You land in Bali, step outside the airport, and within ten minutes you see a sea of scooters weaving through traffic like they own the road. And honestly, they kind of do. Most visitors quickly realize that renting a scooter is one of the best ways to get around the island, but then comes the question nobody warns you about: which one do you actually pick?
Walk into any rental shop and you will find rows of bikes ranging from lightweight 110cc city scooters to beefy 160cc maxi-scoots built for open roads. Pick the wrong one and you might find yourself struggling up a hill in Ubud on a bike that was built for flat streets in Seminyak. Pick the right one and the whole island opens up. Whether you are planning to rent scooter bali style for a few days or looking for a longer-term set of wheels, this guide walks you through every major type of scooters in Bali worth knowing about.
Below you will find seven scooter types covered in detail: specs, daily rental prices, who each one suits, and the honest pros and cons. No fluff, no guesswork.
The 7 Best Scooters to Rent in Bali (by Type)
Every scooter on this list is widely available at rental shops across Bali, but each one is built for a different kind of rider and a different kind of trip. Here is a full breakdown of each model, including specs, daily prices, who it suits best, and where it falls short.
Honda Beat 110cc: Best for Beginners and City Riding
| Specs | |
| Engine | 110cc |
| Weight | ~87 kg |
| Top Speed | ~90 km/h |
| Fuel Tank | 3.7L |
| Storage | Under-seat, small |
| Daily Rental | IDR 60,000–90,000 |
| Weekly Rental | IDR 400,000–490,000 |
The Honda Beat is the scrappiest little workhorse on the island, and it is the first scooter most rental shops will point you toward if you are a first-timer. At roughly 87 kg, it is the lightest automatic scooter you will find at any bali scooter rental shop, which makes it genuinely easy to handle in slow traffic and tight parking spots around Seminyak and Kuta.
The Beat is ideal for solo travelers doing short-range riding in flat tourist areas. It is not a scooter for long distances or hilly routes, as the 110cc engine starts to feel breathless once you hit the climbs heading toward Ubud or further north. But for beach runs, café hopping in Canggu, and zipping between shops? It does the job perfectly and costs the least of anything on this list.
Pros: lightest scooter available, cheapest to rent, easy to park, low seat height suits shorter riders.
Cons: struggles on steep hills, not comfortable for two riders, minimal storage under the seat.
Honda Scoopy 110cc: Best for Style and Short Trips
| Specs | |
| Engine | 110cc |
| Weight | ~94 kg |
| Top Speed | ~90 km/h |
| Fuel Tank | 3.5L |
| Storage | Under-seat |
| Daily Rental | IDR 60,000–100,000 |
| Weekly Rental | IDR 400,000–550,000 |
The Honda Scoopy has become one of the most recognizable scooters in Bali, and it is not hard to see why. The retro round headlight and vintage styling make it genuinely photogenic, and it tends to be a favorite among solo female travelers and those who want something that looks good parked outside a warung.
Performance-wise, the Scoopy sits in the same range as the Beat. The 110cc engine is peppy enough for flat coastal areas but will slow noticeably on longer climbs. One thing to watch: the Scoopy has a combined weight limit that can become an issue if two heavier adults try to tackle the hills around Kintamani. For solo trips around south Bali, it is a very solid choice at an affordable daily rate.
Pros: distinctive retro design, lightweight, affordable, easy for beginners, widely available.
Cons: same power limitations as the Beat, two adults on steep roads can be a struggle, under-seat storage is tight.
Honda Vario 125/160cc: Best All-Rounder
| Specs | |
| Engine | 125cc or 160cc |
| Weight | ~110 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 5.5L |
| Storage | Under-seat, fits one helmet |
| Daily Rental | IDR 80,000–180,000 |
| Weekly Rental | IDR 490,000–700,000 |
If you ask any local or long-term expat which scooter they trust for everyday riding in Bali, the answer is almost always the Honda Vario. It is by far the most common bike at any scooter rental bali shop, and for good reason. It balances power, weight, and practicality better than anything else at its price point.
