Renting a scooter is practically a rite of passage for digital nomads in Bali. It’s the cheapest and fastest way to get around, and it gives you the freedom to explore without waiting for Grab drivers or negotiating with taxi drivers. But it also comes with real risks — scooter accidents are the #1 cause of tourist injuries in Bali.
Here’s everything you need to know before you rent, from costs to legal requirements to how to not end up in a Bali hospital.
TL;DR — Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily rental | Rp 70K–100K ($4.40–$6.25) |
| Monthly rental | Rp 800K–1.2M ($50–$75) |
| Gas per liter | Rp 10K–13K ($0.60–$0.80) |
| IDP required? | Yes — police enforce it |
| Fine without IDP | Rp 500K–1M ($31–$62) |
| Insurance included? | Usually none |
| Most common bike | Honda Vario 125/150, Honda Scoopy |
Rental Costs
Short-Term Rates
| Duration | Automatic (110–125cc) | Automatic (150cc) | Manual/Semi-auto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Rp 70K–80K ($4.40–$5) | Rp 90K–120K ($5.60–$7.50) | Rp 80K–100K ($5–$6.25) |
| Weekly | Rp 350K–450K ($22–$28) | Rp 500K–700K ($31–$44) | Rp 450K–550K ($28–$34) |
| Monthly | Rp 800K–1M ($50–$62) | Rp 1.2M–1.8M ($75–$112) | Rp 1M–1.3M ($62–$81) |
What’s Included
- Helmet (1, sometimes 2)
- Basic vehicle registration documents (STNK)
- Nothing else — no insurance, no roadside assistance
What’s NOT Included
- Insurance: Almost no rental shop provides insurance. You’re riding uninsured unless your travel insurance covers motorbikes.
- Damage deposit: Some shops hold Rp 500K–2M ($31–$125) or your passport (avoid passport — use a photocopy instead).
- Gas: You fill up yourself at Pertamina gas stations.
Pro tip: Never leave your actual passport as deposit. Use a photocopy or offer a cash deposit instead. If the shop insists on your passport, find another shop.
Where to Rent
Option 1: Your Accommodation
Many hotels, guesthouses, and villa owners can arrange scooter rentals. Prices are slightly higher (10–20% markup), but it’s convenient and you have someone to contact if something goes wrong.
Option 2: Local Rental Shops
Rental shops are everywhere in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. Walk-in and pick a bike. Prices are the most competitive here, especially for monthly rentals.
Option 3: Online / Facebook Groups
Facebook groups like “Bali Scooter Rentals” and “Canggu Community” have listings. Useful for finding monthly deals. Always inspect the bike in person before paying.
Option 4: Apps
Some apps (like Bikago and Fat Monkeys) offer scooter rental with delivery. Slightly more expensive but comes with basic roadside assistance.
Legal Requirements
International Driving Permit (IDP)
An IDP is required to legally ride in Indonesia. You need:
- A valid driving license from your home country (with motorcycle endorsement)
- An IDP issued by your home country’s motor authority
Without an IDP:
- Police set up checkpoints in Canggu (especially on Jl. Pantai Berawa) and Ubud
- Fine: Rp 500K–1M ($31–$62) — cash on the spot
- Some officers will negotiate, but it’s still a hassle
Important: An IDP alone doesn’t make you legal if your home license doesn’t include motorcycle privileges. If you only have a car license, technically you can only ride a car in Indonesia. In practice, this is rarely checked — but in an accident, your insurance may deny claims.
Vehicle Registration (STNK)
Every rental scooter should have a STNK (vehicle registration document) in the under-seat storage. Police may ask to see it at checkpoints. If your rental doesn’t have one, ask the shop to provide it.
Choosing a Bike
| Bike | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Scoopy | Automatic 110cc | Short trips, easy to ride, most common |
| Honda Vario 125 | Automatic 125cc | Daily commuting, balanced power |
| Honda Vario 150 | Automatic 150cc | Longer trips, carrying a passenger |
| Honda PCX 150 | Automatic 150cc | Comfort, longer distances |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 | Automatic 155cc | Premium, best for two people |
For most nomads doing short rides around Canggu or Ubud, a Honda Vario 125 or Scoopy is more than enough. If you plan to ride to Ubud from Canggu regularly (45+ minutes), consider a 150cc for the extra power on hills.
