Cat Motors — Reliable Scooter & Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai

Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is quite affordable. For a basic 125cc scooter, you can expect to pay around 150-300 THB per day (approximately $5-10 USD). More powerful models or newer scooters can cost between 700-1200 THB per day (approximately $20-35 USD). Monthly rentals typically range from 3,000 to 5,000 THB (approximately $100-150 USD), with discounts available for longer rental periods. Always check if the price includes insurance and if there are any additional fees. It’s also wise to compare rates from multiple rental shops to get the best deal​.

Riding a motorbike in Thailand can be risky due to the high rates of traffic accidents. Here are some key safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Ensure you have a valid license.
• Follow local traffic laws.
• Be cautious in bad weather.
• Inspect the scooter before renting to ensure it’s in good condition.
• Stay alert and drive defensively.
• Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While it can be a thrilling way to explore, prioritize safety at all times. If you’re inexperienced, practice in low-traffic areas first​.

Absolutely! Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai offers a level of freedom and flexibility that other modes of transportation can’t match. You can zip through traffic, find parking easily, and explore both the city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. However, be mindful of the risks. Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents, so it’s crucial to be cautious and confident while riding. For experienced riders, it’s a fantastic way to travel. If you’re a beginner, take it slow, practice in low-traffic areas, and always wear a helmet​​.

Renting a big bike in Chiang Mai, such as a Honda CB500X, typically costs around 1,200 to 1,600 THB per day. These bikes are suitable for longer trips and more experienced riders due to their power and handling capabilities. However, big bikes are rarely available for monthly rental as it is often not profitable for rental companies.

Sure, foreigners can rent motorbike in Thailand without any trouble. Most rental shops will ask for a copy of your passport and a deposit, which can range from 1,000 to 5,000 THB. It’s strongly recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement to comply with local laws and ensure your insurance coverage is valid. Some shops might accept a national driving license, but having an IDP can prevent potential legal issues during police checks.

To rent a motorbike, you’ll need:

• A copy of your passport.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement.
• A cash deposit, usually between 3,000 and 10,000 THB, depending on the model of the bike.

Having these documents ready will make the rental process smooth and hassle-free. It’s also helpful to have a contact number for emergencies​​.

At Cat Motors the minimum security deposit is 3000 baht. Please bring your passport to our office, and our staff will make a free copy for you.

Sure, you do. To legally rent and ride a scooter in Thailand, you need a valid motorcycle license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. This not only ensures you’re legally covered but also helps with any insurance claims if needed. Riding without the appropriate license can lead to fines and issues with insurance coverage in case of an accident.

Sure, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement is required to rent a scooter in Thailand. This helps you avoid fines and ensures that your insurance coverage is valid. Even if a rental shop doesn’t explicitly ask for it, having an IDP can save you from potential legal issues during police checks.

If you hold a driving license from one of the ASEAN countries, you do not need an IDP to rent and ride a scooter in Thailand. The ASEAN countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. Having a license from any of these countries will be sufficient to legally rent and ride a scooter in Thailand.

Yes, and it’s a good idea to do so, especially during peak tourist seasons. Most rental shops offer online booking through their websites or you can contact them directly. Reserving in advance ensures the availability of your preferred model and can sometimes secure better rates or additional services like delivery to your hotel.

At Cat Motors, you can make a reservation up to 3 days before your arrival due to high demand, especially if your visit is between October and March. During other months, advance booking is generally not required, but it’s still recommended to check the availability of specific motorcycle models ahead of time to avoid any misunderstandings.

Additionally, we offer free delivery to your hotel if it is within the city limits and if the rental period is longer than one week.

If you need to extend your rental, contact the rental shop directly as soon as possible. Most shops are flexible and will accommodate extensions, often at the same daily or monthly rates. It’s important to inform the rental company in advance to avoid any misunderstandings or penalties. Keep in mind that high demand periods might affect availability​.

Most rental shops provide basic insurance for their motorcycles, which typically covers third-party liability. However, the specifics of the insurance coverage can vary, so it’s essential to confirm the details with the rental shop before renting. Comprehensive coverage for damage to the bike and personal medical insurance may require additional fees, so be sure to ask about these options.

At Cat Motors, we do not offer insurance coverage for motorcycle damage. If you carefully read the insurance policies of other companies that claim to offer their own motorcycle insurance (note that there is no insurance for damage to commercial motorcycles in Thailand), you will find that these policies often resemble traps more than actual insurance. They typically include numerous exclusions and conditions that can leave you liable for significant costs in the event of an accident.

We prefer to provide a fair and transparent repair bill and assist you in obtaining medical insurance. Our medical insurance offers coverage up to 300,000 THB for the rider and the same coverage for the passenger. This approach helps us avoid unfair “insurance fees” and ensures that you are not caught off guard by hidden costs. 