The older 125cc model is capable enough for most tourist routes, handling Ubud trips and coastal roads without complaint. The newer 160cc version is a significant step up: it delivers the kind of power you would expect from an NMAX or PCX but in a slightly smaller, more manageable frame. The first time you ride the Vario 160 you will notice it immediately. It pulls cleanly uphill and feels confident at open-road speeds.
The Vario is the right call for most travelers who have some experience on a scooter. It handles two riders reasonably well on flat roads, has decent under-seat storage for a day bag, and is available absolutely everywhere. If you are not sure what to rent, start here.
Pros: most widely available scooter on the island, handles all terrain types, 160cc model has serious power, good storage.
Cons: heavier than the Beat and Scoopy, older 125cc model feels underpowered on long hilly routes, very common so easy to lose in crowded parking areas.
Yamaha NMAX 155cc: Best for Longer Distances
| Specs | |
| Engine | 155cc |
| Weight | ~127 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 124mm |
| ABS | Available |
| Smart Key | Yes |
| Storage | ~25L |
| Daily Rental | IDR 150,000–250,000 |
| Weekly Rental | IDR 800,000–1,100,000 |
The Yamaha NMAX is the maxi-scooter that most tourists upgrade to once they decide they want to do more than beach runs. It is a genuinely excellent bike: stable, comfortable at highway speeds, fuel efficient for its size, and equipped with a fully digital dashboard and smart key system. Among all the scooters in Bali at the premium end, the NMAX is the one you will see most on roads heading toward Kintamani, East Bali, or up to North Bali’s waterfalls.
The 155cc engine pulls easily with two riders and the wide seat makes long days in the saddle far less punishing than on a smaller scooter. The ABS version is worth requesting if your rental shop has it, particularly for riding on wet or uneven roads. The NMAX is not a beginner’s bike, as the weight and width take some getting used to, but for experienced riders planning full-day trips beyond 80 km, it is the most sensible option at this price point.
Pros: powerful and stable, very comfortable for two riders, fuel efficient, digital dashboard, smart key, widely available at reputable rental shops.
Cons: expensive compared to the Vario, heavier frame makes it harder to maneuver in tight spaces, not ideal for beginners.
Honda PCX 160cc: Best for Comfort
| Specs | |
| Engine | 160cc |
| Weight | ~130 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 135mm |
| Smart Key | Yes |
| Storage | ~30L (largest in class) |
| Daily Rental | IDR 150,000–320,000 |
| Weekly Rental | IDR 800,000–1,100,000 |
The Honda PCX is what you rent when you want a maxi-scooter but refuse to compromise on ride quality. It sits right alongside the NMAX in terms of engine size and capability, but the PCX leans harder into the comfort-and-convenience angle. The underseat storage is the largest of any automatic scooter on this list at around 30L, which is genuinely useful for day trips where you need to carry more gear.
The suspension is noticeably smooth: potholes and speed bumps that jar on a Vario or Scoopy get absorbed quietly on the PCX. Couples who plan to spend multiple days exploring on one bike tend to gravitate toward it for exactly this reason. The slightly wider wheelbase also makes it feel planted and stable on long open roads heading toward Uluwatu or Nusa Dua.
The main trade-off is availability and price. The PCX is less common in local rental fleets than the NMAX, and the daily rate can run higher. It can also feel like a lot of bike in dense urban traffic. But if maximum comfort is the priority and you have the experience to handle its size, the PCX delivers.
| Yamaha NMAX 155cc | Honda PCX 160cc | |
| Engine | 155cc | 160cc |
| Underseat Storage | ~25L | ~30L (larger) |
| Weight | ~127 kg | ~130 kg |
| Rental Price/Day | IDR 150,000-250,000 | IDR 150,000-320,000 |
| Best For | Long distances, all-round touring, two riders | Comfort, couples, city riding + longer trips |
| Choose If… | You want more room, storage, and stability across longer island days | You want the smoothest, most comfortable ride and maximum luggage space |
Pros: largest storage in class, smoothest ride quality, excellent for long-distance touring, stable at speed.
