Renting a scooter in Thailand – are rights necessary? how much is how to learn

I saw a lot of different articles on blogs on how to rent scooter in thailand. But they all did not contain the full and necessary to me information, so I am writing my article. Well i can’t i write about your personal experiences and impressions of driving a bike, this the same integral part of Ty. I rode a bike in Phuket, in Pattaya, on Samui, on Phangan, in Krabi, in Chiang Mai, in Pai, in Hua Hin, therefore, experience is sufficient, both in terms of rent and in terms of driving. Yes, and in the comments, I think my readers will complement my post important points.

The content of the article

• 1 Rent a scooter in Thailand
  • 1.1 Verified rental locations in different cities
  • 1.2 Do I need the rights to a scooter in Thailand
  • 1.3 What to leave as security when renting
  • 1.4 Do I need a helmet
  • 1.5 Bike with automatic or manual transmission
  • 1.6 Most popular models on the machine
  • 1.7 How much does it cost to rent a bike in Thailand
  • 1.8 Bike and medical insurance
  • 1.9 What to look for when inspecting a bike
  • 1.10 Gasoline Refueling (Gasoline)
  • 1.11 Cargo transportation on a motorbike
• 2 How to drive a bike
  • 2.1 How to start a bike
  • 2.2 How to brake on a bike
  • 2.3 Letting go of gas before braking
  • 2.4 Security
• 3 Impressions of driving a motorbike

Rent a scooter in Thailand

Checked rental locations in different cities

If you are afraid to ride a bike, or you have a child, then better to book a car. Here I have a detailed post about this with all the nuances. Book best through Economybookings, so how will be cheaper than directly. Well, and immediately visible prices from all distributors can be compared.

Finding rental is very simple – you just need to go out and find a rental point. But not always worth taking a bike, especially if we are talking about Phangan and Tao. You also need to take into account a number of nuances about which I will tell in the post.

Hire is very easy to see by the inscriptions Motobike for rent or for hire. There they will show you all and tell you if you have something about motorbike do not know. This can be both an individual and office. I shot and so and so, the fundamental difference I do not see but of course you trust the office more.

Rent a bike in Pattaya Rent a bike on Samui Rent a bike in Krabi Rent a bike on Phangan and Tao – how to deal with divorce Bike rental in Chiang Mai

Scooter Rental

Do I need the rights to a scooter in Thailand

They said that from the end of 2015 they will introduce a new law, and for driving without rights with category A there will be 5-10 thousand baht fine. But while such no fines.

To drive a bike you need the rights of the appropriate category (A), because in fact it is a motorcycle, not a moped. Many foreigners hammered into the necessity of rights, since checks are not everywhere and the fact that you stumble upon a round-up. All the more you can get off a small fine of 500-1000 baht. It is best to specify for each city, where and what raids, and even better still have rights. Once foreigners did not stop at all, but since 2012 everything tightened in Pattaya and Phuket, then in 2014-2015 raids Began to be carried out in other cities, besides, now they still catch drunk (finally!) with much bigger fines. Remember that if If an accident happens, then you will be guilty in any case.

Driving license needed international, I already told you how get them in Moscow, this is a separate book, done for a couple hours Generally, if you come for a long time and there is no need categories, the easiest way to pass on the right right in Thailand.

About the Vienna Convention. Frequently asked questions so I will write separately. Yes, Thailand has signed the Vienna Convention and in theory, our ordinary national rights should operate. But on fact they do not roll. If you want to prove something on the spot Thai policeman, well, try, and it’s easier for me to do international

What to keep in a pledge when renting

As a deposit, they ask for either a passport or a photocopy of the passport, or photocopy of passport and credit card, or deposit. I would not recommended leaving a passport, although I did. Usually, points rolled a lot, look where you will not need a passport. Well, or yourself offer a deposit instead of a passport or card, usually several thousand baht, in Pattaya I left 1000 baht, at Koh Chang 3,000 baht.

In one place they asked me for a photocopy of my passport and banking cards. I was afraid to give the card, as they wanted to make a scan with two sides. Which would mean that they can use it on some sites on the Internet.

