Motorbike Rental on Koh Tao (2025)
Want the freedom to explore Koh Tao at your own pace? Renting a scooter is the most convenient way to get around. Do a quick walk-around before you sign anything, ride within your limits, and you’ll have an easy time reaching beaches, viewpoints, and cafés across the island.
Popular places to rent
- RPM (Mae Haad, near the pier) — long-running shop a short walk from the arrivals area; handy when you’ve just landed.
- Ollie’s Bike Rental (Mae Haad) — offers pick-up from your accommodation to bring you to the shop for paperwork and bike handover.
- Island Travel (Sairee) — Sairee-based travel & rental shop with accommodation pick-up to the office for rentals.
Typical prices & documents (2025)
- Day rates: ~฿200–฿300 for 110–125cc scooters (weekly/monthly discounts are common).
- Deposit: many shops take a cash deposit (often ฿3,000–฿5,000). Avoid leaving your passport; ask to use a cash deposit and a passport copy instead.
- License & helmet: Thai law requires a motorcycle license and helmets. Bring your home country motorcycle endorsement plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Police do run occasional checks; fines apply if you’re unlicensed or unhelmeted.
How to avoid deposit disputes
- Photograph/video the scooter (all sides, close-ups of existing scratches), odometer, and fuel level before riding away.
- Ask for the repair price list in writing and keep a photo of it with your contract.
- Note existing marks on the agreement and have staff initial them.
- Test brakes, lights, indicators, horn; check tire tread and mirror tightness.
- Get a contact number for roadside issues and confirm what to do after hours.
Road & safety notes
- Drive on the left. Some hills are steep and concrete; go slow on descents and in the wet.
- Sand & gravel collect near beach turn-offs—avoid sudden braking/acceleration there.
- Footwear: closed shoes are safer than flip-flops; gloves help on longer rides.
- Fuel: fill at proper pumps when you can; bottled petrol is fine in a pinch but pricier. Top up before heading to remote bays/viewpoints.
- Weather: roads get slick in showers; if conditions look rough and you’re new to riding, consider a taxi or wait it out.
Good to know
- New-looking fleets aren’t always a plus—some shops replace scratched panels quickly and may be strict on cosmetic damage. Balanced shops focus on fair wear-and-tear.
- If a road down to a beach looks rutted or very steep, park and walk the last section—your deposit (and knees) will thank you.
- Return the bike during daylight if possible so staff can inspect it clearly and close your deposit on the spot.