Cons: highest rental price on this list, heavier than the NMAX, less available at smaller rental shops, too large for very tight urban areas.
Honda ADV 160cc: Best for Adventure and Off-Road
| Specs | |
| Engine | 160cc |
| Weight | ~134 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm |
| Suspension | Telescopic front + twin rear |
| Storage | Under-seat |
| Daily Rental | IDR 200,000–300,000+ |
The Honda ADV is in a category of its own on this list. It is Bali’s answer to the question: what if you want a scooter but the roads are not always roads? With 165mm of ground clearance, a high-spec suspension setup, and chunky tyres, the ADV 160 is built for the kind of terrain that would send a Vario into a ditch.
This is the scooter for riders who want to reach waterfalls in North Bali with unpaved access tracks, explore the rougher back roads of the island’s interior, or just handle whatever unexpected surface Bali throws at them. The ADV is not cheap and it is not for beginners. At 134 kg it is the heaviest scooter on this list, and the adventure-ready build means it is less nimble in urban settings than a Vario or NMAX.
Availability is more limited than other models. Not every rental shop carries the ADV, so it is worth booking in advance if this is the one you want.
Pros: highest ground clearance of any scooter here, handles rough and unpaved roads, powerful 160cc engine, built for longer adventure routes.
Cons: most expensive daily rate, heaviest scooter on this list, overkill for city riding and flat tourist areas, not recommended for beginners.
Vespa: Best for Aesthetics and Instagram
| Specs | |
| Engine | 125–150cc |
| Models | Sprint, LX, GTS |
| Weight | ~115–130 kg (varies by model) |
| Daily Rental | IDR 150,000–250,000 |
| Availability | Specialist rental shops only |
The Vespa occupies a unique spot among scooters in Bali. Nobody rents a Vespa because it is the most practical option. People rent a Vespa because it looks fantastic, it is iconic, and it photographs beautifully against a rice terrace or temple gate. For content creators or travelers who want their trip to look a certain way, that is a completely valid reason.
In performance terms, the Vespa Sprint and LX sit roughly in the Vario’s tier: capable for city and semi-rural riding but not built for serious adventure touring. The GTS with its larger engine handles better over longer distances. The honest downside is that Vespas require more frequent maintenance than Japanese-made scooters, spare parts are more expensive and harder to source in Bali, and most general rental shops do not carry them. You will need to seek out a specialist Vespa rental to find one.
Pros: unique, iconic styling, great for photos, smooth and quiet ride, comfortable for short to medium distances.
Cons: pricier than equivalent Japanese models, maintenance is more frequent, parts harder to find locally, not available at standard rental shops.
What to Know Before Renting a Scooter in Bali
Choosing the right scooter is only half the job. Before you hand over your deposit and ride off, there are a few practical things worth knowing: from the license documents you are legally required to carry, to how to protect yourself from being charged for damage you did not cause.
1. License requirements and what riders need to know
This is the part most visitors underestimate. To legally ride any scooter in Bali, you need a valid motorcycle license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement (Category A). A car-only license, which covers Category B vehicles, does not legally cover you for scooters, regardless of what a rental shop may tell you when handing over the keys.
Bali authorities have significantly increased enforcement in recent years, with regular police checkpoints operating in high-traffic tourist areas including Canggu, Seminyak, and Sunset Road. Riding without the correct IDP can result in a fine of up to IDR 1,000,000. More critically, it voids any travel insurance coverage: if you have an accident without valid documentation, you are personally liable for all medical costs, which can easily exceed USD 20,000 for a serious scooter injury. The IDP must be carried as a physical document, not a photo on your phone.
