Renting Your First Scooter in Chiang Mai

Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is straightforward if you know what to check. The mistakes that cost money and cause problems are predictable — here is how to avoid them.

Before you sign — questions to ask

1. What does the insurance cover? — Confirm damage to the scooter is included (not just third-party liability)
2. What is the excess/deductible? — This is the most you pay per incident if damage occurs
3. Is there a cash deposit? — Some shops hold a deposit (฿1,000–5,000 for 125–160cc bikes) returned when you bring the bike back
4. Is my physical passport required? — See: Passport Deposit Guide — prefer passport copy only
5. What is the fuel type? — Most scooters run on unleaded 91 or 95
6. What is the emergency contact number? — Save it in your phone before you leave
7. What happens if I damage the bike? — See: What to do if you damage a rental scooter

Pre-departure bike inspection

Before you ride away, walk around the bike and check:

Tyres

Press the rear tyre with your thumb — it should feel firm, not soft. Look for visible cuts, cracks, or bald patches. Ask the shop to confirm tyre condition if you are unsure.

Quick depth check: Insert a 20-baht coin into the tyre tread groove — the inner ring of the coin is approximately 1.5mm depth. If the tread does not reach the inner ring, the tyre may be below the safe minimum.

Brakes

Test the front brake by squeezing it firmly while holding the handlebars — the bike should slow without pulling to either side. Test the rear brake the same way. On a scooter with CBS or ABS, test both brakes together.

If either brake feels spongy, weak, or pulls to one side, ask the shop to adjust it before you accept the bike.

Lights

Turn the ignition on and check the headlight, rear light, brake light, and turn signals. Ask a friend to stand behind the bike while you operate each light.

Helmet

Check the helmet fits your head snugly without pressure points. The visor opens and closes properly. The strap buckle works. Ask to wipe the inside padding if it feels unclean from a previous user.

Fuel

Check the fuel gauge. Confirm the fuel type with the shop (usually unleaded 91 or 95). Ask what fuel level the bike was last filled to.

Odometer

Note the odometer reading and photograph it. This protects you against claims that you put extra kilometres on the bike.

Existing damage

Photograph every visible surface of the bike — front, back, both sides, top, the underside of the front forks, the exhaust pipe, the mirrors. Note any existing scratches, dents, or chips on the rental agreement.

This is your protection against paying for damage that was already there when you picked up the bike.

The deposit

Many rental shops hold a cash deposit at pickup, returned when the bike comes back undamaged.

Bike class	Typical deposit
125cc city scooter	฿1,000–2,500
160cc scooter	฿2,000–5,000
ADV 350 / touring big bikes	฿5,000–30,000

Premium operators like Bikago do not require a cash deposit with comprehensive insurance (USD $95 excess covers all damage).

What “insurance included” actually means

Most shops advertise “insurance included.” In practice:

• ✅ Third-party liability coverage — covers damage you cause to others
• ❌ Does not cover damage to the scooter you are riding
• ❌ Does not cover your own medical costs
• ❌ Does not cover your passenger’s injuries

For comprehensive coverage that protects you and the bike, look for operators that include full damage insurance with a low excess.

At the rental shop — red flags

Walk away if:

• The shop cannot explain what their insurance covers
• They pressure you to sign without inspecting the bike
• They refuse to let you photograph existing damage
• The helmet provided is cracked or has no working strap
• The bike looks like it has not been maintained — oil leaks, chain rust, worn tyres

When you return the bike

Be present at the return inspection. Do not drop the keys and leave. Stay while the shop inspects the bike.

If the shop identifies damage:

• Compare against your pre-departure photographs
• Ask for a written itemised repair quote — not a lump sum
• If the amount seems high, you have the right to request an independent repair quote
• Get a receipt for any payment made

What to do if something goes wrong

Save these numbers before you leave the rental shop:

• The shop’s emergency or after-hours line
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Emergency medical: 1669
• Your insurer’s emergency line (on your policy documents)

If you have an accident, see the full guide: /riding-tips/scooter-accident-what-to-do-chiang-mai/