle-free, and I know that the bikes are of excellent quality.
🌟 My top pick >> For piece of mind, I recommend Bikago. They have a roadside shop in Batu Bolong and Ubud if you don’t want to pre-book. However, bikes sell out during the high season so it’s worth pre-booking this time of year.
Types of Scooters for Renting in Bali
Honda Scoopy (110cc)
The Scoopy is Bali’s go-to beginner scooter. It’s light, easy to handle, and perfect for short hops around town. It’s ideal if you’re travelling solo. Fine on flat roads, but it struggles with hills and heavier passengers, so it’s not the best choice if you’re riding two-up regularly.
Honda Vario (125cc / 160cc)
The Honda Vario is everywhere in Bali; it’s reliable, practical, and can handle most situations with ease. The 125cc version is ideal for everyday riding. If you’re planning longer distances or just want a bit more power, the newer 160cc model is a noticeable upgrade and a much nicer ride.
Yamaha NMAX (155cc)
If you want comfort and confidence, the NMAX is a favourite. It feels more like a small motorbike than a scooter, with a bigger frame, better wheels, and enough power to carry a passenger without struggling.
Vespa Sprint 150
The Vespa is the stylish option for getting around Bali, and yes, you’re paying partly for the look. It’s smooth, comfortable, and easy to ride, with enough power for two people on flatter roads and short day trips.
Yamaha XSR 155
The Yamaha XSR 155 is a modern classic-style manual bike and a great choice if you want something fun but still practical. It’s light, responsive, and well-suited to Bali’s roads, especially for longer rides and hillier areas. You’ll need to be comfortable riding with gears.
Honda CRF 150
This is your fun option. A manual dirt bike built for adventure, the CRF 150 is perfect if you’re heading off-road, riding around volcanic landscapes, or exploring Bali’s backroads. Not for beginners, but brilliant if you’re confident with gears and want something a bit more rugged.
⭐ Pro tip >> Don’t rent an old scooter in Bali, as they are very likely to break down. A good rule of thumb is that anything older than five years is a no-go. There are plenty of options for newer models, well-priced and with low kilometres.
The Cost of Renting a Scooter in Bali
In Bali, the cost of renting a Honda Vario, for example, starts from around 60,000 Idr per day to 150,000 Idr.
The lower price is from street-side vendors, while the higher price is from reputable companies like Bikago.
It’s important to remember that if street-side companies offer theft insurance, it’s likely to be a scam, and you won’t actually be given insurance even though you’re paying for it.
If the bike is snatched, not having insurance is a big problem. Usually, these street-side companies hold you financially liable under the rental agreement if the bike is stolen or damaged, and bike theft is a concern in Bali.
🛵 BEST BALI BIKE RENTAL
If you want to rent a scooter in Bali as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. I recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Bali-based bike rental company. 🤗
Prices decrease if you rent a scooter for a longer term. For example, a Honda Vario via Bikago is around 110,000 Idr per day for a month-long lease. In total, 3.35 million, which is about £145/$200 per month.
Even though this is a higher-end price, it remains an incredibly reasonable price, especially when the extras mentioned above: full tank, hotel delivery and pick-up, a first-aid kit, a mobile phone holder, a functional helmet and roadside assistance are included.
Keep in mind, fully comprehensive insurance cover will still be extra, but it is legit.
Fuel is something else you’ll need to budget for when renting a scooter in Bali. You should get a full tank of fuel, but you’ll need to return it full. To fill up my Vespa, it costs 50,000 Idr, and I get about 300km.
Read next >> If you’re visiting Bali on a backpacking trip, I’ve written a complete guide to spending 5-days exploring the best parts on a budget.
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Important Rules for Renting a Scooter in Bali
Before renting a scooter in Bali, it’s important to understand the local rules, licence requirements, and how insurance actually works.
Documents you need to legally rent a scooter in Bali
To ride without risking fines or invalid insurance, you’ll need the right documents in place before you hop on a bike.
