A scooter gives you freedom in Bali, but there are important catches: insurance, licence and the busy traffic. We're honest about it so you can make a safe choice.
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Officially you need an international driving permit (IDP) with a motorcycle category plus your regular motorcycle licence. Without a valid licence you're riding illegally, you can be fined at police checks and — most importantly — you are not covered by your insurance in an accident.
Rental scooters are usually not insured. And your travel or health insurance often only covers scooter accidents if you had a valid (motorcycle) licence and were wearing a helmet. If you ride without the right paperwork, you'll foot the bill yourself in an accident or damage — which can run high abroad. Check your policy beforehand.
Be honest with yourself: the traffic in Bali is busy and chaotic. You ride on the left, among hundreds of scooters, with sudden manoeuvres, potholes, stray dogs and sometimes slippery stretches when it rains. For inexperienced riders this really isn't without risk — most tourist accidents happen on scooters. Always wear a helmet, ride calmly, and start on quiet roads.
Not sure? Then go for a private driver with a car (comfortable and affordable) or the apps Grab and Gojek for short trips. See our guide to transport in Bali.
To ride legally — and to be insured if anything happens — you need a valid motorcycle licence from home plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the motorcycle category. Arrange the IDP before you travel; you can't reliably get one in Bali. Police do stop tourists, especially in the south, and riding without the right paperwork or a helmet means an on-the-spot fine — and, far more importantly, it usually voids your travel and medical insurance if you crash.
We'll be straight with you: the scooter is where most tourists get hurt in Bali. The traffic is dense and unpredictable, roads can be potholed or gravelly, and sudden rain makes everything slick. If you're not already a confident rider, seriously consider a driver or Grab instead. If you do ride: always wear a proper helmet (and one for your passenger), cover your skin and wear closed shoes rather than flip-flops, never ride after drinking, avoid busy roads at night and in heavy rain, and build up on quiet lanes first. "Bali tattoo" road rash from a small spill is extremely common.
Before you ride off, check the brakes, tyres, lights and horn, and photograph or film any existing damage so you're not charged for it later. A good rental includes two helmets. Agree the price and what happens in case of damage or theft up front, and never hand over your actual passport as a deposit — offer a photocopy or a cash deposit instead.