Scooter Rental in Chiang Mai: Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride

Chiang Mai is a city that just begs to be explored on two wheels. The streets are alive, temples occupy nearly every corner, and the mountains are within easy reach. Renting a scooter here provides freedom that taxis and tours simply cannot match. You can weave through the traffic, pull over anywhere you want, and take your time with the view.

Here’s what you must know before you rent a scooter in Chiang Mai: safety regulations, licenses, prices, the best scooters to rent, rental shops, best routes, and some tips to ensure a smooth ride.

Is It Safe and Legal to Rent a Scooter in Chiang Mai?

Yes, scooter rental in Chiang Mai is legal for foreigners, but you must have the right documents. If you already have a motorbike licence at home, you should also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). The Thai police do regular checks, so having the right papers is a good idea.

Most of the stores only lease to 18 years and above. Some might permit 16-year-olds, but it’s not the norm. And you have to wear a helmet as it’s mandatory. If the police pull you over without one, you’ll be fined immediately.

So, is it safe to ride? Honestly, it all depends on how you drive. Traffic in Thailand may seem crazy, but it’s only chaos if you lose your head. Ride slowly, leave room, and always keep an eye on the road. There are more than enough travelers who rent scooters daily without incident. And if you go with a reputable provider like Bikago, then you know the scooter is properly maintained, which makes a huge difference.

Documents & Requirements for Renting a Scooter

Before you take the keys, most rental shops will ask for a few things:

• Passport – Some shops want to keep it as a deposit, but it’s better to leave a copy or cash instead.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) – Needed to avoid fines at police checkpoints.
• Valid motorbike licence – From your home country.

Insurance is another key point. Some shops include basic cover, but many don’t. Usually, this only pays for damage to the scooter, not medical bills. Always ask what’s covered before signing. To be safe, a lot of travellers buy their own travel insurance that covers motorbikes.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Scooter in Chiang Mai?

Scooter rental in Chiang Mai is cheap compared to Europe. Prices depend on the model and the shop:

• Daily hire: 200–300 THB (£4–£6)
• Weekly hire: 1,200–1,500 THB (£25–£30)
• Monthly hire: 3,500–5,000 THB (£75–£100)

Cheaper shops often have older scooters, while premium shops charge a bit more but keep their bikes in better shape.

Other possible costs:

• Helmet hire: often free, sometimes 50–100 THB
• Insurance: 100–200 THB per day
• Deposit: either cash or passport (again, avoid leaving your passport if you can)

Companies like Bikago are useful because their prices are clear and insurance is sorted upfront, so you won’t get any nasty surprises.

Choosing the Right Scooter

Which scooter you choose depends on your plans:

• Beginners: Honda Click or Honda Scoopy are lightweight and easy to handle.
• Longer trips: Honda ADV or Yamaha NMAX—stronger engines and more comfortable for hills.
• Style seekers: Retro scooters look cool but aren’t always practical.

If you’re riding with a passenger, pick at least a 125cc scooter so it doesn’t struggle on the hills.

Best Scooter Rental Shops in Chiang Mai

Not every rental shop in Chiang Mai is reliable. Some try to keep your passport or add hidden fees. When choosing, look for:

• Good reviews from other travellers
• Well-serviced scooters
• Clear rental contracts
• Options for leaving a cash deposit instead of your passport

The Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and Night Bazaar areas have lots of rental shops. Always check the scooter before you leave. Take photos of any scratches so you don’t get blamed later. If a shop feels pushy or dodgy, walk away—there are plenty of better ones.

Safety Tips for Riding in Chiang Mai

Driving in Thailand feels different to Europe, so here are some quick tips:

• Remember, traffic drives on the left-hand side.
• Wear your helmet at all times.
• Practise on quiet roads before heading into busy areas.
• Look out for tuk-tuks, red trucks, and sudden turns from cars.
• Go steady in the rainy season as the roads can be slippery.

Most accidents happen because people drive too fast. Take it easy and enjoy the ride.

Costs Beyond Rental: Fuel, Parking & Fines

Fuel is cheap in Thailand. A full tank for a scooter is around 100 THB (£2). You’ll find petrol stations all over the city, and small stalls selling bottles of fuel by the roadside.

Parking is usually free. At temples, markets, and shopping centres, there are designated scooter areas. Sometimes there’s a small fee of 10–20 THB.

Fines are common for tourists who don’t follow the rules. The main ones are:

• Not wearing a helmet
• Not carrying a valid licence or IDP
• Parking in restricted areas

Keep some cash handy in case you’re stopped by police.

Navigation & Local Travel Tips

Google Maps works fine in Chiang Mai, but it’s handy to download offline maps too. Watch out for pedestrian-only streets and zones where scooters aren’t allowed.

If you’re not confident riding alone, join a group ride. There are Facebook groups where travellers organise meetups and share advice.

The dry season (Nov–Feb) is the best time for scooter trips. The rainy season (May–Oct) makes roads slippery, so take care and carry a raincoat.

Best Scooter Routes from Chiang Mai

Here are some of the top rides around Chiang Mai:

• Doi Suthep – A short, scenic ride up to a famous temple with city views.
• Samoeng Loop – About 100 km of winding mountain roads with villages and farms.
• Mae Kampong – A small mountain village with waterfalls and coffee shops.
• Doi Inthanon – The tallest mountain in Thailand, roughly two hours from the city.
• Mae Hong Son Loop – A longer, more challenging ride with endless curves, best for experienced riders. Read our full guide on Mae Hong Son Loop Motorbike Rental Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride

These routes show off northern Thailand’s landscapes and make scooter rental worthwhile.

Emergency & Support Information

It’s always good to be prepared. Save these numbers:

• Tourist Police: 1155
• General Emergency: 191
• Ambulance: 1669

Ask your rental shop for their support number in case the scooter breaks down. Many travellers also join online rider groups for quick advice.

If you’re unlucky and have an accident, call your insurance provider and the tourist police straight away.

Conclusion:

Hiring a scooter in Chiang Mai is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to explore the city and its surroundings. It’s cheap, flexible, and gives you the freedom to discover temples, villages, and mountain roads at your own pace.

Bring the right documents, wear your helmet, and start with short rides until you’re confident. Once you’re ready, head out to routes like Doi Suthep or the Samoeng Loop for an unforgettable trip.

Next Read: 

• Complete Guide to Doi Suthep Scooter Rental: Travel Tips, Safety, and Costs

With a reliable company such as Bikago, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your scooter is safe and the contract is clear. That way, all you need to focus on is enjoying the ride.

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📍 Bikago Scooter and Motorbike Rentals – Chiang Mai
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