- Valid passport: Most rental shops will ask to see it, and some may hold a copy.
- Valid driving licence: You must have a motorbike licence from your home country that covers the engine size you’re riding.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): This needs to be the 1968 Convention IDP and must clearly show motorcycle entitlement. This is what police look for during checks.
- Travel insurance covering motorbike use: Your insurance must explicitly cover riding a scooter and require the correct licence + IDP. Without this, your policy can be invalid if you have an accident.
- Rental agreement: Usually informal, but make sure you agree on price, damage responsibility, and return conditions before riding off.
Many rental places will hand you keys without checking any of this, but police and insurers absolutely will. Being properly documented is the difference between a minor inconvenience and a very expensive problem in Bali.
Do you need a license to rent a scooter in Bali?
Yes, you do need a license to legally rent a scooter in Bali.
Renting a scooter in Bali is easy, but being properly legal is another story. In Indonesia, a car licence does not legally allow you to ride a scooter or motorbike, even if it’s under 125cc, like in some European countries.
If you don’t have a motorbike license…
Some of the street-side rental companies on the island will not stop you from renting a bike if you don’t have a license. However, I really don’t recommend renting a scooter if you don’t have a license.
Alternatively, you can obtain a valid Indonesian driver’s license from the official licensing authority in Bali. I did this, as I didn’t leave the UK with an IDP or a motorbike license.
To do it officially, you need to pass a driving test, but you can bypass this by making an additional payment. The license is legit, even if the means to obtain it aren’t, and you will be fully covered by insurers.
If you’re staying long-term and don’t have a bike license, I highly recommend getting an Indonesian license, which covers you for motorbikes.
You will need to ask around for a contact, but some rental companies can forward you the details.
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Are helmets compulsory in Bali?
Yes, helmets are compulsory in Bali, and not wearing one is one of the easiest ways to get stopped and fined by the police.
Many people jump into renting a scooter in Bali without realising that basic things like licences, helmets, and insurance actually matter.
More importantly, your travel insurance is usually only valid if you’re wearing a helmet. If you have an accident without one, you could be in serious trouble, both medically and financially.
Do you need scooter rental insurance?
You don’t need it to rent a scooter, but I highly recommend you have it. If you are in an accident and not covered, you will have to pay for the damage in full.
Do you need travel insurance to rent a bike in Bali?
Technically, rental shops won’t ask for travel insurance and you don’t need to have it, but riding without it is one of the biggest risks you can take in Bali.
From experience, travelling without travel insurance is a gamble you don’t want to take. Most days you’ll be fine… until you’re not. And when that happens, having insurance means access to proper hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and 24/7 emergency support.
I personally use SafetyWing, and if you’re riding a scooter in Bali, there are a few non-negotiables you need to meet for your cover to be valid:
- You must have a valid motorbike licence from your home country.
- You must carry a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle entitlement
- You must be wearing a helmet
- You must follow local laws (no intoxicated riding, no illegal passengers, etc.)
If you don’t meet these conditions, your insurance can be invalidated, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
🚑 DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE!
SafetyWing is a fantastic travel medical insurance that is super affordable and great for backpackers. You can purchase a policy before or after your travels begin. 🤗
How to Ride a Scooter in Bali Safely
Riding a scooter in Bali can feel chaotic at first, and yes, it can be dangerous. Everyone rides here: locals, tourists, families, kids, dogs… sometimes all on the same scooter!
The difference is that locals grow up riding and know the rhythm of the road. Tourists don’t, and that’s usually where problems start.
Traffic looks wild, but there is a system.
Expect people to drift between lanes, ride slowly, ride fast, cut across traffic, or appear from nowhere. It somehow works, but only if you stay calm, predictable, and sensible.
Ride defensively, don’t rush, and never assume you’ve been seen.
A few things to watch out for:
- Road conditions: Potholes, broken tarmac, and uneven surfaces are common. Keep your eyes up and avoid sudden swerves.
