# Riding a Scooter in Bali for the First Time: 15 Safety Tips

URL: https://sewamotorbali.org/en/articles/riding-scooter-bali-safety-tips
Terbit: 2026-10-15 · Diperbarui: 2026-10-16 · Penerbit: sewamotorbali.org (bagian dari siappergi.com)

> Left-hand traffic, roundabouts, ceremonies, rain, steep hills and night riding. Fifteen practical tips for first-time scooter riders in Bali, from the siappergi.com team.

Bali is a wonderful place to ride, but it isn't a place to learn from zero. If you can already ride a scooter at home, these tips will help you adapt to Bali's roads. If you've never ridden, start with a short practice in a quiet area, or use ride-hailing and a [car with driver](https://sewamotorbali.org/en/articles/bali-car-rental-self-drive-or-driver) until you're confident.

## Before you ride

1. **Carry the right licence:** home motorcycle licence plus an International Driving Permit. See [licence & IDP rules](https://sewamotorbali.org/en/articles/bali-scooter-license-idp).
2. **Wear the helmet, fastened.** Rider and passenger, every trip, even "just to the shop".
3. **Check the bike at handover:** brakes, lights, tyres, fuel. Film it.
4. **Pick the right size:** a 110 cc for solo town riding, 150–160 cc for two-up hills. See [the best scooter to rent](https://sewamotorbali.org/en/articles/best-scooter-to-rent-in-bali).
5. **Cover up:** long sleeves and closed shoes protect from sun and exhaust burns.

## On the road

6. **Keep left** and expect scooters passing on both sides.
7. **Roundabouts:** slow down, give way, and signal early.
8. **Use both brakes**, and on long descents (Kintamani, Bedugul, Uluwatu beach roads) alternate them instead of dragging the rear brake.
9. **Watch the surface:** sand near beaches, moss on village roads, wet leaves in the rainy season.
10. **Ceremonies:** if a procession blocks the road, stop and follow the pecalang (traditional security). Don't ride over offerings (canang) if you can avoid them.
11. **One passenger only.** Two-up is the legal maximum.


![Ride safe in Bali: scooter and helmet by the rice terraces, 3D render by siappergi.com](https://sewamotorbali.org/site/artikel/foto-ride-safe-bali-rice.webp)

## Weather and time of day

12. **Rainy season (November–March):** carry a raincoat (a cheap add-on on siappergi.com) and avoid flooded underpasses.
13. **Avoid new mountain routes after dark:** they are unlit, winding and often foggy.
14. **Beat the rush:** roughly 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00 are slow in Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud.

## If something goes wrong

15. **Pull over somewhere safe** and message your rental with a photo and location. For flat tyres, ask the rental before going to a roadside repair shop. In an emergency, call 112.

![Helmets for rider and passenger, compulsory on every trip in Bali](https://sewamotorbali.org/site/artikel/studio-helm.webp)

## Don't drink and ride

Alcohol and Bali roads don't mix. Beyond the obvious danger, insurers will refuse claims. Take a taxi home after a night out and pick the bike up in the morning.

## FAQ

### Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
It can be, for experienced riders who wear helmets, carry the right licence and ride defensively. Beginners should practise first or use a driver.

### What's the most common mistake?
Riding without a helmet or licence, and choosing a bike that's too big or too small for the route.

### Where can I rent a scooter with delivery?
On [siappergi.com](https://siappergi.com/en/sewa-motor), with delivery anywhere in Bali and payment on delivery.

Indonesian version: [checklist serah terima motor sewaan](https://sewamotorbali.org/artikel/cek-motor-sewaan-serah-terima).