2. Inspect the scooter before you ride
Before you hand over any deposit, walk around the scooter and photograph every scratch, dent, or paint chip. Send the photos to yourself with a timestamp. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you return the bike. Check that the brakes, horn, and lights all work, and confirm that the fuel tank is not sitting on empty. Standard deposit at most shops is IDR 300,000–500,000, payable at pickup and refunded on return.
3. Helmets and what’s included
Helmet use is mandatory for both the rider and any passenger, and enforcement is active. The fine for riding without a helmet is IDR 250,000. Most rental shops include two helmets with the bike, but quality varies enormously. Inspect both helmets before accepting them. A full-face or open-face helmet in decent condition is worth requesting specifically, as cheap half-shell helmets offer minimal protection in a fall.
4. Nusa Penida: you need a separate rental
If your itinerary includes Nusa Penida, note that mainland Bali rental scooters cannot be taken on the fast boat to the island. This is a firm restriction across reputable rental companies. You will need to arrange a separate rental once you arrive at Toyapakeh port, or pre-book with a company that has a dedicated fleet on the island. Roads on Nusa Penida are significantly rougher than mainland Bali, so an NMAX or ADV is strongly preferred over a Scoopy or Beat for navigating the island.
Not Ready to Ride? A Private Driver Might Suit You Better
Scooters give you freedom, but they also come with responsibility: traffic, heat, parking, and the occasional road that looks fine on Google Maps but is not. If you are still on the fence about self-driving, a Bali car rental with driver is genuinely one of the more comfortable ways to explore the island. You get the same flexibility to visit temples, beaches, and rice terraces on your own schedule, without worrying about licenses, helmets, or finding a parking spot in Ubud.
A car rental with driver in Bali works especially well for families, couples covering longer distances, or anyone who simply wants to sit back and watch the island pass by. It is not the budget option, but for comfort and peace of mind, it is hard to beat.
For current rates and what is included, see our Hire Driver Bali guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scooters in Bali
Which scooter is best for beginners in Bali?
The Honda Beat and Honda Scoopy are the lightest and easiest to control, making them the top picks for first-time riders. Both are forgiving in slow traffic and straightforward to handle for anyone new to scooters. Avoid the NMAX or ADV if you are a beginner, as they are heavier and more powerful than necessary and require more experience to manage safely.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Bali per day?
Renting a scooter in Bali typically costs between IDR 60,000 and IDR 150,000 (roughly $4 to $10 USD) per day. Prices depend on the model you choose and how long you rent for. Smaller scooters like the Honda Beat and Scoopy sit at the lower end of that range, while mid-range models like the Vario can reach IDR 150,000 depending on the shop. Premium maxi-scooters are priced separately and generally cost more.
Do I need a license to rent a scooter in Bali?
Yes, you legally need a driver’s license to rent and ride a scooter in Bali. Indonesian traffic law requires you to carry both a valid home country motorcycle license and a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. A car-only license is not sufficient. Riding without the correct documents can result in fines and will void your travel insurance in the event of an accident.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
Riding scooters in Bali is safe for people who already have experience on a scooter. It is not recommended for complete beginners: traffic in Bali moves on the left side of the road, streets can be narrow and unpredictable, and popular areas get genuinely congested. If you have never ridden before, it is worth taking some time to practice in a quieter area first. Always wear a helmet.
Can I take a rental scooter to Nusa Penida?
No, you cannot take a rental scooter from mainland Bali to Nusa Penida. Most mainland rental agreements strictly prohibit taking bikes across the water, and standard fast boats do not allow motorized vehicles on board. You will need to rent a separate scooter once you arrive on the island.
Which areas in Bali are best for riding a scooter?
Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu are the most beginner-friendly areas: roads are relatively flat and easy to navigate. Ubud is doable but gets congested in the town center. Kintamani and North Bali are not recommended for beginners as the roads are winding and steep. More experienced riders will find these routes rewarding, but they require a more powerful scooter and confident handling.