At Cat Motors, all our bikes come with comprehensive medical insurance for both the driver and passenger, providing coverage up to 300,000 THB. Additionally, we offer remote support in case of accidents, ensuring you have assistance and guidance throughout the insurance claim process. Always confirm the specifics of the coverage before starting your rental. Our goal is to ensure your riding experience is safe and worry-free

To ride legally in Thailand, make sure you:

• Have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement.
• Follow all local traffic laws, including wearing a helmet at all times.
• Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Carry your driving license, IDP, and rental agreement with you.

Being compliant with these regulations ensures a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.

Riding a big bike in Thailand carries similar risks to riding a scooter, but with some additional considerations due to the bike’s size and power. Follow these safety tips:

• Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, and sturdy clothing.
• Make sure you have a valid motorcycle license.
• Be cautious of road conditions and weather.
• Familiarize yourself with the bike before setting off.
• Stay alert and drive defensively.

Experienced riders will find that big bikes offer a more comfortable ride for longer distances and more challenging terrain, but always prioritize safety.

Renting a big scooter like the Honda Forza 300/350 typically costs between 1000 to 1,500 THB per day. Monthly rates usually range from 10,000 to 15,000 THB. These scooters provide a comfortable ride with more power and storage, making them ideal for longer trips and more experienced riders. Check if the rental price includes insurance and what type of coverage is provided​.

In case of an accident, follow these steps:

Ensure Safety:

First and foremost, make sure that you and others involved are safe. If anyone is injured, try to provide first aid but avoid moving severely injured individuals until medical help arrives.

Call Emergency Services:

Dial the emergency numbers in Thailand: police – 191, ambulance – 1669. You can also contact the Tourist Police at 1155 for assistance.

Contact the Rental Company:

Immediately inform Cat Motors or the rental company from which you rented the motorcycle. They will provide you with guidance on what to do next and assist with the necessary documentation and insurance claims.

Document the Accident:

Take photos of the accident scene, the damages to all vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Record the contact information of all parties involved and any witnesses.

Obtain a Police Report:

For insurance purposes, it is crucial to obtain an official accident report from the police. This document will be required to process insurance claims.

Seek Medical Attention:

If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries should be checked by a healthcare professional to ensure there are no hidden issues.

Follow Insurance Company Instructions:

If you have insurance, contact your insurance provider and follow their instructions for filing a claim.

Cat Motors can assist you in this process to ensure you receive the insurance payout you are entitled to. We provide comprehensive support, helping our customers navigate the claims process efficiently.

Following these steps will help ensure your safety and proper handling of the incident, reducing stress and facilitating the resolution of any issues that arise from the accident.

At Cat Motors, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our customers, including guidance and assistance during emergencies and in obtaining insurance payouts. Always ride safely and responsibly.

Yes, you can return a bike after office hours if you inform us at least 12 hours in advance. The bike must be returned to our office, where our staff will meet you to collect the keys and inspect the bike. Ensure the bike is in the same condition as when rented and take photos for documentation.

If you rent for more than one week and reside within the city limits, our staff can come to your hotel to pick up the bike and return your deposit.

Please note, without prior notice, we cannot be responsible for any inconvenience such as missed flights or connections. Any losses incurred due to the client’s irresponsibility will be the client’s responsibility.

Our office is used only for business and not for living quarters. Being late due to irresponsibility is not an emergency, so we cannot guarantee that staff will be available to meet you after hours unless arranged in advance.

Differences between scooters, motorbikes, and motorcycles can vary by country and culture, but they are generally related to design and transmission type. Here are the main differences:

1. Scooters:

• Transmission: Automatic, meaning scooters do not require manual gear shifting.
• Design: Typically have small wheels, a lightweight and compact design, a low seat, and a covered engine.
• Engine Size: Usually from 50cc to 350cc.
• Usage: Ideal for city travel and short trips on well-paved roads.

2. Motorbikes:

• Transmission: Semi-automatic, meaning they have a clutch and gear shifting capability, but the shifting process is easier compared to motorcycles.
• Design: Often have medium-sized wheels and a more sporty or versatile design compared to scooters.
• Engine Size: Typically from 100cc to 250cc.
• Usage: Suitable for a variety of uses, including city commutes and light adventure rides.

3. Motorcycles:

• Transmission: Manual, requiring manual gear shifting and use of the clutch.
• Design: Generally have larger wheels and a more robust build, designed for long trips and more challenging routes.
• Engine Size: Typically from 250cc and above.
• Usage: Ideal for long-distance travel, touring, and more complex road conditions, including highways and some off-road routes.

Terminology Differences:

Scooters and motorcycles often differ in engine size and transmission type, but this can vary by country. For example, in some countries, the term “scooter” might be used to refer to all small-engine two-wheeled vehicles.

Motorbike can be a more general term encompassing both semi-automatic and automatic models.

Terminology can change depending on local standards and cultural preferences, but the main differences are always related to design and transmission type.

If you have a travel blog where you regularly publish articles about your adventures, we are excited to collaborate with you! We are ready to sponsor your journey by providing a motorbike for your travels. This collaboration will allow you to explore more and share your experiences with your audience, while we gain valuable exposure through your content.

To get started, please contact us with details about your blog, including your audience reach and examples of your travel articles. We look forward to partnering with you to make your next adventure even more memorable.