A scooter on Phuket is a piece of freedom on your Thailand vacation. You can move around flexibly and see the most beautiful places on the island, go to the food market or to the beach. What do you have to consider when riding a scooter on Phuket? And which rental companies are well rated? In my experience report with helpful tips, I give you all the information you need before your scooter tour.

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I can still clearly remember my first tour on the scooter. I have the vehicle in Rawai Phuket Rented from a shabby little roadside rental shop. It was my first ever scooter ride. Although I am a passionate driver, I have never ridden a scooter before. And so I got a crash course from the Thai rental owner.

Now you basically know how scooter rental on Phuket works. You go to the store, fill out a form, get a copy of your ID, put on a helmet and drive off. Sounds simple and almost too good to be true.

Riding a scooter on Phuket is a lot of fun

And that's it. As long as everything goes well, riding a scooter is in Thailand incredibly fun. You can discover everything, you are flexible and when riding a scooter, the journey is actually the destination. Riding a scooter gives you a feeling of freedom and independence. Plus, you're much closer to the action than in a car.

When you drive past something interesting, you just stop and take a closer look. However, riding a scooter on Phuket also has its downsides - and they can be significant. I will explain to you a little further down in the article what you absolutely need to keep in mind when traveling on a two-wheeler. You can also find important information about renting a scooter at TripAdvisor and HolidayCheck*.

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Video – Impressions of riding a scooter on Phuket

I have selected a video for you in which you can clearly see what it looks like to ride around Phuket on a scooter. It really is an incredibly exciting experience and I have always enjoyed it very much. So watch the video – and let it inspire you. Please always be careful when riding a scooter - and of course everything is at your own risk!

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My experiences with the scooter on Phuket

I've rented a scooter on Phuket a dozen times now and toured the island unsafely. As already said, it's not only a lot of fun, but also mobile for just a few euros. The scooters go much faster than in Germany.

The smallest scooters go a little faster than in Germany, you get to 50 to 60 km/h - the top speed is even 80 km/h. You can drive practically across the entire island in an hour and a half. And it only takes that long because the traffic light is always red and you're stuck in traffic somewhere.

You can easily explore everything

Nevertheless, you can get from the extreme south to the extreme north in a maximum of one and a half hours. So you can explore the whole of Phuket - and if you dare, you can also drive to the mainland via Sarasin Bridge. In a week I covered all the important sights and of course the most beautiful beaches on the island with the scooter - only to come to the conclusion that the most beautiful place is in the very south of Phuket at Cape Krating.

Take good care of yourself and your vehicle

You should definitely pay attention when renting your scooter in Phuket. On the one hand, make sure that you take out the most insurance coverage when renting. Secondly, when I rent the scooter, I take a close look at the scooter and take photos of places that catch my eye. Thirdly, you have to be aware that the smallest scooters are even 125CC. You are not allowed to drive with a normal German driving license.

In Thailand it is generally tolerated. But if you have an accident, you definitely can't be sure that insurance will pay out if you drove without a proper license. The risk is always present when riding a scooter on Phuket. You would need a full motorcycle license in order to be able to drive with full insurance.

I would drive accordingly carefully so that an accident doesn't occur in the first place. If you pay careful attention to your vehicle, you can not only explore the island comfortably, but also have a lot of fun driving. The roads are generally well developed. There are several north-south connections and also cross connections on Phuket, so that in principle you can get from one place on the island to another relatively quickly.

Renting a car on Phuket is an alternative?

Experience has shown that driving on the island is a bit strenuous, especially at peak times and in the Phuket City area. The traffic jams there are hellish and you can hardly make any progress even with a scooter. If you drive by car, the traffic is sometimes hellish and you'll be stuck in a traffic jam for ages. That's why the scooter is the first choice for exploring all the sights.

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Rent a scooter on Phuket – my tips

Below I have put together some extremely important tips for you if you want to rent a scooter on Phuket and ride it. In particular, you should definitely pay attention to the safety instructions for your scooter tour.

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One of the most important tips is definitely insurance, which I wouldn't compromise on if I were you. Basically, I would recommend that you drive extremely carefully so as not to get into trouble in the first place. Below I have listed my most important tips for riding a scooter on Phuket.

1. Driving license and international driving license

As I just explained, the smallest scooters in Thailand are already 125CC. You are not allowed to drive this with your normal German class M driving license. In Thailand you officially need an international driver's license along with your national driver's license to drive a motorcycle or scooter. Some landlords could still rent you a scooter without this proof. You can't be sure that your insurance coverage will apply if you rent a scooter for which you don't have a driver's license. Therefore, be extremely careful.

