Quick answers
- Riding alone around Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta: a Honda Scoopy (110cc) is light, easy to park and the cheapest to rent.
- Two people, or hills like Uluwatu: a Yamaha NMAX (155cc) or Honda PCX (160cc) has the wider seat and the power.
- Long rides across the island, like Canggu to Ubud or Amed: a Yamaha XMAX (250cc) is the most comfortable.
- For a month or longer, our riders pick the New NMAX and the XMAX most.
We rent all four of these scooters in Bali, and we've rented them to long-stay riders since 2022.
The four scooters at a glance
| Scooter | Engine | Best for | Two people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Scoopy | 110cc | Short rides, narrow lanes, first-time renters who already ride | Short trips |
| Yamaha NMAX | 155cc | Daily riding, hills, couples | Yes |
| Honda PCX | 160cc | Couples, longer rides on a wide seat | Yes |
| Yamaha XMAX | 250cc | Long rides across Bali, taller riders | Yes, the most room |
What each one costs to rent
| Bike | Day | Week | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Scoopy | Rp85.000 | Rp500.000 | Rp1.400.000 |
| Honda New Scoopy | Rp100.000 | Rp600.000 | Rp1.600.000 |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 | Rp150.000 | Rp910.000 | Rp2.200.000 |
| Yamaha New NMAX | Rp170.000 | Rp1.050.000 | Rp2.500.000 |
| Honda PCX 160 | Rp170.000 | Rp1.050.000 | Rp2.500.000 |
| Yamaha New XMAX | Rp300.000 | Rp1.600.000 | Rp3.500.000 |
| Yamaha XMAX TECH MAX | Rp400.000 | Rp2.000.000 | Rp4.000.000 |
| Honda VARIO 125 | Rp100.000 | Rp600.000 | Rp1.600.000 |
The price gap grows with engine size. A New XMAX costs Rp300.000 a day, against Rp85.000 for a Scoopy. By the month the gap narrows to Rp1.400.000 for a Scoopy and Rp3.500.000 for a New XMAX.
Honda Scoopy: light and easy in town
The Scoopy is a 110cc retro scooter with a soft seat and room under it for a small bag. It weighs less than the bigger bikes, so it's the easiest to push into a tight parking spot in Canggu or turn in a narrow gang (lane). It's comfortable for one rider and fine for two on short trips. On long climbs with two people it runs out of power, so it isn't the bike for Uluwatu's hills two-up.
Yamaha NMAX: the all-rounder
The NMAX is the bike most riders in Bali end up on. The 155cc engine pulls two people up the climbs around Uluwatu and Bukit, the seat fits two adults, and it's still small enough for town. We rent two versions: the NMAX 155 (second generation) at Rp150.000 a day, and the New NMAX, the current generation, at Rp170.000 a day.
The New NMAX is the scooter our long-stay riders choose most, together with the XMAX. By the month it costs Rp2.500.000, against Rp2.200.000 for the second-generation NMAX 155.
Honda PCX: a wide seat for longer rides
The PCX 160 sits in the same class as the NMAX, with a wide seat that suits two people on longer trips. If you're two people riding every day, it's a good alternative to the NMAX at Rp170.000 a day.
Yamaha XMAX: for riders who cover distance
The XMAX is a 250cc maxi scooter. It's the most comfortable bike here for rides like Canggu to Ubud, the road out to Amed, or the bypass toward Sanur and Nusa Dua, and it has the most room for a passenger. It's also the heaviest and widest, so parking and lane filtering in Canggu take more care. Ride it if you're confident on a big scooter.
How to choose
- Riding alone, staying in Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta: Scoopy.
- Two people, or staying around Uluwatu: NMAX or PCX.
- Riding long distances most days: XMAX.
- Staying a month or more: New NMAX or XMAX, by the month.
- Never ridden a scooter before: don't learn in Bali traffic. Read our safety guide first.
Whichever you choose, bring a home licence with the motorcycle category; we recommend an International Driving Permit too. The NMAX runs best on 92-octane fuel; see our petrol guide.
FAQ
Which scooter is best for Bali?
For most riders, the Yamaha NMAX: it carries two people, handles the hills and still fits in town. Riding alone in town, a Honda Scoopy is enough.
Is a Scoopy powerful enough for two people?
For short, flat trips, yes. For hills like Uluwatu with two people, choose an NMAX or PCX.
NMAX or PCX?
Both are in the 155–160cc class and carry two people well. The PCX has a wide, flat seat; the NMAX is the more common choice. Pick the one you find more comfortable.
Is the XMAX worth it?
If you ride long distances most days, yes. For short rides around Canggu, an NMAX is easier to park and costs less.
About the author
Lutfi Khamami owns motoranbali and has rented scooters to visitors and long-stay guests in Bali since 2022. More about us
