During a recent short stay in Bali I was stunned by the number of foreign tourists riding rented scooters recklessly, often without helmets and frequently with little understanding of the local traffic conditions.
In just one day I witnessed two separate parents riding scooters with infants strapped to their bodies. One rider had no helmet at all, while the other was weaving aggressively through traffic.
It wasn’t an isolated observation.
Many riders were travelling at excessive speed, ignoring traffic flow, and almost every pillion passenger I saw was riding helmet-free.
For anyone familiar with the regular news reports back home, the scene is troubling.
Every year Australian media outlets publish stories about tourists involved in serious scooter accidents in Bali — often showing badly injured travellers lying unconscious in hospital beds. Some articles describe long recoveries, permanent injuries, or families suddenly facing enormous medical bills.
Despite the publicity, the message doesn’t seem to be getting through.
Travel Insurance Won’t Always Save You
In a previous blog post (which I’ll link here) I discussed the risks of renting scooters overseas and how many travellers misunderstand their insurance coverage.
In many policies, your claim may be rejected if:
You do not hold a valid motorcycle licence in your home country
You do not have a current International Driving Permit (IDP)
You were riding under the influence of any alcohol or drugs
You were not wearing a helmet
That means a serious accident could leave you responsible for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.
Judging by the number of GoFundMe campaigns attached to many accident stories, it appears a large proportion of injured travellers discover this too late.
Road Safety in Bali: Simple Rules That Save Lives
If you choose to ride a scooter in Bali, a few basic principles can dramatically reduce your risk.
Always Wear a Helmet
This should be non-negotiable. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of fatal or life-altering head injuries.
If the rental helmet looks damaged or unsafe, don’t ride until you find a better one.
Ride Conservatively
Traffic conditions in Bali are very different from Australia or Europe. Expect:
Dense traffic
Poorly marked roads
Animals or pedestrians appearing suddenly
Drive slower than you would at home and assume other drivers may not follow the same rules you’re used to.
Never Ride Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs would be unacceptable back home.
The same standard should apply when you’re travelling.
Aside from the obvious safety risk, even one drink could invalidate your travel insurance.
Never Put Children at Risk
Seeing parents ride scooters with small children – often without helmets –is genuinely disturbing.
Taking young children on a scooter in busy traffic is incredibly dangerous.
Imagine how you would feel if your child suffered a permanent brain injury because of a decision you would never make at home.
No holiday experience is worth that risk.
Scooters in Bali Can Be Fun - But They’re Not a Toy
Riding a scooter through the roads and landscapes of Bali can be an enjoyable part of travelling in Southeast Asia. I’ve done it myself and understand the appeal.
But it’s important to remember something many tourists forget:
A scooter is not just a convenient way to get around.
It’s a motor vehicle operating in a chaotic traffic environment.
Before you ride off for the first time, pause for a moment and think about how you can minimise the risks – or yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
A few simple precautions could make the difference between a great holiday memory and a life-changing accident.