A traveller's guide to renting a motorbike in India: documents, costs and safety
What you need to rent a motorbike or scooter in India, what it costs per day, how to check the bike before you pay and how to stay safe on the road.
Once you've sorted out your paperwork and checked the vehicle before you hit the road on your rental, it's easy to rent a motorcycle or scooter in India. It's not hard to find a bike. It's getting a good deal, a machine that runs and a shop that won't charge you for damages after you return the keys.
This is a compilation of mistakes travellers often make, only to find out that all they had to do is follow these simple steps to avoid such pitfalls.
Why so many travellers choose two wheels
India is home to one of the biggest two-wheeler markets in the world. SIAM released the data for two-wheeler sales in FY2024, showing the country has sold a total of about 18 million units. That's a reason: most of the time, a bike rental in India is faster and cheaper than waiting for a cab in Goa, Rishikesh or Leh.
The documents you actually need
If you miss one of these, you'll likely get a ticket or, worse, be denied service at the counter.
One rule to follow is repeated. Helmets are compulsory for both the rider and the pillion carrier under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the fine for not wearing a helmet can reach up to a total of 1,000 rupees and suspension of the licence.
What it actually costs
The price varies drastically depending on the city, season and machine. The following is a realistic estimate of the bike rental cost in India, which is dependent on the usual rent charges in the popular tourist destinations:
So, weekly and monthly deals really do reduce the rate significantly on a daily basis. When staying in a place for a long time, always ask! A good two-wheeler rental shop in India will cut the price of renting a bike if you book it for a longer period without bothering them.
How to inspect the bike before you pay
This is a five-minute check that will prevent you from getting bogus damage allegations later. Do this each and every time.
Once you make the decision to rent a bike in India, a good rental shop will go through all this with you. If the owner is in a hurry or declines to let you inspect, it's time to get a new place to look at.
Staying safe on Indian roads
The flow of traffic here is its own flow and the data is sufficient to support a cautious approach. India's road fatalities have topped 1.68 lakh in 2022 as per the figures provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with two-wheeler users accounting for a significant portion of these fatalities.
The following practices can really help:
The bottom line
Whether you're cruising along the coastal roads in Goa or heading up towards Khardung La, the freedom you get in a motorcycle rental in India is unmatched by a taxi. Get your papers in order, record the bike's condition and follow the traffic rules. If you do, you'll only remember the ride.
The final step is to hire a trusted motorbike rental provider in India.
Once you choose one that has definite pricing and genuine reviews, the rest takes care of itself.
About GoWheelo
This article was contributed by GoWheelo, a self-drive rental platform for bikes, scooters and cars in more than 50 Indian cities, with daily, weekly and monthly plans.
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