Scooter and motorbike rental Chiang Mai – riders exploring Northern Thailand

Terms, Deposit & Insurance

A Few Words to Start

Welcome to Cat Motors. This page explains our rental terms, including deposits, payment, rider requirements, insurance, maintenance, returns and what happens in case of damage or an accident.

We work with experienced riders only. If you’re not confident on two wheels in real traffic, this is not the right place to start. Chiang Mai is not a training ground. If you’re experienced, you’ll appreciate that we keep things straightforward and transparent.

Looking for fleet and prices? Please use our main rental page.

Important Notice

We do not rent motorcycles to travelers with no driving experience. Anyone in their right mind should understand that a bike is a high-risk vehicle.

– Oh! What a cute guy! He makes such a funny joke!

No, I’m not joking. Unfortunately, Thailand ranks first in the world in the number of motorcyclists killed on the roads yearly. For example, in Greece, the rate is eight times lower than in Thailand; in the US, it is 15 times lower; in Spain, it is 30 times lower.

So I will repeat once again: We do not rent motorcycles to travelers without riding experience. If, after signing the contract, our staff finds that you do not know how to run a bike, we will cancel this rental contract.

WHO road accident report Thailand
Source: https://extranet.who.int/roadsafety/death-on-the-roads/#country_or_area/THA

If you mislead our staff about your driving skills or present a fake driving license purchased online, our company is not responsible, even if your ride ends in death. Therefore, if you have no driving experience, please choose another motorcycle rental service to commit suicide. On the other hand, if you’ve ignored all of our warnings, maybe it’s not so bad. After all, evolution has taken place on our planet thanks to natural selection.

Rental Terms Overview

Quick Summary

  • We rent to experienced riders only. If our staff confirms you cannot operate the bike safely, we cancel the rental.
  • Office hours: 08:00 to 18:00 daily, no days off.
  • Fuel policy: full to full. If returned with less than a full tank, fuel cost applies plus a 200 THB service fee.
  • Payment: cash, bank cards, PromptPay and other supported QR payment methods.
  • Medical coverage: up to 300,000 THB for the rider and up to 300,000 THB for the passenger.
  • Scheduled maintenance and repairs for faults caused by normal wear are included. If a replacement bike is needed and the fault was not caused by you, we provide one at no additional charge.
  • Free helmets for rider and passenger: three-quarter, full-face and enduro helmets in different sizes, including children’s helmets.
  • If you puncture a tire, the repair is paid by the renter. We can help you find a mechanic on the road.
  • Cleaning fees may apply for excessive dirt or bitumen.
  • No assistance is provided if you are under alcohol or drugs.

Requirements

  • We rent to experienced riders only.
  • A valid motorcycle driving licence is required, not a car licence.
  • Please bring your original passport so we can verify your identity and make a copy for the rental agreement. Your passport stays with you.
  • Our staff may refuse a rental if you cannot demonstrate safe control of the motorcycle.
  • Please read our Tips and Traffic Rules before your trip.

Deposit and Payment

  • We require a monetary security deposit. We do not keep your passport as collateral.
  • Deposits start from THB 1,000 and depend on the motorcycle model. Typical amounts are THB 1,000, 3,000, 5,000, 8,000 or 10,000. Higher-value motorcycles require a larger deposit. Please confirm the amount when enquiring about your chosen bike.
  • You can pay the deposit in cash in any currency, by bank card or through PromptPay.
  • The deposit is returned after we inspect the motorcycle and settle any applicable charges. Cash deposits are kept in their original currency and returned in the same banknotes, subject to any applicable deductions.
  • Rental payments can be made by cash, bank card, PromptPay or other supported QR payment methods. Advertised rental prices include taxes.
  • Deductions may apply for damage, missing fuel, excessive dirt, bitumen cleaning, police fines sent to us, late return, towing or roadside services arranged by us where chargeable, or other costs clearly related to your rental.

Office Hours

  • Working hours: 08:00 to 18:00 every day, including weekends and public holidays.
  • Collection and return outside opening hours are available by prior arrangement for an additional fee.

Extensions, Bike Changes & Returns

  • To extend your rental without returning to the shop, contact us through WhatsApp, LINE or email before your agreed return time.
  • You can switch to an available equivalent model at the same rental rate, or choose a more expensive model and pay the difference.
  • If you return the motorcycle early, we recalculate the rental charge for the actual rental period at the applicable rate and refund the remaining balance. For example, a weekly rental returned after two days is recalculated using the daily rate.
  • One additional hour is included at no extra charge. This hour is already included in the return time written in your rental agreement.

Fuel Policy

  • You receive the motorcycle with a full tank and must return it with a full tank.
  • If you return it with less than a full tank, we charge for the missing fuel at the current pump price plus a THB 200 service fee.

