There is no better, more convenient and fun way to see Bali than cruising around the island on a scooter. Imagine yourself driving high up in the mountains, through endless emerald rice paddies, passing lakes, waterfalls and Hindu temples.
Or, how about a trip around the whole island, driving right by the ocean with the wind and the sun shining down on your face. It sounds idyllic, and it truly is! But first, how to rent a scooter in Bali? This guide is all about scooter rental in Bali.
There are a few safety rules you will need to follow to stay safe and sound on your travels, and we are here to help. Read it carefully and off you go!
*Update: December 2025.
Why Scooter Rental in Bali Is So Popular
Bali looks compact on a map, but driving it quickly shows how spread out everything is. One beach town melts into the next, and the prettiest corners sit at the top of hills or at the end of tiny lanes.
Taxis and cars can get you around, but scooters let you:
- Slide past traffic rather than sit in it
- Explore smaller roads, waterfalls, cliff viewpoints and local warungs
- Park almost anywhere
- Turn “transport” into a part of the fun, not just something between activities
Of course, that freedom comes with responsibilities: helmets, licences, and a solid choice of rental company.
What to Check Before Renting Your Bali Scooter
Where to start? Well, first, you need to know where to find scooter rental in Bali, what you need, what to be aware of, and how much it should cost. Let’s work it out step by step:
Where to rent a scooter?
Bali gives you two main ways to rent a scooter:
1. Street-Side Rental Shops
You’ll see these everywhere in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur and even quieter towns. The setup is simple:
- Hand over some cash
- Often, leave your passport as a deposit
- Drive away on a scooter that may or may not be well-maintained
If you go this route, never leave your original passport. A photocopy or separate ID is safer – and even then, you want an explicit written agreement about damages and deposits.
2. Bikago – Premium Scooter Rental Without the Drama
Now the more interesting option: Bikago, a company many Bali regulars (and Villa Finder guests) swear by.
Bikago is built around a simple promise: make scooter rental as professional as booking a hotel room.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
- Island-wide delivery & pick-up
- Book online before you fly or from your villa
- Choose your scooter, dates and extras
- Have it delivered directly to your accommodation and collected again at the end of your stay
- No passport or dodgy cash deposits
- Your passport stays in your bag
- If you add Bikago’s motorbike insurance, there’s no security deposit at all
- Without insurance, they use a clearly stated card hold instead of taking your documents
- Modern, well-maintained scooters
- Company-owned fleet (not random owner bikes)
- Regular safety checks and servicing
- Sanitized helmets and safety gear included
- Real insurance that actually works
- Optional motorbike insurance covers bike damage and theft
- The policy handles slight excess (deductible), and the rest
- No mysterious “you broke it, pay millions” drama at the end of the rental
- 24/7 support and roadside assistance
- English-speaking support line
- Help with breakdowns, punctures or questions about procedures
Is Bikago sometimes slightly more expensive than a random signboard on the street? Yes. Is it worth it to avoid passport deposits, arguments about scratches and zero-support breakdowns? For most overseas travellers, absolutely.
How much is the rental fee?
Scooter rental in Bali is still a great value – expect prices roughly in this range:
- Standard automatic scooters (110–125cc)
- Honda Scoopy, Vario, Mio and similar
- Around 70,000–120,000 IDR per day with street rentals
- Long-stay discounts for weekly or monthly deals
- Premium/maxi scooters (150–160cc)
- NMAX, PCX, ADV and friends
- Around 130,000–250,000 IDR per day, depending on age and condition
- Monthly rentals
- Regular scooters: roughly 1.2–2 million IDR per month
- Larger / premium models: 2–3.5 million IDR per month
A full tank of Pertalite fuel (the standard choice) costs roughly 30,000–50,000 IDR, depending on how empty you run it and which petrol you choose. You can ride many local trips on a single tank, especially around Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud or Sanur.
Do you need a license?
You don’t need an international driver license to rent a scooter in Bali. However, you will need one in order to drive it! So, make sure to bring an international license with you to Bali.
How do you get the bike?
Motorbike rental shops like Bikago offer both island-wide delivery and collection options. You can hire the bike on their website and arrange the delivery time with the customer service team. When you want to return the bike, the team will come and collect it.
Check the bike!
Check the bike from top to bottom and make sure the bike owner acknowledges any damage, if any. Also, make sure all the vital features are working, of course! Test the brakes, signals, lights, and horns to ensure your safety.
Do you need to wear a helmet?
Yes. Always wear a helmet! This is rule number one when riding a motorbike in Bali or anywhere else in the world! Don’t take unnecessary risks, even if it ruins your out-of-bed hairdo. It is really essential for your safety, and it will also help keep the police off your back. Make sure the helmet fits your head well (there are different sizes). It should be comfortable and definitely not too loose (you don’t want it to blow off your head on the highway!).
Insurance
Insurance should be included with scooter rental, but sadly, this is not always the case. Ask about it up front when renting your bike, make sure you know what is covered and what is not. You can check out our partner, Bikago, the only company in Bali that offers true insurance on the bikes, including theft.
Common scams
On some roads, there can be police raids that are sometimes keen on stopping tourists to make that extra bit of money. Should this happen, be ready to bargain, and remember to stay friendly and keep smiling. Having an international driving license will avoid the hassle and fines!
While renting your Bali scooter
Seek out a quiet road to familiarize yourself with the scooter. Position the mirrors so you can see what’s behind you, then start the bike by pressing the start button while holding the brakes (so you don’t fly forward). When the engine is running, you can get the bike moving by moving the handle forward with your right hand. Do this slowly and steadily, gradually building up speed.
Remember that you have to ride on the LEFT side of the road in Bali, which may be the opposite of what you are used to at home.
Here’s a video on how to drive a scooter:
Credit: Alyona Travels
Safety Notes While Riding A Bike
Motorbikes are generally made to fit two people. You might see parents with 2 or even 3 kids riding one bike together, but don’t do that.
It might be wise to wear a mask if you are driving through busy areas of the island.
To avoid road accidents, be aware of potholes, never mix drinking and driving and wear a helmet! (can’t say it enough!)
If you tend to be a chaotic person like me, who tends to lose things like motorbike keys easily (sigh!), make a copy of the key at one of the road stalls. They are not hard to find, and they are cheap. (The word for key is ‘kunci’ in the Indonesian language.) Better safe than sorry!
Always lock your scooter’s wheel and put your helmet in the trunk or clip it to the side so it doesn’t get stolen.
Related: Driving a motorbike in Bali: the Do’s and Don’ts
Returning Bike to the Scooter Rental in Bali
If any parts are broken or you made any scratches during your adventures, you can fix them at the workshops before returning the scooter. Another option is to pay for the damage at your rental place. (might be a bit more expensive). One thing is for sure: you will go home or continue your travels with a great new experience in your pocket and lots of good memories!
Enjoy the ride and stay safe!
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