The cost of renting a scooter or motorbike on Phuket in 2022
Table of Contents
Why is a scooter or motorbike the best way to get around Phuket?
When you want to move around on the island of Phuket, the scooter and motorbike are the easiest ways to get around. There are other types of transportation you could take instead of a two-wheeled rental, but they often come with a lot of disadvantages. Unlike for instance Bangkok, where the local public transportation is very good and taxis are incredibly cheap.
Other modes of transportation on Phuket are:
Buses
Taxis
Tuk-tuks
Moto-taxis
Motorcycle taxi services are very rare, but they do exist. This service is also quite expensive and a short ride from Chalong to Patong for example will cost you 400THB (roughly 13USD) for a one-way trip.
Car rentals
Renting a car on Phuket is also a lot more expensive than a scooter rental would be. Renting a car can cost you anywhere from 1000THB (roughly 33USD) to 3000THB (roughly 100USD) per day. Apart from the high prices it is extremely difficult to find a good parking spot, especially in the high season. Parking fees are required, and you will also end up stuck in traffic jams. Which could double, or even triple your travel time in comparison to a scooter. If you travel with small kids, larger groups, or if you are not comfortable driving a scooter a car rental can be the better alternative. we have expanded our rental offer and have cars for rent as well.
What kind of scooters and motorbikes are available for rent on Phuket?
There isn’t a lot of choice when it comes to scooter and motorbike rentals on Phuket. The engine capacity of scooters start from 110ccm up to 300ccm and for motorbikes it varies between 150ccm up to 650ccm. In rare occasions rental companies have motorbikes available with bigger engines than 650ccm. There are only few companies on the island that offer this, so it is very rare.
The brands of scooters and motorbikes you will see driving around on the island are mostly domestically produces brands like Honda and Yamaha. It is very rare to see any imported brands driving around on the Island of Phuket, especially if these bikes are from a rental company. This is because the cost of import taxes can exceed the original vehicle price by 200%. Making it simply not worth the investment of a rental company. Apart from import taxes, the parts for these imported vehicles are also relatively expensive compared to locally produced parts. These parts will also be taxed by customs making them even more expensive and ensuring very long delivery times for parts as well.
As we try to have a wide variety of vehicles available for rental we do have several more exotic models available within our selection of rental vehicles.
The most popular brands you will encounter on Phuket are Honda and Yamaha.
Popular Honda Scooter for Rent
Popular Yamaha Scooter for Rent
You can read more about the most popular scooters in Thailand here. You can read more about the most popular scooters in Thailand here.
What is the cost of renting a scooter in Phuket?
The price of renting a scooter on Phuket depends on several different factors such as:
- The rental company
Scooter rental price is often a little higher with a trustworthy rental company. But choosing a reputable rental company ensures you have a worry-free holiday. - The engine size of the scooter
The engine size is indicated by the amount of ccm. A higher ccm count means your scooter or motorbike will have more power and will be faster as well. This will affect the scooter and motorbike rental price. - The age of the scooter
Scooter rental price also depends on the age of the vehicle. Renting an older model will often be cheaper than renting a company’s newest model in pristine condition. - The length of the rental period
Renting a scooter for a longer time will affect the scooter rental cost. It will often becheaper as it ensures income for the rental company. - The season
Scooter rental cost is directly influenced by whether or not it is high-season and scooter and motorbike rental price can be lower during the off-season.
TABLE HERE
How much is the deposit fee for a scooter on Phuket?
Just like engine size plays a role in scooter and motorbike rental cost, it also plays a role in defining the deposit fee for a rental vehicle. The total scooter rental cost will always depend on these two factors. Another factor that defines scooter rental cost is the age of the vehicle. A newer vehicle, especially if the vehicle is still in pristine condition, will have a higher rental price and deposit fee than an older model would.
We would also like to point out that no trustworthy rental company would ask you to leave your passport as a deposit. And we cannot stress enough that you should never leave your passport as a deposit when renting anything.
Read more about popular scooter scams in Thailand here.
What other factors define the price of renting a motorbike or scooter?
The location of the rental shop
Insurance
The availability of insurance plays a big role in defining a motorbike and scooter rental price. Most rental companies have a compulsory medical insurance that covers up to 30.000THB (about 1.000USD). It is very rare to have a 3rd party in an accident. Only few companies on Phuket offer full bike insurance where any damages made to the vehicle would be covered. Remeber, when renting a scooter or motorbike you need an international Driving Permit to be covered.
We have prepared the ultimate guide about rental bike insurance here.
Support policies
The amount of support you will receive when the scooter breaks down including moving it back to the shop, repair costs etc. will also impact the scooter rental price. The cheaper rentals will leave full responsibility for repair costs and support with you. Where some of the more expensive rentals will help you retrieve the vehicle within regular working hours and provide alternative transportation at no extra cost. Because this is included in the more expensive motorbike and scooter rental price.
Read more about common problems and responsibilities about break downs here.
Mileage limitations
The reputation of the shop
The reputation of the shop can also increase scooter rental cost. This is because a reputable shop often offers better services and vehicles than a cheap shop with a lesser reputation would offer.
Find more information about how to rent a bike safely and find a reputable rental shop here.
Going outside of Phuket
Delivery options
Where to rent a motorbike or scooter in Phuket?
- Delivery to your hotel at an extra charge or free for a specific period
- Break down service is covered around Phuket
- Insurance is included at an extra charge
- Unlimited mileage is included
- We prepare the motorbike or scooter to go outside of Phuket as well, just notify us in advance if you plan to venture out of Phuket so we can extensively inspect your vehicle
- We offer relatively low deposits.
