How to Rent a Motorbike in Chiang Mai

Which type of motorbike should you rent?

This is a very important consideration. Many people come to Thailand and learn to ride a motorbike for the first time. If this is the case for you or an older teenager in your family, be sure to start off with a scooter first.

Scooters

These bikes are completely automatic and have push starters. Your feet rest on a flooring pad instead of peddles and make for a very easy ride. Scooters are also easier to control with someone on the back.

Manual motorbikes

Of course if you are looking for more of an adventure and are already a comfortable rider, why not try a dirt bike or a Ducati?! While not exactly family friendly, they could be lots of fun! OK… maybe not with the kids around.

Semi-automatic motorbike

Try a semi-automatic motorbike instead! They are really easy to learn to ride and to change gears is just a click of a peddle with your foot. No clutch required! These motorbikes are usually cheaper to rent as well.

If you are planning on a D.I.Y. adventure, you may want to consider a bike with more power – 120 cc’s at least! Scooters are great within the city, but take them anywhere near a hill and putt…putt…putt. Too many times have I been on the back of my husband’s motorbike touring around when suddenly, we reach a dreaded hill. He revs the bike in preparation for the great climb – and – the thing slows to a crawl. You end up feeling bad for the bike. There’s no choice but to hop off and chase the bike up the hill. Hey, it’s a good workout! One you’ll never forget! 

How to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai

First you need to find a motorbike rental shop. There are dozens and dozens of shops across the old city and all motorbike rentals include helmets. Before you rent, make sure the company has child sized helmets if you plan on riding with the kids. Always try on a few helmets to make sure you get the safest fit.

To rent a bike you’ll need to provide your passport. Some outfits require your passport as collateral, while others will simply take a photocopy. You can offer another form of ID if you’re not comfortable with that option. A security deposit is also mandatory. The charge can range from 1,000-3,000 baht and is 100% refundable if nothing happens to the bike.

Because This is Thailand (T.I.T.) you likely won’t be asked for a license. It is common knowledge that most visitors do not have motorcycle licences in their home countries, so this requirement is often waived. You may be asked to show your regular car driver’s license so keep that handy. If for any reason you are pulled over and cannot produce a motorcycle licence, there is a fine that is quite minimal. It’s far more likely that you will be pulled over for not wearing a helmet so always have it on! That fine ranges between 200-400 baht.

Does the motorbike rental include insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is not always included in the daily or monthly rate. Motorcycle accident insurance, which covers a portion of any hospital bill, is often not included. All the local bank branches offer very affordable motorbike accident insurance starting at about 1,600 baht per person for an entire year. Simply walk in with your passport and sign up! Thinking ahead could potentially save your family tens of thousands of baht.

Where to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai

All of these recommendations have been made by personal friends or have incredible ratings online. I have never personally used any of these rental companies as I own my own motorbike, so please use your judgement if the bikes or service don’t meet your expectation.

Vanessa’s Motorbike Hire starts daily rentals at 200 baht, 150 baht per day if you rent for more than 3 days*. If looking for a monthly thing, rates start at 2,300 baht. She’ll even deliver and pick up the bike for long term rentals. Check out her facebook page for reviews and more information. 

Chloe Motorbike Rentals has glowing reviews! No matter the length of rental, your bike will be delivered to you and picked up when you are done with it. This is because the ‘shop’ operates strictly from facebook and does not have a physical location. Don’t let this deter you. She provides exemplary service if there are any troubles along the way. If you are looking to support businesses that give back to the local community, check out Chloe’s charity drives.

Mango Bikes are a reputable company located near Kad Suan Kaew Mall. Their rates are low, starting at 150 baht per day and 2,000 baht per month. They have a wide selection of bikes and are known to service their bikes well.

North Wheels not only rents cars, but motorbikes as well. At 200 baht per day or 3,500 per month, they could be worth checking out!

*When you return the bike, you must fill it with gas first! Ask what type of gas to use before you leave the shop.

Is it safe to ride a motorbike in Chiang Mai?

Please be very aware of your surroundings when riding. Thailand has a very high rate of accidents. go slow, and stick to the left side of the street. Also, always rent from recommended shops. You want to know your bike is regularly serviced.

In terms of the law, you are supposed to have a motorbike license, but hardly anyone does. Helmets are also mandatory and should be provided by the rental shop. Make sure they fit well, especially on children. You may encounter police check stop where they are usually looking for lack of helmets or the driver not having a license. No worries, just pay the small fine which is usually between 200-400 baht and be on your way!

If ever you run into issues with your bike such as a flat tire, you are lucky because motorbike mechanics are everywhere. The other lovely thing about Thailand is that it doesn’t take long to find help. Thai people are so helpful and if they see a person in trouble on the side of the road they will pull over and help you as best as they can even with a language barrier! I’ve been helped out by complete strangers more than I can count and am forever grateful for their selflessness.