Renting a Scooter in Bali

Renting a two-wheeler in Bali

Riding a scooter yourself is simply the best way to get around. Beach, shopping, restaurants: a scooter makes it easy. You can skip most traffic jams, use the small gangs (narrow lanes and pathways) as shortcuts, and parking is easy almost everywhere.

Distances are often a little too far to walk from your hotel to restaurants and shops. Sidewalks are often poor or missing. And in the middle of the day, a 15 minute walk is simply too hot.

What does it cost to rent a scooter or motorbike in Bali?

Rental prices

Two-wheelers are very affordable. Prices range from USD 5 to USD 20 for 24 hours, depending on the condition, age and model of the bike, and how many days you rent. Weekly rates are usually cheaper. Better bikes and better service mean higher prices, which is a good investment!

Prices usually do not include insurance. If you have an accident, you pay all repair costs yourself, unless you rent from a professional company that offers cover.

There is no mileage fee. You normally receive the scooter with a full tank and return it the same way. Bikago delivers and pick ups the scooters at your accommodation

What type of scooters and motorbikes can you rent in Bali?

The types

A scooter is a motorbike is a scooter. Anything on two wheels with an engine is called a scooter or a motorbike here, with no clear line between them. Locals call it a sepeda motor, or simply motor.

Most rentals give you a Japanese bike (Honda or Yamaha) with 125cc to 150cc, such as the Scoopy or Vario. Some dirt bikes are available, though these are mostly a nuisance because of the loud exhausts. The more comfortable scooters are the LEXI, NMAX and XMAX.

The bikes are automatic, so you do not need to think about gears. They are easy to ride and can reach 100 km/h very quickly. We strongly suggest you never ride that fast in Bali.

Where can you rent a scooter or motorbike in Bali?

The rental places

Wherever you stay in Bali, a rental shop is never far away. Walking around your area, you will be asked many times whether you want to rent a motorbike (or a massage, or transport, or anything else).

Helmets are usually included, but this often means the helmet is in poor condition and not very clean. You can buy a new one for USD 10 to 20 in any helmet shop, which is a good investment. Or rent from a professional company that hands out clean and sanitized helmets.

Choose your rental partner carefully. If the bikes are unusually cheap, if the place looks shady, or if the people do not feel trustworthy, move on. There is no need to take the risk.

There are scammers in Bali as anywhere else. Some rental operators will take advantage of you when an accident happens or another problem comes up.

Our recommendation

Bikago is the rental company we recommend and work with. They have served over 60,000 riders since 2014, across Bali, Ubud, Nusa Penida and Lombok – 5000+ validated 5* reviews.

• Book online before you arrive
• Free delivery to your hotel, villa or the airport on longer bookings
• Insurance available
• No passport and no cash deposit
• Clean helmets, serviced bikes, 24/7 roadside assistance

Must know before you rent a scooter in Bali

1. Ride according to your skill level. If you have never ridden a scooter, Bali is not the place to learn.
2. Always wear your helmet. This applies to the passenger too. The fine is IDR 250,000.
3. Always turn on your headlight, even during the day. This is an Indonesian traffic rule.
4. Always indicate when you change lane or turn, even when others do not.
5. Carry your documents. National licence, International Driving Permit and the STNK papers. Apply for the IDP in your home country before you travel. If you forgot it, our guide explains your options in Bali.
6. Check the tyres before you rent. Look at the air pressure and the tread. You need good grip.
7. If a tyre loses air, go to the nearest gas station or repair shop (bengkel). Say “tambah angin” to have air added. Use “ban depan” for the front tyre, “ban belakang” for the back, or “depan belakang” for both. It costs around IDR 5,000.
8. Fuel. Gas stations are run by the state company Pertamina. All over Bali you also find small stalls (Pertamini) and shacks selling fuel (bensin) in 1 litre bottles, around IDR 20,000 per litre.
9. Do not give the rental company your passport or your credit card as a deposit. Your hotel address or a passport copy should be enough.
10. Get medical travel insurance. Wound treatment in Bali must be paid in cash. There are 24 hour emergency services in the main tourist areas. Medical insurance for Bali
11. Check what your licence covers. If your national licence does not allow you to ride a motorbike, your medical insurance can refuse to pay after an accident. Rental shops will still hand you a 125cc scooter. That does not make it covered.
12. Slow down. Too many accidents happen because people ride recklessly, ride drunk, or overestimate their skill. There is no need to go faster than 30 to 40 km/h on most roads. Traffic safety in Bali
13. Accidents cost money. You normally pay for the damage you cause, unless you took insurance with the rental company.

Adapting to the traffic in Bali

You need to be careful and alert, and there are a few things that keep you safe. We gathered the tips that help you stay out of trouble.

Must-know tips about Bali’s traffic