How To Rent a Motorbike in Thailand

The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Moped in Thailand (and Southeast Asia) plus I made a quick video which you can check out here

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So, you're heading to Southeast Asia—maybe Thailand, Vietnam, or Bali—and you're thinking... “Should I rent a scooter?”

The short answer is, Yes.The long answer is also Yes !—but there are a few things you need to know first.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to rent a moped or scooter safely, legally, and smartly in Southeast Asia—especially in Thailand.

Why We Think You Should you rent a Moped in Thailand?

When you arrive in Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia), one of the first things you'll notice is... mopeds. LITERALLY Everywhere. On the road, off the road, up the pavement, across fields—literally anywhere and everywhere. 

At first, the traffic might feel like chaos compared to what you're used to back home. Forget most of what you know about road rules. You’ll need to adjust fast, as most rules around the road simply don’t apply LOL. but the good news? You can learn.

Once you're used to it, riding a moped is actually one of the best ways to get around:

• They're quick and practical.

• You can reach places buses and taxis don't go.

• They're cheap to rent and even cheaper to run.

In fact, in Thailand alone, there are over 22 million registered motorcycles. They’re the everyday vehicle of choice for locals—and for good reason.

So, just where do you go to Rent a Moped in Thailand?

If you're in a tourist hotspot like Krabi, Koh Samui, or Phuket, you'll see rental shops every few doors. Just walk down a main street and you’ll have no trouble finding a moped to rent. They are literally everywhere.

In less touristy areas or bigger cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, it may take a bit more hunting. 

A little hack is to check Facebook groups and local forums, these can be goldmines—just ask for recommendations, and you’ll likely get flooded with replies. But just be prepared op read through and make sure they are legit.

You can also book online via established rental businesses. This is ideal if you want:

• Transparent pricing

• Verified reviews

• Less pressure than walking into a shop cold and having to try and negotiate in a foreign language.

Pro tip: Before you go into any shop, browse online to understand moped types, prices, and what's considered fair. That way, you’re better prepared for negotiations.

What are the types of Mopeds and Rental Prices

You'll typically choose based on engine size, shown in cc (cubic centimeters)—which affects the moped’s power and speed.

Basic Scooters (110–125cc)

• Perfect for city rides, beach towns, and errands

• 💰 Around 250–400 baht/day

• 🕒 Pro tip: Rent longer = cheaper rate

Mid-Range Scooters (150–250cc)

• Better for hilly terrain and day trips

• 💰 Around 500–700 baht/day

Big Bikes (300cc+)

• Great for longer road trips or mountains

• 💰 1000+ baht/day

• ⚠ You’ll need a proper motorcycle license

Weekly rentals often give a 25% discount, and monthly rentals can offer up to 50% off. For example:

• 300 baht/day = ~1500 baht/week or ~4500 baht/month

Prices vary, so shop around. You can also ask your hotel or accommodation—they often arrange rentals directly, but be sure to check the bike’s condition.

Our experience of motorbike riding on Koh Lanta:

We rented a moped through our accommodation for just 4000 baht/month—cheap, but it came with no helmets, you have to wear a helmet legally, but most locals don’t bother, for us it is just not worth the risk, both of crashing, but also of being stopped and fined.

 ……. and it broke down, more on breakdown later.. 

Lesson learned: Inspect and ask questions and cheaper isn’t always better.

So, when you go into the rental shop, quite often it’s as simple as choosing what you want, filling in the paperwork, sorting your deposit and simply choosing your bike and riding off.

So here’s some tips on what to do.

What to Check Before You Ride

Before you take off, give your rental bike a quick once-over:

• Tires: Check tread and cracks. Bald = dangerous.

• Brakes: Test front and back.

• Lights: Headlights, taillights, indicators—all must work.

• Petrol: Take a photo of the fuel level. You’ll usually return it with the same amount.

• Oil: Not essential to check, but good to know.

• Helmet: It should fit snugly. Get a full-face or one with a clear visor to protect against bugs—especially at night.

Bonus tip: Scratched visors are a nightmare when riding at night. Ask for a clean one. As once you are in the glare of headlights and even worse……. You get caught in a tropical shower, you won’t be able to see a thing.

Paperwork and Licenses: What You Need to Know about Renting a bike / moped / scoot in Thailand

This is crucial. In Thailand and Southeast Asia, police checkpoints are common. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ✅ A proper helmet (wear it correctly, with the strap done up)

• ✅ Your passport or a copy (some rental shops hold it)

• ✅ A valid motorcycle license from your home country

• ✅ An International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement

Technically, if your moped is over 50cc, you must have a motorcycle license and IDP. Most tourists don’t—and yes, the police know it.

If you get stopped, you’ll likely just pay a fine. That’s a risk you'll have to decide on for yourself.

We go into much more detail on this in another video/blog post about the International Driving Permit, so be sure to check that out. Because you DO need one for Thailand and not everybody knows this!

The Rental Agreement

Before you sign anything, ask the following:

• 🛠 Who covers breakdowns? Most will fix it unless it’s a tire issue.

• 📞 Will they pick you up if the bike breaks down? Many will if you're within 20–50 km.

• 💸 What are you liable for? Ask before you sign.

Pro tip: Get the shop’s WhatsApp number so you can reach them if something goes wrong.

When our bike broke down on Koh Lanta, they came, picked it up, and returned it repaired within a few hours. Solid service.

Document Everything

Before driving away, do a walk-around video on your phone. Film:

• Scratches

• Dents

• Any other damage

Why? So they can’t blame you when you bring it back. It takes 30 seconds and could save you a lot of stress and money.

Final Tips for Riding a Bike of the Motorised variety in Thailand

A moped opens the door to adventure—think hidden beaches, jungle waterfalls, and mountain temples. But only if you stay safe.

• ✅ Always wear a helmet

• ❌ Never drink and ride

• 🚦 Respect traffic rules (as much as anyone does here)

• 🧠 Practice on quiet roads if you’re new

Motorbike Hire Family Travel Tip: We’re a traveling family, and yes—we’ve had both kids on the moped. We always practiced on quiet roads and requested children’s helmets. Sometimes, we do shuttle runs where one parent drops off and comes back to get the others. It’s more effort but much safer.

Our record sighting? Five people and a dog on one moped. Don’t be that family.

Wrap-Up

If you didn't already watch the Thailand scooter renting video here

Renting a moped or scooter in Thailand is one of the best ways to explore, save money, and have unforgettable experiences. Just ride smart.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’re happy to help fellow travelers.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our YouTube channel for more travel tips. Safe travels!

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