What do you need to rent a motorbike in Thailand?

How to rent a bike in Thailand?

Renting a bike is a simple process if you plan ahead. The key is to take your time and approach the rental process thoughtfully. The choice of bike model depends on your taste, experience, and the purpose of your trip.

If you're planning short trips along the waterfront or within a single neighborhood, a lightweight scooter with an automatic transmission will do the trick—it's maneuverable, fuel-efficient, and doesn't require gear shifting. However, we still don't recommend very weak bikes. Look for mopeds with at least 160cc, preferably as new as possible. All bikes we rent meet these requirements: both in power (160cc and above) and in newness (all our bikes are from 2025, the newest models). This type of bike is suitable not only for short outings but also for longer trips for two: it provides ample traction on both climbs and the roads between beaches.

According to Thai law, enforced by the Kingdom's police, the formal requirements for motorbike drivers are as follows: they must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) of Category A. But let's be honest, only 5% of tourists have an driving license of Category A. But an International Driving Permit (IDP) for this category (a booklet in English and French) is totally rare (if only 1%).

We won't be hypocritical or lie, unlike other rental companies who claim they require (and check for) such driving licenses: specifically, an IDP of Category A. If this were true, you'd hardly see tourists riding motorbikes in Thailand.

Of course, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you get an IDP of Category A in advance, at home, before your vacation. This is primarily for your own benefit: you'll gain motorcycle driving skills (safety) and avoid problems with the Thai police in the future (legality).

However, in practice, having a Category A IDP is your responsibility. Therefore, any negative consequences of driving without a license (or with a Category B license, which is the same thing) fall solely on you.

The consequences may be as follows:
1) Fines for driving without a license: they are small (500-1,000 baht) and are paid on the spot.
2) In the event of an accident, no insurance will cover you, even if the other party is at fault: neither your personal medical insurance ("travel insurance") nor the insurance on our motorbike (so assurances from other rental companies that their bikes are insured are meaningless if you don't have a Category A IDP).

Accordingly, to rent a vehicle in Thailand (motorbike or car), you will need:

1) An International Driving Permit category A (for a motorbike) or a Category B (for a car). However, this is entirely YOUR responsibility, and we do NOT check the availability or compliance of these documents.

2) A passport for the contract. You keep your passport; we only make a copy of it. TIP: Never deal with rental companies that ask for documents as collateral. Many of these are dishonest—and to get your passport back, you'll have to fork out a fortune!

3) A security deposit for the bike. You can see the deposit amounts on each specific bike's page or on the "Delivery, Payment, Insurance" page. Even if you failed to comply with the law and rode your bike without the appropriate license and damaged it—regardless of the severity of the damage—your liability for the damaged bike will be limited to the amount of this security deposit. But we hope this won't happen!
The security deposit will be returned to you upon return of the bike, after its inspection.

Pre-Rental Bike Inspection

For those visiting Thailand for the first time, it's important to pay attention to the technical condition of the moped.

Start your inspection with visual details: check for cracks in the plastic panels, worn areas on the seat, or play in the steering wheel. The brakes should operate smoothly, without squealing or looseness. The lights and turn signals should work on both headlights, otherwise you and the company could be fined. Check the tires: if the tread is worn, ask for a replacement—the wet asphalt on the islands is slippery, especially after tropical rain. When you start the engine, the sound should be smooth, without jerking or the smell of gasoline.

💡 Helpful tip: It's best to rent a scooter in Phuket from a company that actually owns the vehicles.
This makes it easier to resolve any issues and avoid intermediaries. 💡 Helpful Tip #2: If you're renting a bike for more than a week, take a photo of the odometer and fuel level upon receipt—this will avoid misunderstandings upon return.
💡 Helpful Tip: Check if the company offers service and assistance throughout the island. Hakuna Rent, for example, will replace your bike right at your hotel, without making you carry it back.

Rental companies often offer helmets, but it's best to choose ones that actually fit your head, not just those left in a basket at the counter.

Choose a size that fits snugly but doesn't press. It's best if the inside is padded—the heat in Thailand makes plastic helmets without padding unbearable. Riding without a helmet is strictly prohibited: the police stop you for this more often than for not having a license.

Besides helmets, pay attention to the condition of the mirrors, speedometer, and brake light. These details seem small, but on the night streets of Phuket, they can save you from trouble. Also, make sure you have a copy of the contract and company contact information in the glove compartment; this saves time in an emergency.

Все про прокат байков Таиланд

When a traveler arrives in Thailand, transportation is a quick fix—renting a bike remains the most convenient way to get around. But if you prefer reliability and peace of mind, it makes sense to choose a rental company with its own fleet, clear terms, and new equipment.

