What you need to know before renting a motorbike in Thailand

If you're planning to rent a motorbike during your trip to Thailand, here's what you need to know before renting.

See also: 10 tips for riding a motorbike in Thailand

With numerous motorbike rental shops located in tourist areas across the country, it is very easy to find a motorbike to rent in Thailand.

However, renting comes with rules to follow and certain things to keep in mind.

From safety to the law, it is always recommended to know the risks involved in riding a motorbike in Thailand.

1. What to bring when renting a motorcycle

Thai passport. Photo: Hua Hin Today

Cash is the best thing to bring when renting a motorcycle, as many shops do not accept credit cards.

Your passport and driver's license are also useful documents.

Regarding the passport, you should never give it to a motorcycle or other vehicle rental company, it is illegal.

If a company wants to keep your passport, politely decline and try another place.

Giving your passport as a tourist is very risky, and in case of emergency you will need it.

They can make a copy and return the originals to you.

Another piece of information you may need to provide is your accommodation address.

Some rental stores may ask for all of this information, while others may ask for nothing at all.

It depends on where you are visiting.

2. With or without a driving license

Thai driving license

In most Western countries, you need a proper license to ride a motorcycle.

It is possible, if you are only staying for a short period, that you will never be asked to present a permit.

While this allows you to ride a motorcycle without a license, consider what this could mean in the event of an accident.

Most insurance companies require you to have a license before they will cover you in the event of an accident.

And, you are not immune to a surprise police check and a fine if you do not have a driving license.

See: How to get an international driving license in Thailand?

3. Inspection

Motorcycles for rent in Thailand. Photo: The Phuket Express

Before renting a motorbike in Thailand, it is very important to inspect the motorbike before setting off.

Like many other countries, Thailand is not immune to all kinds of scams aimed at tourists.

See: Scams in Thailand: Know them and protect yourself

To get around this, be sure to take videos and photos of every part of the bike before you set off.

This will give you proof of the condition of the motorcycle at the time of rental.

If you don't want to be accused of denting or damaging the motorcycle while it was under your responsibility, this step is absolutely necessary.

Scammers have been known to cover up scratches and dents with paint, which then peels off when wet, making the damage appear recent.

If you're really worried about a scam, take a wet rag and wipe the bike down to see if the paint comes off and reveals any dents or scratches.

4. Check the fuel level

A good rule of thumb when renting a motorbike in Thailand is to always check the fuel level at the time of rental.

Since most shops require you to return the motorcycle with the same level of fuel as when you rented it, you will need to check the amount of fuel in the motorcycle before you hit the road.

Most motorcycle shops will leave you with just enough gas so you can drive to a gas station and refuel at your own expense.

And if you are wondering what type of fuel to use, check the opening and the cover of the fuel tank, which is usually located under the seat, the type of fuel is usually written next to the cover.

If you are not sure, you can ask the gas station attendant, who will usually know by smell what type of fuel to put in.

5. Contract

When renting anything in Thailand, including a motorbike, you must have a signed rental agreement.

If you don't have a rental agreement, be wary.

However, there are places where it is entirely possible to rent a motorcycle, even if there is no standard contract.

These places are usually located off the beaten path and they may have other methods of knowing where you are.

They may simply ask for your phone number, email address, or a copy of your passport.

Presenting a copy of your passport is usually acceptable in lieu of a contract, but again, be sure to inspect the motorcycle thoroughly before setting off.

6. Motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle accident in Phuket. Photo: Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO)

Unfortunately, many people are involved in motorcycle accidents for various reasons.

Thailand's roads are among the most dangerous in the world , and travelers who are unfamiliar with riding a motorbike or driving on the left are advised not to rent a motorbike in the country.

You only have to look around while driving to see how common it is to see travelers with bandages on many parts of their bodies.

Lacking experience with wet roads, sand, and how to use brakes properly, many tourists get what is known as a "farang tattoo" or sometimes worse.

See: Tourist's double punishment in Thailand after motorcycle accident

If you have an accident, it's best to be honest with the rental company, who will appreciate your honesty and may only charge you a fraction of what it would cost to repair the damage.

But you may also come across a dishonest rental company who will charge you a large sum for repairs.

Depending on the damage to the motorcycle, some people recommend going to an independent garage to have the repairs done at a lower cost before returning the motorcycle to the rental company.

