Quick answers
- Never leave your passport as a deposit; a photo is enough for a legitimate rental.
- Photograph every scratch, the tyres and the fuel gauge with the owner before you ride off.
- Check the brakes, lights, horn and both helmets, and ask for the registration paper (STNK).
- Only pay through the rental's official contacts, and be wary of anyone asking for a transfer before you've seen the bike.
Before you book
- Check your licence: you need the motorcycle category at home, and we recommend an International Driving Permit.
- Compare the full price, not the daily rate: delivery, a second helmet and insurance are sometimes extras. See what a scooter costs in Bali.
- Ask about insurance, breakdowns and who pays for damage. See what happens if your scooter breaks down.
- Check the rental's reviews and that its contact details match its website or Google profile.
- Want the bike as soon as you land? Read scooter rental at Bali airport for what to bring and when a hotel delivery is easier.
At handover
- Walk around the bike with the owner and photograph every scratch and dent.
- Photograph the dashboard: fuel level and kilometres.
- Squeeze both brakes, test the lights, indicators and horn, and look at the tyre tread.
- Try both helmets on. They should be SNI-certified and fit snugly.
- Ask for the STNK (registration paper) and keep it with you when you ride.
- Agree the return time and place, and what late return costs.
While you're riding
- Carry your licence, your IDP if you have one, and the STNK. Police checks are common in tourist areas.
- Lock the bike and take the key, even for a quick stop.
- Fill up at Pertamina stations when you can. See the petrol guide.
- If something feels wrong with the bike, stop and message the rental before it gets worse.
When you return the bike
- Photograph the bike again in the same spots as at handover.
- Return it on time; late returns usually cost extra.
- Get your documents back (and, for Indonesian guests, your KTP) before the owner leaves.
Common scams and how to avoid them
| Scam | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Holding your passport as a deposit, then using it to demand money | Never hand over your passport. A photo is enough. |
| Charging for scratches that were already there | Photograph the bike with the owner at handover. |
| A bike with worn brakes or bald tyres at a cheap price | Test the brakes and look at the tyres before you pay. |
| No contract and cash only, so nothing is on record | Keep the terms in writing, even a WhatsApp chat. |
| Someone posing as the rental and asking for a transfer | Only use the contacts on the rental's own website. |
How we rent at motoranbali
We photograph your passport and hand it straight back, we don't take a down payment or a cash deposit, and you can pay when the bike is delivered. Our only official contacts are WhatsApp +62 823-3905-0410 and Instagram @motoranbali. Our bikes aren't insured, and we tell you that before you book.
FAQ
Should I leave my passport with a scooter rental in Bali?
No. A legitimate rental only needs a photo of it.
How do I avoid being charged for existing damage?
Photograph every scratch with the owner at handover, and again when you return the bike.
What documents should I carry when riding in Bali?
Your home licence with the motorcycle category, the bike's STNK, and an International Driving Permit, which we strongly recommend.
About the author
Lutfi Khamami owns motoranbali and has rented scooters to visitors and long-stay guests in Bali since 2022. More about us
