• Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Last Minute Wanders

Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller

  • Last Minute Wanders
  • Start Here
  • Travel Planning
  • Destinations
  • Hiking
  • FREE Training

6 Useful tips for scooter rental in Asia

Dated: December 2, 2019

3 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Couple with helmets riding a moped
Scooter riding in Kampot, Cambodia

When you’re travelling around Asia, particularly South East Asia, you may find yourself thinking about scooter rental.

When everyone else is zooming around the streets and there are rental options everywhere, why would you want to walk, right?

But, even if you’re experienced in riding a scooter or moped at home, there are a few things you need to be careful of when riding one in Asia.

Here are the seven main pieces of advice I can give you from my experiences.

1: Don’t get scammed

Looking ahead onto road from scooter
Make sure your speedometer is working! Unlike this rental in Taiwan

It is very easy to unwittingly become the victim of a scam by rental companies.

In a lot of cases you are required to hand over your passport as a security deposit and then, when you return the bike, the owners can miraculously find a problem with it that they say was not there before.

They then refuse to return your passport until you have paid a sum much higher than what it would actually cost to repair the problem.

I have heard of this happening to many people on my travels and, while I’ve been lucky, it’s definitely worth taking precautions against it.

Make sure you check the vehicle all over for any breaks, bumps or scrapes before you hand over your passport or any money.

Ideally take a photograph of any problem areas and show the owner so that they clearly know of them in advance and canโ€™t charge you for them.

This should help ensure you donโ€™t get scammed for existing scratches etc.

However, if you do end up damaging the bike, whether it was your fault or not, you may end up getting charged more than the repair would normally cost.

And while they are holding your passport, you donโ€™t have much choice other than to pay up.

2: Give way

One of the best pieces of advice I received in Cambodia while renting a scooter was this:

If it’s bigger, louder or faster than you, it has right of way.

Traffic can get seriously crazy in some areas of Asia!

You don’t want to find yourself going up against a huge truck or a bus, so just give way as often as you can and stay safe.

It’s not always a good idea to do as the locals do, especially if you’re inexperienced.

3: Take it slow

Man with stationary orange scooter
Theo with “Tango”, our rental scooter in Kampot, Cambodia

As you gain confidence you’ll start speeding up a little, but at first it’s a good idea to take it slow.

Get used to the feel of the bike and the movement of the traffic around you.

Take notice of the road conditions. Is it wet? Full of potholes? Gravel?

Take extra care in these situations.

I can tell you that it’s easy to have an accident even if you’re being careful!

When Theo and I rented a scooter in Thailand, we were riding downhill on a mountain road in wet conditions.

Even though we were careful, one wrong movement sent the scooter over on its side, throwing us down the road.

As the road surface was so slippery, we slid downhill on the tarmac for quite a long way before coming to a stop on a corner.

Thankfully, because the road was so slippery we managed to avoid any bad injuries to ourselves or scratches to the bike!

But our takeaway from the experience is to be EXTRA careful in bad conditions.

4: Wear a helmet

This should go without saying, really.

It is always a requirement to wear a helmet, whether it’s stated upon rental or not.

If the rental company you are looking at don’t provide helmets, go somewhere else.

Sure, they usually look a bit silly, but it’s better than breaking your head.

And sure, most of the locals may not wear them, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

Police are far more likely to pull over a foreigner than a local for not wearing a helmet, or for having a broken light or mirror.

5: Check license requirements

Mountain highway
The mountain road to Pai, Northern Thailand

This can be a tricky one as it’s hard to know what the rules are and police differ in their opinions from place to place.

All rental companies I’ve been to have accepted my UK driving license before handing over a scooter.

I’m pretty sure some never even asked for it.

In Thailand I got stopped for random checks by police twice in one week.

The first time was in the small town of Pai.

The officer looked at my UK license, smiled and said it was fine, and let me go on my way.

The second time was in Chiang Mai; not far from Pai but a much larger city.

The officer looked at my UK license, told me it was against the law to ride a scooter without an international license and fined me 500 Baht (around GBP ยฃ12.80/USD $16.50).

If in doubt, get an international license.

