01The licensing reality
Technically, riding a scooter or driving a car in Bali requires an International Driving Permit with the relevant vehicle category, alongside a valid home license — enforcement has historically been inconsistent, but this matters far more than it used to, both for legal exposure and for insurance validity if something goes wrong. Renting "informally" without proper documentation is common but genuinely risky, not just a formality to skip.
02Insurance: read this before you ride
Many rental shops provide minimal or no real insurance by default, and your own travel insurance policy may specifically exclude scooter or motorbike incidents, or require the correct license category to remain valid — see our safety & health guide for more on this. Confirm what's actually covered before assuming you're protected.
03Deposits & damage disputes
Some rental shops request a cash deposit or hold your passport as security — the latter is generally inadvisable given how important that document is, and reputable shops increasingly accept alternatives. Photograph the vehicle thoroughly from multiple angles before riding off, timestamped if possible, to protect yourself against inflated damage claims at return — a genuinely common source of visitor complaints.
04Choosing a rental shop
Your accommodation can usually arrange a rental through a trusted local contact, often a safer bet than an unfamiliar street-side shop, particularly for a longer rental period. Compare condition of the actual vehicle you'll receive, not just a display model, before handing over payment.
05Practical tips
- A proper helmet, not the cheapest one offered, is worth insisting on for scooter rentals.
- Fill the tank yourself rather than assuming it's full at pickup — check the gauge before leaving.
- See our getting around guide for how self-driving compares to hiring a driver for your specific trip style.