Many visitors can be found renting motorbikes from motorbike rental shops in Krabi, Thailand as it saves a lot of money on taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbike taxis. If you know how to ride a motorbike or scooter, this page will help you get through the rental process.
A scooter in Thailand can be defined as any low cc gas or electric powered bike with automatic or semi-automatic gearing. A motorbike is a gas or electric powered bike with manual shifting gears. Nobody calls a Ninja 400r a scooter, and almost nobody calls a Scoopy a motorcycle or motorbike.
What You Need To Know About Renting a Motorbike in Krabi
Few Scams at Motorbike Shops in Krabi
With the advent of Google Business and other review systems like TripAdvisor and others, scams have virtually disappeared. Now that a business can be immediately reviewed negatively, most have really changed their business practices and are above-board. Scams are now rare in the motorbike rental space.
Costs Vary Dramatically
Costs for motorbike rentals vary wildly. Here is the price range we’ve seen recently for commonly rented motorcycles/scooters in Krabi.
100-125cc Scoopy, Click, Filano, Mio, Zoomer X, etc. Automatic gear motorbikes.
- 200-350 THB per day
- 1,500-2,500 THB per week
- 3,000-4,000 THB per month
150-160cc Click, NMax, Aerox. Automatic gearbox.
- 350-500 THB per day
- 2,250-3,000 THB per week
- 5,500-10,000 THB per month
Forza 350cc, ADV 350, XMax 300. Automatic gearbox.
- 800-1,000 THB per day
- 6,500-10,000 THB per week
- 14,000-20,000 THB per month
500-650cc Kawasaki Versys or Other Touring Bike. Manual gearbox.
- 800-1,400 THB per day
- 5,500-7,000 THB per week
- 14,000-22,000 THB per month
Precautions To Take When Renting Motorbikes
The foremost precaution to take when renting a scooter or motorbike is that you already know how to ride one and can be safe when driving some of the most dangerous roads in the world. Thailand is frequently rated in the top 5 worst countries to drive because of traffic deaths. Can you stay safe? If you don’t know how to ride, you won’t learn as you go. That’s the worst thing you could do. Well, the worst thing would be renting a motorbike and riding a passenger around!
- Take photos of every angle of the bike.
- Take a photo of the rental agent.
- Make sure the tires have tread and are not bald.
- Ensure the bike isn’t leaking oil – dripping – from the bottom before you pull away. Start it and run it for 5 minutes before you go anywhere. Check for drips after riding for 0 10 minutes too.
- Do NOT leave your passport with the motorbike agency. They cannot legally keep it. They can take a copy of your passport, have you sign their contract, and take a deposit on the motorbike – usually 3-5,000 THB.
- Test ride the bike first. Ensure there is no odd feeling or noises when riding, or exchange the bike immediately. Always ask for the newest bike they have in the size class you want to rent.
- Starting out in 1st gear on automatic gear rental bikes is often unsteady and feels as if the clutch isn’t working right. RETURN THE BIKE and get a different one.
- Ensure the contract is in English and that you can read it. Question anything you want.
- Contracts don’t usually have a maximum kilometer range you need to stay under, but check the contract. This could lead to extra charges.
- Return your motorbike with the same amount of gas as when you rented it or they charge extra fees on top of gas fees. Take a photo of the gas level in the dash.
- WEAR A HELMET that fits and is full face – has a part that protects your chin.
Further Reading
Rent a Taxi, Tuk-Tuk, or Motorbike >
Thailand Motorbike/Scooter License Issues >
Book a Motorbike for Rent Below: