Renting a scooter is the most efficient way to explore Bali, but the traffic can be chaotic, and driving on the left requires focus.
Top Tips:
- Always wear a helmet. It is crucial for your safety and prevents fines from the police.
- License. You legal requirement is an Inte ational Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle stamp (Category A).
- Inspect the bike. Take a quick video/photos showing all scratches and damage upon pickup to prevent lease disputes. Test the brakes and lights.
- Drive slowly. Average speeds in Bali are 30-40 km/h. Keep a safe distance and stay alert.
FAQ: Scooter Rental & Traffic Rules
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles (category A), carried together with your home-country licence, your passport and a copy of your visa. A car-only licence is not legally accepted for a scooter. A helmet is mandatory for both rider and passenger — riding without one is an on-the-spot IDR 250,000 fine. Traffic police run regular document checks on tourists (especially around Canggu, Seminyak and Sunset Road) and have taken a zero-tolerance line since 2026. Without the right licence you risk not just a fine but also a refused payout if you have an accident.
Stay calm and show your documents: International Driving Permit (IDP, category A), home licence, passport and the bike's registration (STNK). Riding without a licence or helmet is fined — on the spot from IDR 250,000, and up to IDR 1,000,000 by formal ticket. If you genuinely broke a rule, ask for the official blue ticket (Surat Tilang) stating the amount and pay it at a BRI bank within 14 days — this protects you from inflated cash 'fines'. Carrying a helmet and the right papers is the best way to avoid the issue entirely.
Rent from a reputable shop with reviews. Before you ride, inspect the bike and photograph and film every scratch and dent — otherwise they may be charged to you on return. Check the brakes, lights, horn and tyres, and ask for a sound helmet (ideally two). Confirm what's included and what to do if it breaks down on the road. Don't hand over your passport as a deposit — leave a copy or a cash deposit instead. And remember: legal rental and riding require a motorcycle-endorsed licence (IDP category A).