A scooter is the best way to explore Bali at your own pace: to rent one legally and without hassle, here's everything to check before handing over your money — right licence, real insurance, fair price and the scams to spot before you sign anything.
Automatic or manual: which to choose?
For a first road trip in Bali, an automatic scooter (locally called a 'matic') is by far the easiest option: no gears to worry about, just throttle and brakes, which leaves more attention for the traffic and the road surface. A 110 to 125cc engine is enough for the vast majority of BaliRoads routes. Only consider a manual motorbike if you're already a confident rider — it can offer more punch on the steep climbs around Kintamani or Besakih, but it also adds one more thing to think about on unfamiliar roads.
Licence: what you need before renting
A valid national driving licence is not enough on its own: Indonesia requires an international driving permit with category A for two-wheelers, obtained before departure in your home country. Some rental agencies won't ask for it, but a police checkpoint will — and riding without one can mean a fine, or an insurance claim being refused after an accident. We cover the full procedure in a dedicated guide.
→ Full guide: International driving licence in Bali
Where to rent: agency vs individual
Three main options exist in Bali. Booking through a recognised platform (like Klook) before departure guarantees a fixed price, a clear contract and a working scooter, with customer support if something goes wrong. Renting from an established local shop found on site works well too, provided you check reviews and inspect the vehicle carefully. Renting from an individual via social media groups is usually cheaper, but leaves you with no real recourse if there's a dispute over the deposit or the scooter's condition — we'd only recommend it to travellers who already know the island well.
Still unsure? → Scooter or car with driver comparison
Average prices in Bali (2026)
- Automatic 110–125cc scooter (Scoopy, Vario): around €6–10/day, less for rentals of a week or more.
- More comfortable 150–160cc scooter (NMAX and similar): around €10–14/day.
- Security deposit: often requested in cash or by holding your passport — a copy of your passport plus a cash deposit is a safer arrangement than leaving the original document.
- Prices rise during the July–August and December–January peak seasons: booking a few days ahead avoids last-minute markups.
Insurance: what's (rarely) included
Most informal scooter rentals in Bali include no real insurance beyond a vague verbal promise. Always ask explicitly what's covered: theft, damage to the scooter, and above all third-party liability and your own medical costs in case of an accident. If the rental itself doesn't offer solid cover, a separate travel insurance policy that explicitly covers two-wheeler riding is the safer complement — check the licence category, engine size limits and exclusions before you ride off.
The most common scams (and how to avoid them)
- Pre-existing damage blamed on you at return: photograph and film the entire scooter (scratches, mirrors, plate, tyres, fuel level) before driving off, timestamped on your phone.
- Passport held as a deposit, then a 'damage fee' invented to delay giving it back: whenever possible, negotiate a cash deposit or a passport copy instead of the original document.
- A helmet handed over that's cracked or too loose: ask to swap it for a proper one — it's your safety, not a detail.
- A verbal price that changes at pickup: get the price, deposit amount and rental duration confirmed in writing (message or contract) before you commit.
These are general observations, not an accusation against any particular rental company. Most rentals in Bali go smoothly — a little preparation simply avoids the rare bad experience.
Checklist before you set off
- International driving permit, category A, in hand
- Helmet in good condition, chin strap adjusted
- Photos/video of the scooter's condition taken at pickup
- Price, deposit and duration confirmed in writing
- Insurance cover for two-wheeler riding checked
- Fuel level checked and a phone mount for GPS navigation
Where to try it out
❓ Frequently asked questions▾
Do I need an international licence to rent a scooter in Bali?
Yes — an international driving permit with category A for two-wheelers is legally required in Indonesia, alongside your national licence.
What's the average scooter rental price in Bali?
Generally between €6 and €14 per day depending on the model, season and rental length, deposit not included.
Is a helmet mandatory in Bali?
Yes, for both rider and passenger, with regular police checks especially around Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud.
Can you rent a scooter in Bali without an international permit?
Some rental shops won't ask for it, but riding without an international permit with category A is still illegal: you risk a fine at a police check and, above all, your insurance refusing to pay out after an accident.
Can you rent a scooter as soon as you land?
Some rental shops deliver to your hotel, sometimes to the airport. After a long flight, it's often simpler to take a transfer to your accommodation and rent the next day: the roads around the airport and Kuta are among the busiest on the island.
Practical information here is provided for guidance only and can change without notice. Always check current local rules, prices and rental conditions before you travel.
📚 Sources▾
Sources consulted on 8 October 2026. Rules change: always check official sources before you travel.