In general, it is always better to leave money than a passport. Thais themselves will not always offer, they want more passport from you receive, therefore it is the money itself that you offer as collateral and insist on it. Because a passport, then you can blackmail and extort large amounts for minor scratches.

Bike rental contract in Thailand

Do I need a helmet

For driving without a helmet a fine in the region of 500 baht. Checks as with rights depends on the region. In any case, I would ride in a helmet since it is safer. It makes sense to drop Ponte and score on hairstyle, when it comes to your life, beat novichiki (and not newbies) constantly.

A rental office helmets are issued, but with clouded windows or not at all, with helmets there so-so. Therefore, either take sunglasses with you from home or buy a helmet. Are standing they are inexpensive and it makes sense if you ride a lot. Otherwise You will constantly blink from the garbage that flies into your eyes. Also if you will buy a helmet, take more expensive, and not for 200 baht, because Cheap not very strong.

Bike with automatic or manual

If you are reading this article, then the experience of driving a motorbike in you most likely small. Therefore, the easiest way to shoot a scooter with Automatic transmission (auto). It’s easiest to manage, and you can start learning. And in general, I do not see much point in renting bike with a manual box. The maximum you get is small saving gasoline, and it will be easier to climb the hill. However if the motorbike is relatively new on the machine, then it will have the same advantages.

Most popular models on the machine

Honda PCX, Honda Click, Honda Scoopy, Yamaha Mio, Yamaha Nouva, Honda Airblade. The last two are quite heavy and were once the most powerful of this class. Truth has a new Click 125 (there were 110 cube before), super assembly, tearing is the only way. Mio like also updated and now has become more powerful. New nouvo me too liked in principle. But the Airblade model is already old and, as usually they are all ushatannye.

Separately, stands the Honda PCX, so beloved by many Russian tourists, it has 125-150 cubes and it is quite large. Of all motorbikes, he is probably the most comfortable, but his rent is worth 1.5-2 times more expensive. If you’re new, don’t take it, since its it will be more difficult to hold because of the weight, if suddenly something. Besides the cost of repair, if you jab, will also be higher.

Honda Click Motobike

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Thailand

The standard price is about 3000-4000 baht per month for bikes from automatic. Or 200-300 baht per day. If the bike with manual box, it will be cheaper, for example, 100 baht / day and 2,000 baht / month. PCX costs about 5,000-7,000 baht per month. It all depends on the place. On South more expensive (there are many tourists), in the north is cheaper. Often exists discount if you rent for a period of 3 days, respectively, for a month it turns out generally cheap.

Bike and medical insurance

Also, some offices will offer you a bike insurance (from hijacking and damage), and this increases the cost of rent. For example, if the bike costs 200 baht / day, then with insurance it will cost 300 baht / day In principle, this is a good option if you have never drove, because with the habit you can fall on level ground and damage plastic. And as the mirrors beat easily against the wall – By the way, replacement of the mirror will cost 150-300 baht, so for a short time insurance is pretty profitable.

About medical insurance, I already wrote in another article. No the rental office will not offer it to you, such insurance is necessary do in advance before the trip. Just keep in mind that, as a rule, you need to add the package “Active rest” or “Extreme rest”, because riding a bike is not an ordinary vacation and covered in regular packages. You also need to know that you must to be sober and to have category A rights. If not, then you denied service for insurance in an accident. That is why, many impersonate a passenger as a passenger, not a driver.

If after a fall the wounds are not serious, then you can not turn to hospital and be treated by buying at the pharmacy. Still though would be the very first time is to go to you normally washed wound and bandaged. My friends took 2000 baht on Phangan

Ointment for wounds can be bought in Thai pharmacies

What to look for when viewing a bike

First of all, on the general degree of worn-out aggregate, and also for mileage (although it could twist). Take with mileage more than 20-30 thousand, I would not advise. We almost always went to new, the difference is very noticeable.

Secondarily, you should look at the scratches, chips, and point them to the owner. Better to even take a picture just case, then there was something to show. Especially, it concerns those places where you leave a passport as a deposit, for example, Phangan. There even the bases are specially made. But we have, pah-pah, problems never has not yet arisen, although this is not a reason to relax.