- Sand and gravel: Especially near beaches and side roads; these are the biggest causes of scooter spills, particularly on corners.
- Rain: Roads become extremely slippery when wet. Slow right down and avoid sharp braking or quick turns.
- Street dogs: Dogs wander into the road without warning. Stay alert and be ready to react.
- Local riders: Locals move quickly and confidently and expect you to give way. Let them pass and don’t try to keep up.
And one non-negotiable: do not drink and ride. Even one drink massively increases your risk, invalidates your insurance, and can land you in serious trouble if something goes wrong.
Top tip >> Ride slowly, wear a helmet, stay sober, and respect the flow of traffic. Do that, and riding a scooter in Bali can be a brilliant way to explore.
Is it safe to travel long distances on a scooter in Bali?
Yes, it’s possible to travel long distances on a scooter, but comfort is the real issue. Smaller 110–125cc scooters aren’t designed for hours on the road, and from experience, anything over two hours will leave you pretty uncomfortable.
If you’re planning longer rides, a bigger scooter with a wider, softer seat will make a noticeable difference.
What should you wear on a scooter in Bali to stay safe?
Bali is hot, so you have to be realistic. Sometimes I ride in trousers, sometimes in shorts. For long distances, I always wear proper footwear — usually walking boots — to protect my feet.
For sun protection, a long-sleeved shirt is ideal, especially on longer rides. If not, sunscreen is essential.
What About Police Bribes in Bali?
This is one of those awkward topics people whisper about, but on-the-spot “fines” are a very real thing in Bali.
Police regularly stop riders and will happily fine you rather than arrest you if your paperwork isn’t in order, whether it’s no licence, no IDP, or no helmet.
Some officers even carry a list of offences and official fines.
If you can’t pay, they can take you to the police station to deal with it there, which is time-consuming and not something you want to add to your day.
Before I had my Indonesian licence, I was riding with my UK licence and got stopped. I was fined on the spot. Sometimes you will be told to go to the station. If this happens, offer to pay a larger fine.
This is how tourists are renting scooters in Bali without the official documentation, but it can get expensive!
Is It Easy To Ride A Scooter In Bali?
Traffic can be chaotic at times in Bali, especially in areas like Denpasar, Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak. However, if you’re confident, riding a scooter in Bali will be fine.
If you’re not feeling too confident, you can head to the quieter streets to practice or take scooter lessons.
Is driving in Bali difficult?
Honestly, I don’t think driving in Bali is difficult; it just requires awareness. Watch out for potholes, expect unpredictable traffic, and assume other riders will do their own thing.
Don’t ride if you’ve been drinking, take it slow, and always keep your fingers covering the brakes. Calm and cautious go a long way here.
Are scooters in Bali automatic?
Yes, and that’s a big part of the appeal. Almost all scooters in Bali are automatic, which makes them easy to ride even if you’re new. No gears and no clutch, just twist and go. Most people pick it up very quickly.
How do you fill a scooter in Bali?
Fueling up is easy and usually done for you. Pull up, hop off, open the seat (the fuel cap is normally underneath), and tell the attendant how much you want: “full” or “30,000” is fine.
Just remember: cash only.
Can you take a scooter to other islands?
It depends on your rental company. Some are fine with it, others aren’t, so always ask first.
If you’re taking a scooter on a ferry, you’ll often be asked for rental papers and scooter documents. These are usually kept under the seat, but check you have everything before you set off to avoid problems at the port.
End Note: Renting A Scooter In Bali
Renting a scooter in Bali can be super easy, but ensuring you are legal and safe is another matter. By following my recommendations, you can enjoy riding a scooter in Bali knowing you are fully covered.
If you choose to rent a scooter without proper documentation, please be extra careful and ensure you have a contingency fund for any fines.
When done properly, renting a scooter in Bali can be safe, affordable, and one of the best ways to experience the island at your own pace.
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