One of the best things about going to Thailand is the opportunity to rent and ride a scooter. It is crazy cheap, regardless of your home currency and will cost as little as 200 baht a day, giving travellers a fun way to independently explore Thailand.

Most scooter rental companies don’t ask to see proof of a driver’s license, and some don’t even ask if you’ve ever ridden a motorbike before. As long as you can drive away from their rental shop without toppling over or crashing. Please remember that the first thing most Travel Insurance and Medical Aid Companies will ask for is your valid motorbike drivers licences, before they pay for your doctor or hospital visit. (The modern scooters are 125cc and require a full motorbike licence.)

Keep in mind though, that you are driving at your own risk (and others on the road) if you don’t have much experience!  We were able to borrow a friends scooter for a few months to practice and it was probably the best thing we ever did.

What you need when hiring a scooter :-

  • Passport
  • Contact information, such as your Thai telephone number (if you bought a Thai SIM Card) or the phone number and address of your hotel
  • Cash. Budget roughly around 200 to 450 baht per day, depending on your scooter preference. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
  • Some scooter riding experience.

You will need to pay in advance and leave either your passport for a deposit or between 3000-5000 baht with a copy of your passport. It is now illegal to be without your passport so it is highly recommended that you leave the cash deposit.

When choosing your scooter:

  • Inspect the motorbike for damage before getting on. The best way to do this is to take a walk around video with your phone or camera zooming in on any damage (cracks, scratches, dings or dents).  The rental company will usually go over the bike and make a list of any dents, scratches and damage it might already have which you will be asked to witness.
  • Sit on the bike and bounce up and down to check the tyres have adequate air pressure and the shock absorbers work.
  • Push test your brakes, and if you are uncertain, bring it to the rental rep’s attention.
  • Thicker tyres are the most forgiving, especially on gravel or sand roads.
  • Keep a copy of the rental contract so you know exactly where to return your scooter, and when the drop-off date and time are.
  • Choose a helmet and wear it.  If the police pull you over you will be fined 500 baht plus for not wearing a helmet.  Not only will it save your life, it will also save you money.
  • Find out were the nearest gas station is and immediately fill up on either gasohol 91 or 95 (just ask the rental company) or ask the rental company for about a bottle or two (about 30 baht per bottle).