On Bali's roads, it is not uncommon to see both locals and tourists riding scooters without any protective gear, without a helmet, and sometimes even without a T-shirt. While this may look cool to some people, in reality it is a serious and unnecessary risk.

Riding without a helmet doubles the risk of death or severe head injury in the event of an accident. Moreover, even a simple fall can result in serious and permanent facial injuries, including scars, cuts, and deep lacerations. It may sound alarming, but all of these risks can be significantly reduced by simply wearing a reliable helmet.

Where Can You Rent a Scooter with a Helmet Included?

When renting a scooter in Bali, a helmet for both the rider and passenger is usually included in the rental price. However, the quality and condition of this essential safety equipment vary greatly depending on the rental company, so it is worth checking in advance.

For example, we provide our customers with high-quality open-face (three-quarter) helmets in excellent condition.

If you prefer not to use a helmet that has been worn by others, you can rent a brand-new helmet for IDR 170,000. For maximum protection, you can choose a full-face helmet for IDR 280,000, which protects the entire head and face.

General Tips for Choosing a Helmet

A helmet should fit snugly and securely without moving around on your head.

If the helmet is brand new, it may feel slightly tight at first. This is normal, as the inner padding will compress and adapt to your head shape over time.

However, make sure the helmet does not create painful pressure points.

The chin strap should fasten securely and keep the helmet firmly in place. If you plan to wear sunglasses or prescription glasses, try them on with the helmet and move your head around to ensure everything remains comfortable.

You should also inspect the visor:

• Does it open and close properly?

• Does it provide a clear view?

• Does it distort your vision?

Low-quality visors can create unpleasant optical distortions that make riding more difficult.

Some helmets feature an additional built-in tinted sun visor that can be deployed using a button or slider. This is particularly useful under Bali's bright tropical sun.

Check the ventilation system as well. Without proper airflow, riding in Bali's heat can quickly become uncomfortable.

If you are buying a helmet from a store, don't hesitate to try on multiple models. When it comes to helmets, comfort is often more important than appearance.

Riding a Scooter with Children

If you plan to travel by scooter with children, it is important to understand the available options for children's helmets and protective equipment.

First and foremost, even if you are a highly experienced rider, transporting children on a scooter is never as safe as traveling by car.

Whenever possible, consider renting a car or using ride-hailing services such as Grab or Gojek.

If a scooter is your only option, your child should be equipped with the best protection available.

Adult helmets are generally unsuitable for children because they are too large and cannot provide adequate protection.

Unfortunately, only a few rental companies offer child-sized motorcycle equipment. In most cases, you will be told that neither children's helmets nor protective gear are available.

However, this does not mean you should transport a child without protection simply because many local residents do so.

Fortunately, there are plenty of products available that can significantly improve a child's safety and comfort while riding.

Preparing Your Child for the Ride

Before heading out, make sure your child feels comfortable wearing the equipment and is mentally prepared for the experience.

Explain:

• What to expect during the ride.

• How to communicate with you if something is wrong.

• How to behave while riding on the scooter.

Start with short rides on quiet streets and gradually increase speed and distance.

Make sure nothing is rubbing, pinching, or causing discomfort, and that your young passenger feels safe and confident.

What Protection Does a Child Need?

Helmet

Choose a helmet that covers as much of the head as possible, fits securely, and fastens properly.

Full-face helmets are available for children and offer the highest level of protection. Although they can be warmer to wear, they provide superior safety.

Ideally, the helmet should include a visor.

If the helmet does not have one, make sure to purchase protective goggles. Without eye protection, dust, insects, and road debris can irritate the eyes or even cause infections.

A wide range of children's helmets in various sizes, colors, and price ranges can be found on Tokopedia.

However, visiting a physical store is the best option because it allows you to choose the correct size and ensure a proper fit.

Children's helmets are often sold in the same stores that sell helmets for adults.

Protective Clothing

At a minimum, your child should wear:

• Jeans or other durable trousers

• A long-sleeved hoodie, sweatshirt, or jacket

• Closed-toe shoes

If you want additional protection, dedicated motorcycle protective gear for children is also available.

You may look a little unusual on the road, but safety is far more important than what other people think.

Additional protection can include:

• Knee guards

• Elbow guards

• Motorcycle gloves designed for children

  

Knee and elbow protectors are generally most effective when worn underneath clothing, as they are less likely to shift during a fall.

Child Safety Harnesses

There are specialized child harness systems that allow a child to be securely attached to the adult rider.

Some models even include a hood to provide protection from rain.

There are also simpler solutions, such as safety backpacks that attach the child to the rider using adjustable straps and belts.

Final Thoughts

With a properly fitted helmet, suitable protective gear, and a secure child harness, your child will be as protected as possible while riding on a scooter.

However, it is worth remembering that the safest accessory for a child is still a child safety seat in a car.

If safety is your highest priority, traveling by car remains the best option.