Do you need a deposit and passport as security when renting a scooter in Bali?

Before renting a scooter in Bali, it's best to immediately check two things with the rental company: whether a security deposit is required and whether you need to leave your passport.

Conditions vary quite a lot between rental companies. Some will ask for 500,000 rupiah, others a million or even more. Some will simply take a photo of your passport, while others will ask you to leave the original. There are also rentals where neither a document nor a cash deposit is needed.

Let's look at what you'll currently come across in Bali and what to pay attention to before renting.

Do you need a passport to rent a scooter in Bali?

Most often, yes. A passport is needed to draw up the contract and record the renter's details. But showing your passport is one thing, and leaving it at the rental shop is quite another. Not everyone likes the second option, of course. And that's understandable: a passport isn't exactly the kind of document you want to hand over to someone for safekeeping.

So, do they take your passport as security when renting a scooter in Bali? Yes, this does indeed happen. Some rental companies ask you to leave your original passport until you return the bike. But this isn't a mandatory condition, and you can always look for a rental where you don't have to leave your ID.

If you're specifically asked to leave your passport as security, it's best to immediately ask whether there are other options, for example, leaving a cash deposit or just a copy of the document.

We don't recommend leaving your original passport if there's no need for it. Abroad, it's always best to keep your passport with you. You may need it, for example, when buying tickets, checking into a hotel, extending your visa, or at the airport. The immigration service also recommends carrying it with you in case of a document check by a patrol.

At BaliMotion, for example, you don't need to leave your passport — we don't take it at all. It's enough to present the document to process the rental, and after that it stays with you.

Is a security deposit required when renting a scooter in Bali?

Not always. Renting a scooter in Bali can be either without a deposit or with one — it all depends on the rental company.

A security deposit is simply a guarantee for the rental company. They're giving you a scooter that costs quite a lot, so they want some kind of guarantee in case of damage, lost keys, unpaid fines, or other problems.

The amount and conditions of the deposit depend on the rental company. In some places the deposit is small, in others it can be around a million rupiah or more. And there are options where a security deposit isn't required at all.

The main thing is to ask about this before renting, so you don't end up arriving for the bike only to suddenly be told: "Another million rupiah as a deposit, please."

Security deposit for scooter rental in Bali: how much does it cost?

There's no single fixed amount. You can expect a range from 500,000 to 2,000,000 rupiah. For an ordinary scooter it's usually a few hundred thousand, while for more expensive models the deposit can be higher.

That said, the deposit is not an additional rental cost. It's money you leave as a guarantee and should get back after returning the scooter, if everything is in order.

Before renting, it's best to immediately clarify three questions: How much is the deposit? When will it be returned? And what can it be withheld for?

The last question is especially important. For example, if a new scratch appears on the scooter or some part gets damaged, the rental company may withhold the cost of repairs from the deposit. That's why you should always inspect the bike and film it on video before your trip.

And it's better to film not just the major damage. Walk around the entire scooter with your camera, show the plastic, mirrors, wheels, headlights and dashboard. Film the fuel level and mileage — some rental companies ask you to return the bike with roughly the same amount of petrol it was given to you with. A couple of minutes of such filming can later save you several hundred thousand rupiah.

Before taking the bike, do a short test ride and check the brakes, tyres, headlights, indicators, mirror and horn. If something works strangely, it's best to tell the renter right away.

And ask in advance what to do if the bike breaks down in the middle of the road. Who pays for the repairs? Does the rental company come to collect the scooter? Can they replace the bike? It's better to find this out before your trip rather than searching for the answer at 11 pm somewhere in the north of Bali.

Be sure to save your correspondence with the rental company if you agreed on the terms via WhatsApp or another messenger. If you were promised, for example, a deposit refund immediately after returning the bike, it's best to have that message on hand.

If you don't want to deal with a deposit, you can choose a rental that operates without one. For example, at BaliMotion we provide scooters without any security or deposit. You'll be able to ride around the island with peace of mind and not worry about whether you'll get back your