But you can get fines at police checks if you don't have an international driver's license. However, I know from my own experience that the police also tolerate driving without an international driving license. But this is very unofficial.

2. Wearing a helmet is mandatory

In Thailand, wearing a helmet while riding a scooter is required by law. Make sure the rental company provides you with a helmet. The obligation is all well and good - but due to the traffic situation on Phuket, you are strongly advised to wear a helmet for your safety.

3. Check insurance coverage

Check whether insurance is included in the rental price and what it covers. It is advisable to have as extensive insurance as possible to cover damage to the scooter and any medical costs that may arise. Keep in mind that insurance coverage may not apply if you ride a scooter that your license does not allow you to drive.

4. Condition of the scooter

Check the condition of the scooter before renting. Take a look at the scooter accompanied by the landlord and talk to him about any damage. If in doubt, you can take a short test drive and see if everything works. Take photos of any damage in advance so that there are no problems with the return.

5. Traffic rules and driving behavior

Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules. Traffic in Thailand can be very different from what you are used to and requires special attention and caution. For example, you have left-hand traffic like in Great Britain. This can cause some confusion at first.

6. Contract and Deposit

Read the rental agreement carefully and make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions. A deposit is often required, the amount of which and return conditions you should be aware of.

7. Awareness of the surroundings

Phuket can be busy, especially in high season. Use caution when navigating heavy traffic and unfamiliar road conditions. There are numerous fatal accidents, especially in the high season - often involving holidaymakers. You should definitely be aware of this and drive with caution.

8. Avoid drinking and driving at all costs

Avoid alcohol if you plan to ride a scooter. Alcohol limits are strict and the police carry out regular checks. I have already come under such control myself. The officials are not to be trifled with - this cannot be compared to an inspection in Germany.

Scooter provider on Phuket

You will find more than enough suppliers of scooters locally. You don't necessarily need to book a scooter before your trip. But you might want to take a look at what options you have, so I've picked out two scooter providers on Phuket for you.

Rawai Scooter Rental

• Address: 182, Wiset Rd, Rawai, Mueang, Phuket 83130, Thailand
• Phone: + 66 95 282 24362
• Opening hours: not available
• Website: Rawai Scooter Rental

Bangtao Motorbike Rental 

• Address: 325/6 M.2 , Cherngtalay , Thalang, Phuket, Phuket, 83110
• Phone: 094 592 5511
• Opening hours: unavailable
• Website: Bang Tao Scooter Rental

JTW Motorbike Rental 

• Address: Soi Pasak 8, Cherngtalay, 83110
• Phone: 094 596 6490
• Opening hours: unavailable
• Website: JTW Motorbike Rental

BikesBooking.com

• Address: Online platform
• Phone: not available
• Opening hours: Available online 24/7
• Website: BikesBooking.com

Bikago Quality Bike & Scooter Rentals 

• Address: Online platform
• Phone: not available
• Opening hours: Available online 24/7
• Website: Bikago Quality Bike & Scooter Rentals

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Rent a scooter or car on Phuket?

You need strong nerves to drive on Phuket

Only very experienced drivers with strong nerves should rent a car. Renting a car on Phuket is only recommended for experienced drivers who are not put off by the chaotic traffic. Unfortunately, I had bad luck with a well-known German car rental company who canceled the car I had reserved at short notice.

That was very annoying because I'm used to exploring the surrounding area by car. But maybe it was also a stroke of luck, because I rented a scooter instead and drove the whole island unsafe.

Move forward quickly and flexibly

With the scooter you can get from one place to another quickly and flexibly. Most scooters reach speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, some even up to 80 km/h. The island is not very big, you can cross it from south to north in an hour and a half.

I visited all the main attractions and the most beautiful beaches in one week and had a lot of fun. In the end, I decided that I like the south of Phuket best, especially Cape Krating with its fantastic views.

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Vacationing on Phuket is much more fun with a scooter

My conclusion

Let me be clear: if you rent a scooter in Phuket, you will have a lot more fun on vacation. If you have to take a taxi or walk every time instead, you won't be as mobile or flexible and won't be able to visit the most beautiful places on the island as easily. Or just go for a quick meal in the evening. Renting a scooter is therefore extremely important. However, you should be aware of the dangers: If you have a normal German class M driving license, you are not allowed to drive most scooters on Phuket.

The landlord will most likely still lend you the scooter. Problems can only arise when there is a potential accident. Then it could happen that the insurance cover does not apply. You should definitely be aware of this risk and drive with extreme caution.

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