You'll see daily questions on social media about riding motorcycles in foreign countries. From Thailand to Italy, the most common question you'll see is, "Do I need a licence to ride or hire a motorcycle or scooter?"?. It seems like a simple question, but it's not. There is a vast difference between renting a scooter, and should you rent a scooter?
While many people enjoy the sense of adventure and freedom of hiring a scooter or motorcycle, there are a few factors to consider before you scoot away on two wheels.
You will most likely need a valid motorcycle licence and an International Drivers Permit (IDP)
Most countries will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued from your home country. IDPs are officially sanctioned by the United Nations and accepted worldwide in over 150 countries. They are generally very easy and affordable to obtain, with no tests. This will be in addition to carrying with you your own valid licence. Do not naturally assume that your standard vehicle/car driver's licence will be accepted to ride a motorbike legally in a foreign country. In many cases, this refers to you requiring a valid motorcycle licence issued in your home country, not a standard car licence.
Will Insurance cover you in case of an accident?
Always check the details of your travel insurance policy. Riding motorcycles in some foreign countries comes with inherent risks that may result in higher premiums and the need to disclose your intentions to hire a motorcycle or scooter in advance. Some insurance policies will not cover you if you have an accident using a vehicle you're not licenced to drive. Using a standard car driver's licence with an IDP may not cover you if you do not have a valid motorcycle licence issued in your home country. There might also be a condition or restriction on the size of the Cubic Capacity (CC) motorcycle you are permitted to drive.
Ensure you know the requirements of your insurance policy. For example, you may see locals and other tourists riding around without a helmet, and it might not be policed as much as in your own country, but if your travel insurance stipulates you need to wear protective headgear, then you could, in fact, void your policy by riding without it.
*Here is a News article about a tragic story of not being adequately covered and having an insurance claim denied. CLICK HERE
Beware of social media comments
Everybody loves to give their opinion on hiring scooters and motorcycles abroad. The most common comment is that they managed to hire a scooter and no one asked for a licence or IDP. This is highly possible, but it gets back to the question 'Can you' or 'Should you'. Many scooter vendors will certainly rent a scooter to you, but should you be renting it?
Scooter Hire companies in many countries are not interested in your qualifications or experience in riding. They will not cover you in the case of an accident. In fact, you'll most likely be responsible for damages caused to the motorcycle and your own medical treatment if required. This is why it's imperative you ensure you are adequately covered by your travel insurance policy.
Be proactive and responsible
If in doubt, be proactive and phone your insurance company directly to clarify your intention to hire a motorcycle or scooter and whether there are any requirements. Disclosing your plans might just be the difference. If you do hire a motorcycle or scooter, remember that just because you are abroad, drinking and driving or riding without a helmet can still be a punishable offence in the country you are visiting, so respect local laws.
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted, has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.
コメント