There is no better way than exploring Bangkok on a motorcycle or scooter. It is by far the easiest way to travel around the city. But renting a motorcycle in Bangkok can be a challenging and comes with certain risks. In this guide we address the most frequent questions on motorcycle rental in Bangkok with up to date information! Enjoy the read and ride safe!
Contents
- What kind of motorcycle should I rent?
- Is it a good idea to rent the cheapest motorcycle?
- What to expect from a regular motorbike rental shop in Bangkok?
- What to expect from a top notch motorbike rental shop in Bangkok?
- What are the requirements for motorcycle rental in Bangkok?
- Are credit cards accepted?
- Should I leave my passport as a security deposit?
- Do I need a motorcycle driving license in Bangkok?
- There are many motorcycle accidents in Bangkok – is it save to ride?
- Is my motorcycle in safe condition? The pre-trip inspection checklist
- A last word of caution before you drive away
- That’s it. Rent a scooter in Bangkok and make your trip memorable!
1. What kind of motorcycle should I rent?
This question really depends on your motorbike driving skills. There are two types of motorcycles for rent in Bangkok. Its best you choose them by your level of experience:
1) Automatic scooters have no gears. They are easy to ride and a perfect choice for people with limited riding experience. Mostly they come with 100-155cc engines. Look out for the models with ABS like Yamaha AEROX and Yamaha NMAX.
2) Manual motorcycles come with 5 gears and a clutch. They have larger engines and are particularly suitable for experienced riders and long range traveling. Mostly 300-1000cc engines from brands such as Honda, BMW or Yamaha.
2. Is it a good idea to rent the cheapest motorcycle?
Watch out for the condition the motorbike is in. You can rent either old or new motorbikes. Old bikes range from THB 150-250 / USD 5-8 per day. New ones with ABS and in good condition rent for THB 350-500 / USD 11-16.
As always, you pay a few dollars more for good service but that’s so worth it. New motorbikes are more comfortable and powerful than old ones. You’ll save gas with a newer motorbike, and a newer motorbike is a better option for your safety!
3. What to expect from a regular motorbike rental shop in Bangkok?
Most shops rent in 24 hour increments for daily usage. Weekly and monthly rates receive a large discount. Basic non full faced helmets are provided.
The bikes include a 3rd party insurance coverage by law (check that the bike has “parabol” insurance).
And also make sure to take pictures of the bike before leaving the shop, as to prove any existing damages of the bike. There have many cases of motorcycle rental shops charging customer exorbitant prices to repair scratches or parts.
4. What to expect from a top-notch motorbike rental shop in Bangkok?
There are only a handful of top-notch motorbike and scooter rental companies in Bangkok. You can identify them by
- Bikes: New bikes, fully serviced, washed
- Legal: Full company and VAT tax registration on their website and all vehicles
- Payment: Accepting credit card and even paypal + pre-bookings
- Safety: Full face helmets and/or protective clothing provided
- Deposit: They don’t keep your passport, but instead will take a cash deposit
- Accessories: GPS, raincoats, maps, etc.
- Repair policy: Transparent repair policy and prices
- Motorcycle insurance: Own damage insurance, in case you cause an accident and are at fault.
- Accident insurance: Health insurance to cover for medical expenses
More often than not, these motorcycle shops are operated by foreigners and have a ton of reviews on Google Maps. The staff speaks many languages and you’ll have no difficulties discussing any topics around motorbike rental in Bangkok with them.
5. What are the requirements for motorcycle rental in Bangkok?
In order to rent a motorcycle in Bangkok you need to provide a few things and information about you:
- your passport (which is not preferred by us), alternatively make a cash or credit card deposit + photocopy of your passport
- fill out the rental contract (phone number, address)
- provide your driver’s license (most places accept both car or motorcycle licenses)
6. Are credit cards accepted?
In most cases, motorbike rental companies in Bangkok don’t accept credit cards. So, you must be prepared to pay cash for rentals during your travel. However, the top notch motorcycle rental shops do offer credit card and even online reservation.
