Scooters are everywhere in Bali. They weave through traffic in Seminyak, line the lanes near the beaches and carry whole families to the temple. For many visitors, hiring one feels like the easiest way to get around.

It can be a cheap and handy option. It can also go badly wrong if the paperwork, the helmet or the insurance is not sorted before you ride. This guide covers what Australian travellers should check before they hand over the rental money.

Why scooters are so popular in Bali

Bali’s roads are narrow and often busy. A scooter can slip through gaps that a car cannot. Parking is easier and the daily hire price is usually low.

Popular beach areas are a good example. Anyone who has read about why Canggu is so popular will know the lanes there fill up quickly. Scooters are one reason the area feels so busy at peak times.

None of that makes riding simple. Traffic moves in ways many Australians are not used to. Roads can be patchy and full of sand, dogs, trucks and other riders.

Do you need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, and this is the part many visitors skip. Smartraveller says that to drive in Indonesia you need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit. It also says your Australian licence on its own is not enough.

An International Driving Permit is a travel document that sits alongside your licence. It does not replace it. Service NSW says you should carry both your licence and the International Driving Permit whenever you drive or ride overseas, because many countries require both.

The Australian Automobile Association is the only authorised distributor of these permits in Australia. Its member motoring clubs process applications in each state and territory. In NSW, that club is the NRMA.

Who can get one

According to Service NSW, you must be over 18 to apply. You need a full licence or a provisional P1 or P2 licence. Learner drivers are not eligible, and interim licences do not qualify.

A permit is valid for 12 months, unless your Australian licence expires first. Service NSW lists the NSW fee as $51 and notes the price can change. Online applications are posted out, so leave yourself time before you fly.

Your licence class matters

This is the detail that catches people out. The permit only matters if it covers the vehicle you plan to ride. Service NSW says to make sure your permit allows you to drive or ride the vehicles you intend to use.

In plain terms, a car licence and a scooter are not the same thing. If your Australian licence does not include a motorcycle class, check carefully before you hire a bike. Ask your state motoring club or licensing authority if you are unsure.

Service NSW also warns that some insurance policies will not cover accidents in vehicles you are not licensed to drive. That is a big risk to carry on a holiday. A crash with no cover could leave you paying for hospital care yourself.

Check your travel insurance policy

Read the policy wording before you leave, not after something goes wrong. Look for the section on motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. Smartraveller notes that you might need to pay extra for activities like motorcycling.

A few minutes with the policy now can save a lot of trouble. Have the document open while you work through the details. Some questions are worth answering before you pay for cover:

  • Does the policy cover riding a scooter at all?
  • Do you need to hold a motorcycle licence at home?
  • Does it cover you as a passenger as well as a rider?
  • Are there limits on engine size?
  • Is wearing a helmet a condition of cover?

If the answers are unclear, contact the insurer and ask. Keep their reply in writing. That small step can save a lot of stress later.

Helmets save lives

The World Health Organization says head trauma is the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders. It also says safe, quality helmets reduce the risk of death by over six times. They cut the risk of brain injury by up to 74 per cent.

The WHO also notes that helmets which are not properly fastened increase the risk of death and injury. A loose strap is not much better than no helmet. Do it up firmly every time, even for a short ride to the shop.

Indonesian law also requires riders to wear a helmet that meets the national standard, known as SNI. This sits under Law 22 of 2009 on road traffic and transport. Smartraveller also tells travellers to always wear a helmet when riding a hired motorbike.

Rental helmets can be cracked, worn or a poor fit. Check the shell, the padding and the buckle before you accept one. Some travellers bring their own helmet from home for peace of mind.

Riding safely on Bali roads

Start slowly if you are new to scooters. A quiet back road is a better place to learn than a busy main road. Get used to the brakes and the weight of the bike before you head into traffic.

Weather plays a part as well. Heavy rain makes roads slippery and can hide potholes under water. If you are planning your trip around the weather in Bali, think about how the wet season might affect riding.

Wear clothes that cover your skin. Shorts and thongs give little protection in a fall. Closed shoes and a light jacket are a much safer choice.

Never ride after drinking. Alcohol slows your reactions and clouds your judgement. It can also give an insurer a reason to refuse a claim.

Other ways to get around

A scooter is not the only choice. Private drivers, taxis and app based ride services are common across the main tourist areas. Booking a driver for a full day often works well for longer trips.

Island trips are a good example. Many visitors heading to the Gili Islands and Lombok use boats and local transport instead of riding. On Gili Trawangan, people tend to walk or cycle.

Road crashes are also one of several health and safety risks in Bali that are easy to reduce with some planning. Choosing a driver for the long, busy routes is one simple way to do that. It also means everyone in your group can relax and enjoy the views.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride a scooter in Bali on my Australian car licence?

Not on its own. Smartraveller says you need an Indonesian licence or an International Driving Permit to drive in Indonesia. The permit needs to cover the type of vehicle you ride. Check your licence class and your insurance before you hire one.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

Service NSW says a permit is valid for 12 months, unless your Australian licence expires sooner. You must carry it with your Australian licence. Apply well before you travel.

Will travel insurance cover a scooter accident?

It depends on the policy. Some policies will not cover accidents in vehicles you are not licensed to drive. Read the motorcycle section of your policy and ask the insurer if anything is unclear.

Do I have to wear a helmet in Bali?

Yes. Indonesian law requires riders to wear a helmet that meets the national SNI standard. Wearing one properly fastened also greatly lowers your risk of serious injury.

Licence, permit and insurance rules can change, and requirements differ between Australian states. Check the latest details with your state motoring club, your licensing authority and your insurer before you travel.