The best way to explore these beaches, rice fields and hidden temples of Bali is with a scooter. Before you embark on two wheels, however, you should know what the rules are, the dangers and some of the minor pitfalls which would make a wonderful ride into a headache.
Whether you’re planning your move into a rental unit for the first time in 2026 or you’re looking to relocate to a new unit, this guide takes you through the basics of renting a motorbike in 2026, from picking a reputable rental shop to what is covered by your insurance.
Why So Many Travelers Prefer Scooters
So many travellers prefer scooters as their preferred mode of transport. The road traffic in Bali is not necessarily very fast and dependable, especially in popular locations like Canggu and Seminyak. A scooter is a better option to avoid long lines of taxis and access areas that are difficult for them to reach, such as small coastal towns and quiet temples.
If you don’t want to drive, you can use a ride-hailing app such as Gojek or Grab to get around without a license. The scooters are also used by many travelers to create their own Bali travel itinerary or coastal road trip like Candi Dasa. Freedom comes with the responsibility of riding.
Choosing a Reliable Rental Company
Not all rental shops are equal, and some may not have bikes that are safe to ride or charges that you’ll be unaware of. Aside from the bottom-line offer displayed on a sign, check out the actual customer reviews, the rental agreement and the reputation of the shop.
The following are some of the elements that you should consider when looking for a rental company:
- Check the Google reviews of the stores, and see how many reviews they have, rather than a handful of five-star ratings.
- Check in with your hotel or villa for a recommendation, as they’re likely to have a go-to service available.
- Pick a company affiliated with a licensed or authorized renter: New regulations mandate that scooters are from authorized rental companies, registered and insured.
- Don’t rent from stranger websites on the Internet or websites that are not reviewed with no contract.
- Obtain a binding lease rather than a contract in writing.
Before renting a scooter in Bali for an extended period, take time to understand the provider, scooter condition, rental terms, and local riding environment.
The Documents and Driving License Requirements
Many of the tourists have come to make this mistake, and you may face fines or an invalid insurance claim as a result. The conditions for riding a scooter legally in Bali are as follows: You must have a valid motorcycle license from your country of origin and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for motorcycles.
A regular car registration does not suffice. What you really need:
- Valid motorcycle licence from home country
- International Driving Permit (IDP) including motorcycle endorsement, prior to departing from home.
- A photocopy of your passport to the rental company, NOT the actual passport!
- Your rental agreement and the scooter’s registration papers (STNK) that you keep on with when riding
Many visitors do not obtain an IDP as few rental shops do. However, police check and you could be fined about a million rupiah if you get caught riding without proper documents. It also exposes your travel insurance to risks, as most policies require a valid license to cover the claims.
Insurance: What It Covers and What It Doesn’t
For some, insurance is one of the most confusing aspects of renting a scooter and having it for free is a bad idea. Generally, the basic rental insurance from a scooter shop will cover damage to the bike, but will not cover medical costs if you are injured.
Your travel insurance plan is as important as the rental company’s policy. Most normal travel insurance policies don’t cover motorcycle collisions. Before you travel, make sure to review the following:
- Make sure your travel insurance explicitly mentions two-wheelers as it can be excluded from some policies, depending on the engine size of the motorcycle.
- Check with the rental company what they are insuring against; theft, damage to the vehicle and injury to third parties.
- Know that your own injuries won’t be covered by most rental insurance; it only protects the scooter’s owner.
- You should note that riding without a valid IDP can invalidate your travel insurance (even if you have travel insurance)
- Be sure to get proper travel insurance before travelling, as the costs of hospitals in Bali for tourists can be extremely high.
Even if it isn’t an accident, any medical emergency is expensive overseas, particularly in Bali, where this is a real-story of Dengue Fever in Bali that some travelers in Bali encounter, and which is the reason to have a medical insurance plan before you travel anywhere.
The Scooter Before You Accept Checklist
Before going on your way, a quick glance can save you from a blame game for damage that was caused. Some rental shops may charge if the rental customer damages the bike or scratches, for which you’re better off having your bike documented.
When you pick up a scooter, remember to do the following:
- Take a video of the entire walkaround of the scooter including all scratches, dents or cracks (if possible with staff present).
- Test each brake individually to ensure it is firm and not slack or soft.
- Look at the tires and ensure that the tread is not worn down, as this can make driving on Bali’s wet roads dangerous.
- Check the headlight, taillight, turn signals and horn before you ride off.
- See the fuel level on pickup for return amount
- Ensure the helmet offered fits tight and that no straps are broken or missing and that the padding is intact.
Also, make a picture of the scooter in the parking lot; bikes may be moved or get the wrong number to their parking spot later. This little step can save an argument when you return the bike; it only takes a minute.
Common Scams and Unexpected Charges to be Aware of
The majority of rental outlets are straightforward, but some not-so-trustworthy ones take advantage of the lack of experience of tourists. Knowing a few of the tricks can help you not pay for something you did not cause.
Be aware of these common problems:
- Any business that requires you to put up the original passport or cash deposit to open an account at the store.
- The walkaround video is important because if the problem wasn’t documented at pickup, then it is considered ‘pre-existing’.
- Very low prices that end up being non- or under-insured or without basic safety features.
- Shops that are selling the scooter by forcing you to pay a full week or month just before use
- Other fees that may be imposed upon return, such as “cleaning” or “late return” charges, which were not specified in the contract.
If the price seems unusually low, compared to other scooters in the area, renting the scooter will be a good idea, if you check it out rather carefully.
Road Safety Tips for First-Time Riders
Bali has road driving on the left and may seem strange to travellers who are accustomed to driving on the right side of the road. In some towns, such as Denpasar, or Canggu, you may find the traffic to be a bit crazy, whereas rural roads are quieter and more suitable for new drivers.
Follow these safe riding practices when out on the road:
- Wear the correct, tight-fitting helmet—it’s a legal requirement and decreases the chances of getting seriously injured!
- Be courteous and use your horn, particularly on blind corners, to alert other people to your presence, not to express anger, as honking in Bali is a “I’m here” not “I am angry” gesture.
- Be sure to decrease your speed after the rain as roads may be slick and potholes may not be detectable.
- Do not ride after drinking alcohol as in Indonesia, drinking alcohol is prohibited and the law is strictly followed.
- Be alert for dogs and people running into the road particularly in neighborhoods.
- Be vigilant around short cuts and country roads that may be uneven, rough or have sudden inclines or declines
- Consider having at least a half tank of gas when traveling through more rural areas, as gas stations may be a long time apart.
For longer rides, it is advantageous to check on road conditions beforehand.
Getting Comfortable Before You Explore Further
After you have mastered the basics, it’s time to venture off the beaten path. If you’re new to riding a bike, you may want to begin with shorter distances to nearby beaches before you take on a longer trip.
With a little extra time, it can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your Bali tour to hire a scooter. Taking the time to thoroughly inspect the bike, know what it’s covered by and practice regular road etiquette will make your time on the island as pleasant as it is for the locals, and on your own terms.
Author Bio:
Ulfah is an SEO specialist and writer at Cinchy Life who enjoys creating helpful, easy-to-read guides for exploring Bali by scooter. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