7. Should I leave my passport as a security deposit?
You either have to leave your passport or make a safety deposit to a Bangkok rent motorcycle store. According to the country’s laws, Bangkok tourists always have to travel with their passport. So, it would be better to make a cash deposit in order to get a motorcycle for rent instead of leaving your passport.
It is actually illegal by Thai law for the motorbike shop to keep the passport document of the customer.
The cash deposit for motorbike rent in Bangkok is about USD 100 – 170. You’ll get your money back after your return a motorbike to a rental company.
8. Do I need a motorcycle driving license in Bangkok?
Over 100,000 unlicensed motorcycle drivers ride around Bangkok every day. That said, every driver of a scooter and motorcycle needs a valid driving license by law. For a Farang (visitor) that means a valid international driving license.
The police enforces the laws and the fine is usually around THB 300 / USD 9 in cash at any police check if you cannot show a valid license.
Word of caution: Travel and motorcycle insurance do not cover drivers that don’t have a license. So you are at your own risk here.
9. There are many motorcycle accidents in Bangkok – is it save to ride?
On average 5,500 motorcyclists die annually in Bangkok. We advise to drive very defensive, as most deaths are caused by the reckless motorcycle driving behavior. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing such as long pants and a jacket. Avoid flip flops and t-shirts on your commute from 7-11, because that is when it happens!
At night time its particularly dangerous as people don’t care much about drink driving in Bangkok. Hence one is exposed to a lot of risk from drunken car drivers.
Important: you are a “Farang” (a visitor) in Bangkok. In the unlikely event of an accident, unfortunately the party that is wealthier is usually at fault. In the case of a Farang crashing into a Thai car, Thai drivers tend to consider the Farang as wealthy and hence the Farang is at fault. Although this is a questionable logic, it’s best not to argue in such cases in order to keep the costs low and pay for the damages caused.
10. Is my motorcycle in safe condition? The pre-trip inspection checklist
You should always do a bike inspection before going on a road. Here is a checklist for a motorcycle safety inspection:
- Take a look at motorbike’s tires first. You need to figure out what the age of tires is. Keep in mind that tires begin to lose traction in 2 – 3 years. Make sure that tires have normal wear. Avoid renting a motorcycle with too old tires. Check tire pressure that’s recommended for maximum load.
- The next thing you need to do is to check the brakes. Make sure that they are in good shape and there are no leaks. Test levers on the front brake system and make sure they work properly. You need to squeeze levers and they should go smoothly.
- Check the throttle. Open it up and then let it go. The throttle should return back to its initial position. Ensure sure that all of the signal lights on your bike are operating. Check all lights in advance.
- Next, you need to check the motorbike’s suspension. Make sure that there are no leaks and no fluid build-ups.
- Pay close attention to the bike’s chain. You need to check it for wear. Try to grab the chain and pull it back. The chain shouldn’t move. If you see a movement that means that the chain is worn. And of course, the worn chain has to be replaced. The motorbike’s chain has to be adjusted properly.
11. A last word of caution before you drive away
It’s recommended to inspect the motorcycle carefully prior to signing the contract with a motorbike rental Bangkok store. If you see that a motorcycle has scratches, damage or any type of defects, then inform a rental company about this in advance. Photograph the motorbike before driving away.
You should also ask the staff to provide you with the copy of the contract. The contract contains all the necessary information on your motorbike rental such as the location of a rental shop, rental date, arrival date and other important data. The contract is required for police checks.
Next, find a gas stations located closely to the motorbike rental store of your choice. Fuel up your scooter ahead of time. Keep in mind that most motorcycles use gasohol 91 or gasohol 95. You’ll be able to purchase gasohol in the city of Bangkok at the price of USD 1 per liter.
12. That’s it. Rent a scooter in Bangkok and make your trip memorable!
It goes without saying that riding a scooter is a great way to get around Bangkok and do sightseeing. You should definitely rent a motorbike if you are looking for the cheapest and easiest way to move around the city.
On the other hand, riding a motorbike in Bangkok has some pitfalls. Luckily, most problems can be easily avoided. Follow the advice provided in this guide to rent a modern motorcycle from a top notch motorcycle rental shop in order to get the best possible experience!
Enjoy your trip to Bangkok!