Safety
The Risks Are Real
Bali hospitals see scooter injuries daily, predominantly foreign tourists. Common causes:
- Unfamiliarity with left-side driving
- Wet roads (especially during rainy season, Oct–Mar)
- Potholes and uneven roads
- Speeding in areas with sharp turns
- Riding at night without proper lights
- Alcohol
Safety Tips
- Wear your helmet. Always. Even for a 2-minute ride. Brain injuries don’t care about distance.
- Ride slow. 30–40 km/h is plenty for Bali roads. There’s no reason to go faster.
- Avoid riding at night. Road lighting is poor, dogs wander onto roads, and drunk drivers are common after 10 PM.
- Watch for potholes. Especially after rain. Some are deep enough to throw you off the bike.
- Don’t ride in the rain. Bali roads become extremely slippery. If you’re caught in rain, pull over and wait.
- Check the bike before riding. Test brakes, lights, horn, and tires before you leave the shop.
- Avoid Jl. Raya Canggu during peak hours. The main Canggu road is a traffic nightmare from 4–7 PM. Use back roads.
Pro tip: If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, practice in a quiet area (parking lot or quiet street) before hitting Bali traffic. Automatics are easy to learn — 30 minutes of practice is usually enough.
Insurance
Travel Insurance That Covers Scooters
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude motorbike accidents unless:
- You have a valid motorcycle license (in your home country)
- You have an IDP
- The bike is under 125cc (some policies)
Policies that cover scooter use:
| Provider | Scooter Coverage | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | Yes, with IDP | ~$45/month | Most popular among nomads |
| World Nomads | Yes, up to 125cc | ~$60/month | Stricter on license requirements |
| Genki | Yes, with IDP | ~$40/month | Good claims process |
Read the fine print. If you get in an accident without a valid IDP or on a bike over the policy’s cc limit, your claim will likely be denied.
Gas Stations
Pertamina gas stations are everywhere. Pull up, tell the attendant “Pertalite” (regular) or “Pertamax” (premium), and tell them how much fuel you want.
- Pertalite (RON 90): Rp 10,000/liter ($0.63) — standard, fine for most scooters
- Pertamax (RON 92): Rp 12,950/liter ($0.81) — premium, slightly better performance
- Full tank (Honda Vario): ~5.5 liters = Rp 55K–70K ($3.40–$4.40)
- Range per tank: 150–200 km (normal riding)
Pro tip: In remote areas, you’ll see roadside sellers with gasoline in Absolut vodka bottles. These are legitimate — the fuel is the same, just sold at a markup (Rp 15K–20K/liter). Only use these if there’s no gas station nearby.
What to Do If You Have an Accident
- Stay calm. Check yourself for injuries first.
- Call emergency: 118 (ambulance) or 112 (general emergency)
- Contact your insurance provider. Get a claim reference number before going to hospital.
- Go to a hospital. BIMC (Kuta) and Siloam (Denpasar) are the most foreigner-friendly. Avoid small clinics for serious injuries.
- Document everything. Photos of the accident, your injuries, and the other party’s bike/license plate.
- Contact the rental shop. Tell them about damage to the bike. Expect to pay for repairs if you caused the accident.
FAQ
Can I rent a scooter without a license? Yes — most shops don’t check. But you’ll be riding illegally, and if stopped by police or involved in an accident, you’ll have no legal protection.
Should I rent automatic or manual? Automatic. Unless you’re an experienced rider who specifically prefers manual, there’s no reason to make Bali traffic harder than it already is.
Is there Grab for scooters? Yes — both Grab and Gojek offer motorbike rides (GrabBike / GoRide). This is the easiest alternative if you don’t want to rent your own scooter.
How long does a full tank last? For a Honda Vario 125 doing daily commutes in Canggu: about 4–5 days. For a trip to Ubud and back: about half a tank.