Well, before you agree, be sure to ride a little, see how it starts, how the engine sounds, how it works brakes. This is a matter of a few minutes. If stalls, or brakes bad ones, better change your motorbike to another one. Otherwise, then you have to somewhere on the road to go to the service (service prices bikes).

Gasoline Refueling (Gasoline)

We refuel 91. The tankers themselves know what to fill, and even on gas tank, as a rule, it is written what kind of gasoline you need. Hatch the gas tank is either under the seat (more often) or between the wheel and by the seat. The cost of gasoline about 30 baht / liter, refueling occur often enough, but there are places where they can not be long. we refueled always in advance, without waiting for complete devastation. Still There is such a thing – as the sale of local gasoline in transparent bottled. It is a bit more expensive, but sometimes convenient when not around refueling.

At the rental point you will rarely be given a bike with a full tank, rather on the contrary, it’s enough to get to the gas station just to get there. Return is necessary so so that was not completely empty. If issued with a full tank, then It’s better to return it, otherwise it will charge you when you return inadequate price for gasoline.

Sale of gasoline from bottles

Cargo transportation on motorbike

Usually all scooters have a space between the seat and the wheel, where to put the bags with things or products. Also near the steering wheel There is a hook on some models, then the packages can be hung. AT there are no other models of this space, but then the bike has large enough glove box under the seat.

Cargo transportation on motorbike

How to manage a bike

How to get a bike

The picture shows the controls, they are practically identical on any bike. It starts by pressing the button on the right when depressed rear brake (on the steering wheel on the left). And before you start, do not forget to remove the bandwagon, this is a kind of protection (not everyone has bikes). That is, remove the bandwagon, hold the rear brake on the left, and Press the engine start button on the right.

Motobike controls

How to brake on a bike

It is best to use both brakes: front and rear. One Only the rear is good if you need to slow down. Actually, at least speed enough and just let go of the throttle in advance to slow down So, the rear brake is easy to feel and the bike even with a locked rear wheel remains manageable.

But at high speed without a front brake can not do in any way, it accounts for most of the braking effort, one rear is not enough. Have to feel the process and dispense efforts. Therefore, it is best to initially get used to slow down both and do not drive so that there is no need for emergency and abrupt braking.

You also need to understand that if you only slow down front, then this is also not good, especially if under Wheels have sand or stones. The front wheel will lock and go skidding, you can not hold the bike and fall. Also when braking only the front brake is the risk of flying from the bike ahead.

Let off the gas before braking

My main driving problem was that I forgot release the throttle when braking. That is, I pressed the brake, but kept the gas, thereby the scooter continued to move, introducing me to bewilderment A couple of times I even collapsed because of this. If you come across a similar, I advise you on an empty road and a small speed to work this movement: while you are pulling the fingers of the right hand to the brake, while you turn and handle gas in the opposite direction (that is, release the gas).

Security

Accidents on motorbikes happen often. I myself was more than once witness how people began to knight for joy. Of this not worth doing. Despite the fact that driving a bike is easy, you can not calculate their capabilities and not have time to react.

Do not drive more than 60 km / h. This speed is enough for most trips. And if you are not sure, then generally drive slowly and on the left side of the road (roadside). Also, at first, avoid dark time of day and rainy weather. And although the bike can open for you a new face of Thailand, maybe not worth it now sit down Remember, the traffic in the city is dense, and the Thais fly like drunk Schumacher.

Be careful on the roads, do not drive

Impressions of driving a motorbike

I did not go to the bike for the first 2 months. I was afraid of him, and left-hand traffic. But then, when I tried, then I did not imagine how it can do without it. This is real very convenient, you can quickly and with a breeze to get to any point cities (islands), while not depending on the tuk-tuks, san teo and other transport. Well, by itself, it’s not just about convenience, but about feeling I can not describe, but now I understand perfectly why people buy motorcycles.

Yes there is a danger of an accident, as I wrote above, but since I drive very neat and not faster than 60 km / h, everything was in order. Those who very afraid, or for other reasons does not want to take a bike, I recommend to rent a car, especially those who will be far away to ride.

Rent a motorbike in Thailand

How do Thais drive

P.S. Good luck on the road! And take care of yourself!

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