Riding a Scooter in Bali for the First Time: 15 Safety Tips
Left-hand traffic, roundabouts, ceremonies, rain, steep hills and night riding. Fifteen practical tips for first-time scooter riders in Bali, from the siappergi.com team.
Image: © siappergi.com · licence
Bali is a wonderful place to ride, but it isn't a place to learn from zero. If you can already ride a scooter at home, these tips will help you adapt to Bali's roads. If you've never ridden, start with a short practice in a quiet area, or use ride-hailing and a car with driver until you're confident.
Before you ride
- Carry the right licence: home motorcycle licence plus an International Driving Permit. See licence & IDP rules.
- Wear the helmet, fastened. Rider and passenger, every trip, even "just to the shop".
- Check the bike at handover: brakes, lights, tyres, fuel. Film it.
- Pick the right size: a 110 cc for solo town riding, 150–160 cc for two-up hills. See the best scooter to rent.
- Cover up: long sleeves and closed shoes protect from sun and exhaust burns.
On the road
- Keep left and expect scooters passing on both sides.
- Roundabouts: slow down, give way, and signal early.
- Use both brakes, and on long descents (Kintamani, Bedugul, Uluwatu beach roads) alternate them instead of dragging the rear brake.
- Watch the surface: sand near beaches, moss on village roads, wet leaves in the rainy season.
- Ceremonies: if a procession blocks the road, stop and follow the pecalang (traditional security). Don't ride over offerings (canang) if you can avoid them.
- One passenger only. Two-up is the legal maximum.
Weather and time of day
- Rainy season (November–March): carry a raincoat (a cheap add-on on siappergi.com) and avoid flooded underpasses.
- Avoid new mountain routes after dark: they are unlit, winding and often foggy.
- Beat the rush: roughly 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00 are slow in Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud.
If something goes wrong
- Pull over somewhere safe and message your rental with a photo and location. For flat tyres, ask the rental before going to a roadside repair shop. In an emergency, call 112.
Don't drink and ride
Alcohol and Bali roads don't mix. Beyond the obvious danger, insurers will refuse claims. Take a taxi home after a night out and pick the bike up in the morning.
FAQ
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
It can be, for experienced riders who wear helmets, carry the right licence and ride defensively. Beginners should practise first or use a driver.
What's the most common mistake?
Riding without a helmet or licence, and choosing a bike that's too big or too small for the route.
Where can I rent a scooter with delivery?
On siappergi.com, with delivery anywhere in Bali and payment on delivery.
Indonesian version: checklist serah terima motor sewaan.