7. Type of motorcycle

Motorcycles in Bangkok. Photo: Viarami

Depending on where you want to travel, you may be more demanding about the power of your motorcycle.

On islands or in the mountains, you will definitely need a motorcycle with at least a 125cc engine.

If you plan on having two people ride the motorcycle, you will need more power.

A standard automatic scooter will usually do the trick, with most engines having a displacement of around 115 or 125cc.

Renting a dirt bike can also be fun when there is less traffic, but keep in mind that it is very dangerous.

8. How much does it cost?

20, 50 and 100 baht notes. Photo: Bangkok Post

Motorbike rental prices are quite cheap throughout Thailand.

The average price is 150 to 300 baht (3.92 to 7.83 euros) per day.

The type of motorcycle also causes prices to vary up or down.

For example, a regular Honda Click will cost around 200 baht (5.22 euros) per day, but a Yamaha NMAX can cost up to 500 baht (13 euros) per day.

Where you rent the motorcycle also matters when it comes to prices.

Hotels may charge more, but they are generally more reliable.

Small rental shops that have a large stock of mid-size motorcycles are generally cheaper.

Also, don't hesitate to haggle for a lower price, especially if you want to rent the motorcycle long term.

9. Insurance

Taking out insurance is something that should not be neglected.

Always check that the motorcycle rental company covers you in the event of an accident.

Be careful, some rental companies offer insurance that actually covers damage to the motorcycle, not to you.

You can also purchase insurance from your healthcare provider or your travel insurance may already cover it.

See: Thailand travel insurance: why a bank card is not enough

Check if your insurance covers your passenger, as well as that of a third party.

And be aware of things that can void your insurance policy.

Not having a driver's license, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or not wearing a helmet, for example, can leave you without coverage when you need it most.

10. Caution

As previously stated, many establishments will try to collect your passport as a deposit.

However, since it is technically illegal to do so, you can negotiate by paying a monetary deposit or leaving something else in place of your passport.

11. Wear a helmet and appropriate clothing

Thai police check foreign motorbike drivers in Phuket. Photo: The Phuket News

It may seem obvious, but you'll be shocked by the number of tourists and locals who drive without helmets.

However, it is illegal not to wear one and if you are caught you are likely to be fined.

The police often let tourists ride without helmets, then one day they decide to launch a check and stop everyone without helmets, and if you protest, they will also ask for your license...

It's Russian roulette, it's better to be legal, even if you see everyone riding without a helmet.

You may also think your driving skills are excellent, but the incognito and soft sands absolutely do not care about your supposed skills.

Besides the helmet, it is also important to wear appropriate clothing.

Yes, Thailand is a hot and humid country and you'll probably be driving in flip-flops and shorts, but be aware of your own choices.

If you want to protect your skin, do as the Thais do: wear a hoodie and long pants!

But it's not just about avoiding a darker tan, as these clothes will help protect your skin in the event of an accident.

12. Safety Reminder

Remember that roads may seem perfectly passable, but hidden patches of sand or oil can throw you off course in a split second.

Many Thais pass intersections without stopping, while overworked drivers speed by without paying attention to motorcyclists; here, it's up to the small vehicles to watch out for the big ones.

There are also dogs that may suddenly cross the road, or packs that may become aggressive and try to bite you.

Being extra vigilant, wearing a helmet, abstaining from drinking, and driving at night are all good rules to follow if you really want to enjoy your vacation without seeing the inside of a hospital room.

13. Respect the highway code and the locals

A group of French bikers in Phuket. Photo: Newshawk Phuket

One last piece of advice, as more and more foreigners are coming to Thailand in groups to rent big, noisy motorbikes and go on night races.

Following several incidents of motorcyclists who did not respect the highway code, rode in groups making as much noise as possible, and organized illegal motorcycle races at late hours, the police have tightened the laws, particularly in Phuket.

Thailand is not a lawless country where anything goes, as some travelers seem to think, and Thai prisons are not known for their comforts.

See :

Police neutralize Kuwaiti motorcycle gang in Pattaya, Thailand

New red card system: Thailand expels tourists after 2 violations

French bikers arrested after wreaking havoc in Thailand

Hunt for disrespectful bikers continues in Thailand, Frenchman arrested

See also:

Motorcycle license in Thailand: how to get it

10 Tips for Riding a Motorbike in Thailand

Source: The Thaiger