it’s should definitely rent a scooter in Bali – it’s the best way to explore the island and find tips to cheap vacation in Bali.

You’ll also save lots of time as traffic is crazy and if you’re driving a scooter, you get to skip the long queues of cars and buses.

TAKE CAUTION WHEN LEARNING TO DRIVE

Never driven a scooter before? No fear, just give yourself some time to learn. If you only have a few days in Bali, don’t rent a scooter as you will not have enough time to practice.

If you’re here for a longer vacation, find a quiet space in the area where you stay and familiarize yourself with the scooter first.

They’re really easy to drive but can be risky if you’re not comfortable with the accelerator and brakes.

#1
ALWAYS HAVE YOUR INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE ON YOU

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

Always keep your license under your seat.

The reason why there is so much confusion around this is because the Bali scooter rental shops don’t actually ask to see your international driver’s license before you rent a motorbike from them.

They rent their scooters to anyone, no matter your age or driving record. So yes, you can technically rent a scooter in Bali without a license and this is why so many travelers get away with it.

But, with more tourists on the road, and more accidents happening, the police have become stricter and there are now regular roadblocks throughout the island.

So the problem isn’t renting the scooter, it’s being stopped by the police.

RENTING A SCOOTER IN BALI WITHOUT A LICENSE

Thinking you won’t get stopped by the police?

There’s an increase in police presence on the roads and tourists are paying big bucks so that they can continue their “care-free” vacations.

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.

#2
CHECK THE SCOOTER BEFORE YOU RENT IT

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 breaks as well.

To be safe, take images and a close-up video of the scooter. 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. Taking photos is an extra precaution.

#3
WEAR A HELMET WHEN DRIVING SCOOTERS IN BALI, ALWAYS

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. There are drunk tourists who take chances and there’s been a drastic increase in accidents, especially in Canggu.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.

#4
PROCESS FOR BALI SCOOTER RENTALS: PASSPORTS, DRIVER’S LICENSE AND MORE

There are three ways to rent a scooter in Bali: through a reliable Bali Scooter Rental, from your accommodation, or at the nearby scooter shop. Each one will have a different process when it comes to renting scooters but below is my personal experience.

DOCUMENTATION FOR RENTING A SCOOTER IN BALI

International drivers license
Passport
Address to your hotel in Bali
Email address and phone number
Cash in Indonesian Rupiah

First, you’ll need to show your driver’s license and passport so they can capture your details. This is not always the case and if you have copies of these on your phone, they’ll be happy to take the details from there. Most don’t even ask for your international license.
I’ve heard that some Bali bike rental companies keep your original ID or Passport until you return the scooter. Personally, I would never leave my passport or ID with anyone!

Move on to the next shop if you feel the same.

Secondly, you’ll sign a form with the rental company details, stating the date of your rental and the return date. This will also include your address in Bali and contact details. Ensure the details of the scooter are correct in this form.

I always take a photo of this receipt in case I lose the physical copy.

Lastly, you’ll need to pay in full for your Bali scooter rental. If you’re renting long-term they may ask for a deposit but this isn’t the case at most places.

I’ve never paid a deposit for a motorbike rental in Bali and if I had to, I would also look elsewhere.

#5
HOW TO RENT A SCOOTER IN BALI: KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

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

Scoopy: These are the 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 look good and are often the cheapest you can get.

Vario 110cc: I’d classify this at Scoopy level but more “masculine”. These Bali scooters don’t have a lot of vooma 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 and there’s
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.