Travel Area

  • You can ride to Pai, complete the Mae Hong Son Loop and visit other provinces of Thailand. Cross-border travel is not permitted.
  • Off-road riding is permitted on our enduro motorcycles.

Support and Maintenance

  • Our mechanics inspect every motorcycle before handover and carry out necessary maintenance between rentals. Servicing follows the manufacturer’s schedule for each model.
  • Scheduled maintenance is included in the rental price. If an oil change or air-filter replacement becomes due during your rental, we arrange it at our expense.
  • We also arrange repairs at our expense for failed bulbs, worn-out batteries and other technical faults caused by normal wear rather than damage or misuse.
  • If you notice anything that needs attention during your ride, contact us with your location and a description of the issue. We will help organise a repair and, when necessary, arrange transport for a motorcycle that cannot be ridden.
  • If a replacement bike is needed and the fault was not caused by you, we provide one at no additional charge.

Equipment Included

  • Free helmets are provided for rider and passenger. We offer three-quarter, full-face and enduro helmets in different sizes, including children’s helmets.
  • A phone holder, rain ponchos for rider and passenger and a basic first aid kit are included.
  • Motorcycles pictured with a top box or side cases in our catalogue include that luggage equipment at no extra charge.
  • Additional side cases and motorcycle bags are available.
  • Luggage straps and bungee cords are provided free of charge on request.

Cleaning Fees

  • If the motorcycle is returned excessively dirty, a cleaning fee may apply.
  • Washing fee: THB 50.
  • Bitumen cleaning: THB 500.

Damage and Responsibility

  • Tire punctures are paid by the renter. The renter is responsible for route and road choices.
  • Before you ride, take photos and videos of the motorcycle’s condition to help avoid misunderstandings at return.
  • Accident repair costs are based on catalogue prices for replacement parts and fair labour charges.
  • If you do not agree with our repair estimate, you can arrange the repair yourself at an authorised dealer’s service centre instead.

Zero Tolerance

  • We have zero tolerance for deliberate cheating or abuse of our goodwill.
  • We may terminate the rental and contact the Royal Thai Police or Tourist Police if needed.

Feedback From Our Clients

1000+ km with pleasure and good mood! Recommended!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rented four motorcycles for two weeks for a family trip to Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Ban Rak Thai. The registration time is 10 minutes, the prices are very affordable, the motorcycles are in good condition, we drove 1000+ km with pleasure and good mood. Recommended!

Valery Tan from Singapore, TripAdvisor

Top Quality

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

They have top quality bikes, best helmets and are super responsive via messenger. I rented for two and a half month there and would totally recommend. I tried 3 other places in Chiang Mai before but this one was best. Hard to top I think.

Erik Scholz on Facebook

Great Experience

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I rented a 125 automatic for 9 days, and the price was very reasonable. I checked out other shops and none of them were able to match the same price or even come close. I also like to able to select the bike that I want and Cat Motors have many to choose from. Other shops will bring the only one you ask for, so you don’t get a chance to look them over.

The bike ran went well and drove through 1864 curves. I took it easy and treat the bike over bumps and around the corners to make sure no damage to the bike and make the trip safely. Thai drivers are great. They don’t honk or rush you if you are holding up traffic. They just drive pass you. 125 cc is more than enough for one rider. It’s convenient to drive around town.

A recommendation for those who plan to do long trip is to rent the bike for an extra day or two to test the bike out and become familiar with it. I was glad I took the bike on a day trip to Doi Inthanon and Chiang Dao before heading off to do Mae Hong Son loop.

Jim from British Columbia, TripAdvisor

Highly recommend

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Second time long term monthly rental here. Highly recommend. Great staff, very professional and helpful.

Mark van Bebber on Facebook

Great place to rent a motorbike!

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We rented a crf250 rally for a month, great bike! Friendly staff and the bikes are in great condition. Also got a couple of full face helmets with the bike for free. You don’t have to leave your passport just a cash deposit. And if you rent a bike for a longer period it’s cheaper per day. We had zero problems the entire month so definitely a good experience. Highly recommend these guys and would rent from them again!

Sebastian from Netherlands, TripAdvisor

Very happy to recommend them

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Very Happy with their service. You can’t go wrong hiring from these people. Very happy to recommend them.

Malcolm Webster on Facebook

Great Bike

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We had a great time renting our bike. The service was great and it took no time renting and returning the bike. Scooter is definitely the quickest and cheapest way of getting around if you brave enough to do it on Chiang Mai’s busy streets. While the deposit was quite a lot of money (3000THB), it was well worth it!

Elizabeth from South Carolina, TripAdvisor

Well serviced and great to ride

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We rented bikes for a week, they were well serviced and great to ride! Highly recommend Cat motors, and the Mae Hong Son loop!

