15 Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Scooter in Bali (and How to Avoid Them)
By the siappergi.com team · Published · 7 min read
Most scooter problems in Bali are avoidable. After helping many travellers, we see the same mistakes again and again. Here are 15 of them — and the simple fix for each.
Before you rent
- No motorcycle licence or IDP — risky at police checks and may void insurance. See International Driving Permit for Bali.
- Paying everything up front to an account you can't verify — read upfront payment scams.
- Leaving your passport as a deposit — see rent without leaving your passport.
- Choosing the wrong size — a 110 cc two-up in the hills struggles; see 110 cc or 150 cc.
- No travel insurance that covers riding — check the small print.
At handover
- Not photographing the scooter — take photos/video of every scratch with the staff present.
- Skipping the brake and tyre check — see checking a rental scooter at handover.
- Leaving the STNK behind — keep the registration paper in the scooter.
- A helmet that doesn't fit — ask for another size.
- Not saving the rental's WhatsApp — you'll need it for a flat tyre or extension.
On the road
- Riding at night on unfamiliar village lanes.
- Braking hard on sand or gravel near beaches.
- Holding your phone to navigate — use a holder (add-on IDR 15,000) or voice directions.
- Following Google Maps into tiny lanes — stick to main roads when unsure.
- Riding after drinking — never. Read getting home safely after a night out.
Ride your first hour on quiet roads near your hotel. Most riders are confident by the end of day one.
Prices & booking
| Scooter | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda BeAT (Gen 4–5) | IDR 80,000 | IDR 425,000 | IDR 1,210,000 |
| Honda Scoopy (Gen 4) | IDR 90,000 | IDR 515,000 | IDR 1,410,000 |
| Honda Vario 125 | IDR 100,000 | IDR 515,000 | IDR 1,510,000 |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 (Gen 2) | IDR 150,000 | IDR 902,000 | IDR 2,260,000 |
Rentals start from 2 days with 2 helmets. Book on WhatsApp or via the Bali scooter rental catalogue: the bike is delivered to your hotel or villa and you pay when it arrives.
More: should I rent a scooter in Bali?, first 24 hours with a Bali scooter and SiapPergi — Bali scooter rental.
Ready to rent a scooter or car?
Fixed catalogue prices, delivered to your hotel or villa. Book on WhatsApp and pay when the vehicle arrives.
All areas & scooter models
Frequently asked questions
What's the biggest mistake when renting a scooter in Bali?
Riding without a valid motorcycle licence and IDP — it risks fines and may void your insurance.
Should I pay the full rental before I see the scooter?
No. With SiapPergi you pay when the scooter is delivered.
What should I check at handover?
Brakes, tyres, lights, horn and existing scratches — and keep the STNK with the scooter.
Is it OK to ride at night?
Avoid unfamiliar roads at night, especially in villages and on the Bukit.
Which scooter for two people in the hills?
A 150–160 cc scooter like the NMAX or PCX.
This guide follows the SiapPergi editorial policy: facts are checked, market prices are given as ranges and mistakes are corrected. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.