Hakuna Rent is such a company in Phuket and Koh Samui—all bikes are from 2025, and every detail is under the control of our mechanics.

🔴 Honda Click 160 — a lightweight and maneuverable bike for short trips and beginners;

⚫ Honda PCX 160 NEW — a comfortable option with an extended seat and spacious trunk;

⚪ The Honda ADV 160 is a powerful scooter for those who plan to ride on highways, mountains, and hills.

All three models are new (2025), with zero miles and regular maintenance. We don't sublet or rent other people's bikes—all vehicles are owned by Hakuna Rent, eliminating any surprises with paperwork or vehicle condition.

⬛ 1. Choosing a Model
Before renting a vehicle, decide on your route and load. For short trips between beaches, the Honda Click 160 is ideal—it's lightweight, fuel-efficient, and stable even on wet pavement. If you plan to explore the entire island or travel with two people, choose the Honda PCX 160 NEW: it's more powerful, quieter, and offers extra storage for helmets and other gear. For those seeking more freedom and confidence on uneven roads, the Honda ADV 160—a sporty model with high ground clearance and reinforced suspension—is perfect.

⬛ 2. Inspection and Contract
The registration process takes no more than 10 minutes. The contract is signed on the spot, with no hidden clauses or additional fees. Before picking up the bike, a staff member inspects it with you, notes every detail on the card, and shows a photo report of its condition. This eliminates any disputes upon return.

⬛ 3. Fuel and Mileage Check
All bikes are picked up with a half-filled tank—enough to reach the nearest gas station. The fuel level and mileage are documented with a photo to avoid misunderstandings. You can use any 95 octane gasoline; its quality is consistent on the islands.

⬛ 4. Receiving Contacts
When renting, you will receive our manager's contact information on WhatsApp and Telegram. If your bike suddenly stalls (for example, if you left the headlights on and the battery runs out), we'll come and replace the bike (or the battery, if you've run out of juice) right there on site—technical support is available islandwide, 7 days a week.

⬛ 5. Bike Return
Returning your bike is easy—just bring it back with the same fuel level. If you picked up your bike with hotel delivery, we'll pick it up at the same location. You can also specify ANY return location within Phuket (you don't have to return it where you picked it up)—there will be NO additional fees. Convenient, right?

Helpful tips for motorbike rentals in Thailand

💡 Driving on the left side of the road in Thailand is a must.

It's best to drive slowly for the first couple of kilometers, especially at intersections and parking lot exits.

Even experienced drivers instinctively steer the wrong way the first few kilometers.

💡 A little tip: in tourist areas like Patong, don't leave your bike on the sidewalk—local police monitor parking.

💡 Don't leave bags and phones in the glove compartment.

Petty theft is common in tourist areas, especially near markets and beach parking lots.

💡 In hot weather, don't fill the tank to the brim—gas expands, and excess fuel can leak out through the vents. Ideally, just below the full level.

💡 Before a night ride, check the dashboard lights and headlights.

After sunset, the roads between beaches are practically dark.;

💡 If you're riding with two people, be sure to check your tire pressure.

Overloading your rear tire can cause it to lose traction, especially on winding roads and mountain roads.

💡 Always wear a helmet, even on short trips.

Firstly, for safety! Secondly, not wearing a helmet is the main reason for fines. In Thailand, fines aren't for speeding, but for lack of protection. 

A rental helmet must fit properly, have a secure buckle, and be free of cracks.

Rent a scooter from Hakuna Rent

Hakuna Rent is not an aggregator or intermediary, but a full-fledged service with its own fleet of motorcycles and cars, as well as mechanics.

All models are new – from 2025 – and each one undergoes maintenance before delivery.

Rent a scooter or moped in minutes – just message us on WhatsApp or Telegram or fill out the convenient booking form on the website.

🔥 Our advantages:

🚗 Only new bikes – our entire fleet is from 2025.

💬 We speak English. We also offer support in Thai (if you need to resolve any issues with or local Thais).

💵 Fair prices – the price is fixed in the contract and does not change.

📦 FREE delivery within the island.

If you're arriving in Phuket, our staff will meet you at the airport with a Hakuna Rent sign.

Your bike will be waiting for you in the parking lot – clean, fueled, and ready to ride. We can also deliver your bike to any hotel, villa, or pier – just provide the address when booking.

You can book a bike through our website – it's fast, reliable, and has no hidden fees.

Conclusion

If you want to understand what you need to rent a motorbike in Phuket, Thailand, start by choosing a company with its own, new, and proven vehicles.

Hakuna Rent is a service that's honest and truly convenient: real photos, a clear contract, and new models.

Simply choose your bike and enjoy the roads of Thailand.