How to Rent a Motorbike in Bangkok: Step by Step
Never rented a scooter abroad? Here's the whole process at our Sathorn 19 shop, in the order it actually happens — from the first message to handing the keys back.
Step 1: Check you can rent
You need to be 20 or older, and you need to genuinely know how to ride a motorbike. Bangkok traffic is not the place to learn — if you've never ridden before, we won't rent to you, and we'd say the same to a friend. If you're unsure, we may ask you to start the bike and ride a short loop outside the shop first.
You also need a valid motorcycle licence: an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle category, or a Thai motorcycle licence. Riders from ASEAN countries can use their home motorcycle licence. No licence, no rental — we can't make exceptions. Our licence guide explains exactly what counts.
Step 2: Message us the day before
Send us a WhatsApp or LINE message the day before you want the bike, with your name, which bike you'd like, and the time you'll pick it up. There's no booking fee and nothing to pay in advance. We take bookings one day ahead rather than weeks ahead, so you'll always get a real answer about what's available tomorrow.
If you're running late on the day, just message us — a booking with no word from you may be released to the next customer.
Step 3: Bring the right things to the shop
Bring your passport and your motorcycle licence or IDP — we need to see both before we hand over the keys. All pickups are in person at our shop in Sathorn Soi 19 — we don't deliver to hotels or the airport.
Shop hours are 9:00–20:00, every day, with no closed days.
Step 4: Deposit and payment
Daily and weekly rentals need a ฿3,000 refundable deposit. You can leave it in cash, in foreign currency of the same value, or leave your passport with us instead. Monthly rentals (low season only) need ฿5,000.
The rental itself is paid at pickup by cash, Thai QR code (Alipay and WeChat Pay users can scan it too), Wise, or Revolut transfer. Prices are fixed and listed on our pricing page — longer rentals already come with a lower daily rate, and there are no add-on or cleaning fees on top.
Step 5: Inspect the bike together
Before you ride off, we walk around the bike with you and note any existing scratches. Taking a quick video on your phone is a good idea — it protects both of us. You'll get a helmet (two if you're riding with a passenger), and we send you a short summary of the rental rules on WhatsApp so you have them in writing.
Step 6: Ride, refuel, return
Bikes leave with a full tank of Gasohol 95 and should come back full — missing fuel is charged at ฿50 per bar on the gauge. One rental day is 24 hours from pickup. Return the bike to the shop before your agreed time; late returns are charged, and the shop closes at 20:00 (late returns after closing cost extra, and nothing can be returned after 22:00).
Need more days? Message us at least 12 hours before your return time and we'll confirm whether the bike is free to extend.
Step 7: Get your deposit back
We check the bike together again at return. If it comes back as it went out, your deposit is returned on the spot. Simple.