Charlotte Anne on Facebook

Great Service and Great Bike

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I dropped a number of bike rental companies in Chiang Mai an email to enquiry about bike availability and cost. Cat Motors were the only one to reply quickly. A quick WhatsApp chat and I booked a bike for a week and within an hour they delivered the bike to my hotel. A quick and simple registration and payment process followed by the customary condition check and I was soon enjoying the open roads of Chiang Mai – well, at least significantly more open than Bangkok LOL. I rode the bike extensively within Chiang Mai and to some of the more distant temples. The bike never let me down and was remarkably fuel efficient. At the end of the week, Cat Motors collected the bike from my hotel. They were professional, friendly and accommodating and I have no hesitation recommended them.

Wills from United Kingdom, TripAdvisor

Awesome shop to rent your bike

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Cat Motors is an awesome shop to rent your bike. My bike was in a good state, it was easy to extend the duration of my rented bike during the Mao Hong Son Loop. Furthermore, no passport as a deposit is a big plus.

Armin Djogic on Facebook

Incredibly Friendly Staff and Excellent Condition Motorcycles

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I have been renting from Cat Motors for just over two years. Their staff have always been incredibly friendly, no matter what my query or problem was. Their motorcycles are also in excellent condition, and are serviced regularly. If you’re looking for the best value for money on a rental, Cat Motors is the place to rent from.

Larry on Facebook

Very professional

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This is a first class bike rental company. We rented 2 bikes to do the Mae Hong son loop and they never missed a beat during the entire 700km. When returning the bikes they refunded a 500 baht over-payment which I hadn’t even realized I had made. ( After paying a deposit for the bikes I then paid the full amount on collection). Absolute honesty from this very professional company. Really, don’t hesitate to use them.

Nick from Australia, TripAdvisor

Best Rental Company in Chiang Mai

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Best rental company in Chiang Mai. Had a small problem with a bike and got instant replacement. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Thank you!

Benas Paulikas on Facebook

Excellent

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I was super satisfied with Cat Motors. I rented a scooter for trip to Pai and back. When i stayed one day longer in Pai as was planed i just call the lady by Cat Motors that i will stay longer. She did not complicate about that. The guys are super friendly and fair. The scooter was perfect without any problems. I recommend this company to everybody who want reliable renting company. Thank you very much guys. See you in 2020.

Matjaz, TripAdvisor

การบริการสุดยอด

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การบริการสุดยอด รถมีคุณภาพ เจ้าของและพนักงานใจดีสุดขีด อย่าลืมมาใช้บริการนะครับ ผมท้าให้ไปใช้ครับ พระเจ้าอวยพร

Pai Wong on Facebook

Good scooter, great team!

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Very professional, fair and helpful staff. We got a great Click,drove it up to Pai and back, and kept our big bags with them while doing it. Check in and check out was seamless. The lady down the street at Dang was trying to smooth talk but wanted to keep our passport. Nope! Glad we headed over to Cat Motors!

Maven from NYC, TripAdvisor

Absolutely no hassle

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I took bikes on two occasions from these guys. The first was a couple of auto bikes for use around town. Absolutely no hassle. Easy to rent, do paperwork, and also return and get deposit back etc.. I felt totally comfortable with these guys. The second was they gave me a bike to tour FOC and I did the Mae Hong Son Loop for 6 days. Again, the bike never missed a beat and I had a great time. Returned it, got my deposit and all was cool. I totally recommend these guys as they are genuine and do what they say they do. A breathe of fresh air in a dog eat dog industry.

Daniel James Pearce on Facebook

Top Scooter, Super Service

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Wir haben zwei Roller 125cc für eine Woche gemietet. Wir waren rundum zufrieden. Würden jederzeit wieder bei Cat Motors Roller leihen.
Bestes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis in Chiang Mai.

Wir hatten noch nie so gute Roller in Thailand bekommen. Roller waren in einem guten Zustand.
+ Helme waren gut (man konnte sogar günstig, neue (!) Helme kaufen, die anschließend in Zahlung genommen wurden)
+ Übergabe mit vollem Tank. Wir konnten direkt durchstarten
+ first aid kit in jedem Roller
+ gratis Regencape
+ Personal sehr freundlich und fachkundig

Thomas from Germany, TripAdvisor

Absolut zu empfehlen!

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Super Team! Alles hat bestens geklappt und wir waren sehr zufrieden. Es stehen einem ordentliche Roller zu einem guten Preis zur Verfügung. Das Team weißt einen in die Handhabung ein und steht bei Fragen jederzeit zur Verfügung. Absolut zu empfehlen!

Marc Preißmann-Wachter on Facebook

Best rent company in Chang Mai

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We rent a motorbike for a day. Price was good, the motorbike was in perfect condition and we haven’t any issue. The staff is really friendly and nice! Next time I’ll be in Chang mai again I’ll go to them again for sure!!!

Alberto from Italy, TripAdvisor