SojuAppreciationSociety: the travel blog that answers the real questions you have

Before my 2024 trip to South East Asia I had never ridden a scooter or moped before and was pretty nervous about the idea.

Why you might consider renting a scooter in SEA without any experience

Firstly, they look so cool as fuck and even more so to glide through the rolling hills of Thailand. Perhaps more importantly, as most nascent backpackers will realise that in many many occasions they are the cheapest and most convenient way to get around – especially in rural areas.

Many places will have zero public transport and extortionate taxis that will be unavailable into the night. The famous new age cliche backpacking hub of Pai in Thailand is the example that comes most to mind. Not having a method of transport will limit where you can visit, where you can stay and the activities you can take.

Grab does not exist in many countries, and not in most smaller towns. So, having your own mode of transport will really set you free from the hold of big TukTuk™.

Is it possible to ride a scooter in SEA without experience?

YES (probably). Riding a scooter is a risk and driving laws and practices are more loose and risky than in Western countries generally. But, as a skill it is more like riding a bike than driving a car. But knowing how to do both is definitely the best sets of skills to have.

Having the balance of riding a bike with the spatial awareness and balance that are crucial in riding a scooter. While knowing road rules of car driving will help massively in evaluating situations and avoiding issues. If you can only ride a bicycle you probably aren’t used to checking your wing mirrors for instance. Having said that, with practice you can probably learn from just bicycle riding basics.

Please do not hold this amateur blog responsible in the eventuality of any unfortunate potential fatality (touch all the wood). If I had a lawyer I would refer you to them right now. If you want to learn more, keep reading.

Is it legal to ride a scooter in SEA?

Most countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & Laos all require a home motorcycle license and an International Drivers Permit (IDP,see below).

In practice though, you can generally get by with just the IDP to avoid fines. But law and practice are very different things. The fines themselves are generally a money making exercise on tourists. Technically, it’s illegal for U16s to ride scooters but you can see this clearly flouted by 12 year olds weaving through traffic. In short you can probably get away with it and pay the fines if necessary.

Most rentals will rent you a scooter without needing to see a driving license , let alone a motorcycle license.

Nevertheless, as a Farang you are more likely to get picked up on any little infraction you do. So, wear your helmet even if the helmet you get given will probably not be very good.

Having said that, if you are reading this your probably don’t have a motorcycle license, this will invalidate your insurance if you get in an accident. Look up the average daily cost of a hospital stay were you plan on riding and take a gauge on the risks. For me, it was definitely worth it.

The International Drivers Permit

Not actually an international license. But a translation of your home driving license into other countries. Generally required by all countries in SEA.

If you don’t have a driving license at home then you of course can’t get one. Remember that without an IDP and home motorcycle license your insurance is invalid. However, the majority of tourists in SEA will ride without the license. It can though help to avoid the many many checkpoints designed to generate income from people who fall into this trap.

If you have a full home license, for car or bike, make sure to get the IDP to at the least avoid the fines.

Basics of renting a moped in SEA – What documents do you need?

Scooter rentals are everywhere in a tourist town. Most will ask for a passport as collateral. Your hotel might not necessarily need this.

Generally, if you can give a driving license instead – much easier to replace and less valuable. While you and (probably) the rental place are trustworthy, best to avoid giving away your essential ticket to the next country if you can avoid it. You can also offer a photocopy of your passport – something I haven’t actually tested yet as of writing. Cash deposits are also sometimes accepted but are often deliberately expensive.

Before you start, you should always do the essential video of the bike to check any pre-existing scratches that you could end up paying the Farang price for later. Take a video of every nook and cranny and make sure the rental sees. If you do this you probably will probably be A-Okay!

Okay, so with that in mind read this article for some tips of the very basics of riding a moped in SEA.