🛵 Renting a scooter in Bali: licence & safety
The licence you need to ride in Bali, insurance, helmets, checking the bike and why not to leave your passport as deposit.
Before you rent
- Licence: a motorcycle licence valid for the machine, plus an International Driving Permit with motorcycle entitlement, or other legally recognised documentation. A car licence is not enough. A rental shop accepting your documents changes nothing legally or for insurance. Without the right documents, don't ride.
- Insurance: confirm your cover includes riding. Most travel policies exclude motorbike accidents unless you hold the right licence.
- Helmet: a proper one, every time, passenger included.
- Video: film the scooter on all sides, slowly, with the renter present.
- Photos: photograph existing damage — scratches, cracked panels, worn tyres, mirrors.
- Passport: never leave the original as a deposit. Offer a copy or a cash deposit and keep your passport with you.
Worth knowing
- Police checkpoints in Canggu and Ubud are routine. Riding without the right licence risks an on-the-spot fine and an accident your insurer won't cover.
- Rental keys are not proof of legal entitlement and don't mean insurance will pay.
- Only Polri issues an Indonesian SIM licence.
- Never learn to ride for the first time in Bali traffic.
- No documents? Use Grab, Gojek or a car with a driver.
If you come off
BIMC Hospital Kuta, 24-hour A&E: +62 361 761263. Road rash needs proper cleaning.
Details change, so call ahead to confirm.
Verified 17 Aug 2026. Rules change — Visio can check your case on WhatsApp: +62 821 4222 200.