6: Use common sense

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: common sense is our greatest asset!

Remember that you’re in a different country; respect the rules of the road for the country you’re in, respect the locals around you, be sensible and you’ll be fine.

Couple in helmets on scooter by sea
A stationary scooter selfie in Magong, Taiwan

I hope these tips have helped alleviate some of your worries surrounding scooter rental in Asia.

It’s great fun to be free to move around without relying on public transport or your own two feet!

I have now used scooter rental companies in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Taiwan, and I hope I can continue in the future.

So take my advice, wear the helmet and enjoy the ride!

Are you experienced with riding scooters or are you a first-timer? Did these tips help you decide to go for it? Let me know in the comments! ๐Ÿ™‚

Want more like this? Check out these articles:

  • Chiang Mai to Pai: a stunning scooter road trip
  • Bokor Mountain: Kampot’s eerie tourist destination
  • Angkor Wat: why you should ditch the tuk-tuk tour

All images in this post are the property of lastminutewanders.com

Motorbike and sidecar on metal bridge with text overlay - 6 useful tips for scooter rental in Asia
«
»

Posted Under: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Travel Advice

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Last Minute Wanders.
I started travelling long-term in November 2012 and I haven't looked back!
Exploring new destinations fills me with joy and I'm here to help you plan your own long-term travel adventure, without the drama. Read Moreโ€ฆ

FREE TRAINING!

Subscribe today to get your FREE access to the Travel Plan The Easy Way training! 

You'll learn everything you need for a stress-free travel planning process, and you'll also get weekly travel tips, lessons and destination inspiration straight to your inbox!

Privacy Policy: I hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe. You can unsubscribe anytime. 

Thank you!

Your FREE TRAINING is on its way to your inbox right now!

.

Featured Articles

Ancient stone gateway tower with corridors leading off to left and right and a stone courtyard in front

Top 6 things to do in Cambodia

Silver car with back doors open parked on grass in front of beach

Living in a campervan: surviving van life long term

Pure white sand beach against clear blue sky with white truck in the distance

How to travel for free around the world!

View down wet beach, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds

12 Beautiful Hidden Gems in New Zealand

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

โœˆ๏ธ Travel & Mindset Mentor
โœจ Helping you plan world travel without the drama
๐Ÿ Planning, Destinations & Hikes
๐Ÿ“ England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
๐ŸŒ 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more ๐ŸŒ
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practic IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel planning ๐Ÿ˜ŽโœŒ๐Ÿป
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
Are you a planner or do you prefer to be spontaneous? ๐Ÿค“
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Hostels are such a great accommodation option for Hostels are such a great accommodation option for long-term travellers on a budget!
Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything you need to remember in the lead up to your adventure!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
It's time to start booking, buying and applying fo It's time to start booking, buying and applying for those important things that will make your travel plans more concrete!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Load Moreโ€ฆ Follow on Instagram

Footer

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

โœˆ๏ธ Travel & Mindset Mentor
โœจ Helping you plan world travel without the drama
๐Ÿ Planning, Destinations & Hikes
๐Ÿ“ England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
๐ŸŒ 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more ๐ŸŒ
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practic IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD!! Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel planning ๐Ÿ˜ŽโœŒ๐Ÿป
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
When I was planning my first long-term travel adve When I was planning my first long-term travel adventure, my family (understandably) wanted to know all about where I would be going and what I would be doing. And I had only the vaguest of ideas!
Are you a planner or do you prefer to be spontaneous? ๐Ÿค“
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Hostels are such a great accommodation option for Hostels are such a great accommodation option for long-term travellers on a budget!
Follow me for practical tips and advice for long-term travel ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything Here's your pre-departure checklist for everything you need to remember in the lead up to your adventure!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
It's time to start booking, buying and applying fo It's time to start booking, buying and applying for those important things that will make your travel plans more concrete!
Don't forget to:
โ™ฅ๏ธ Double tap
๐Ÿ’ฌ Leave a comment
๐Ÿ“ค Share with a friend
๐Ÿ“ฅ Save it for later
๐Ÿ’Œ DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Load Moreโ€ฆ Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
© 2023 Last Minute Wanders
3 shares