Terms, Deposit & Insurance
A Few Words to Start
Welcome to Cat Motors. This page is a clear, no-surprises summary of our rental terms: deposits, insurance, requirements, mileage 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.
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.
- Delivery: free for rentals of 7 days or more, subject to staff availability. Office customers are always our priority.
- Included mileage: 300 km per rental day. Extra mileage is charged above 300 km/day.
- 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, and Wise.
- Medical coverage: up to 300,000 THB for the rider and up to 300,000 THB for the passenger.
- Maintenance support is included for normal service items. If a repair takes longer (overnight or more), we can provide a replacement bike when possible.
- We offer both 3/4 helmets with shields and full-face 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).
- Our staff may refuse a rental if you cannot demonstrate safe control of the bike. Safety first.
- Please read our Tips and Traffic Rules before your trip.
Deposit and Payment
- A security deposit is required for every rental. The amount depends on the bike type and rental period.
- Payment methods: cash, bank cards, and Wise.
- The deposit is returned after the bike is inspected at return.
- Deductions may apply for damage, missing fuel, excessive dirt (including bitumen cleaning), police fines sent to us, late return, towing or roadside services arranged by us (if applicable), or other costs clearly related to your rental.
Office Hours
- Working hours: 08:00 to 18:00, every day, no days off (including public holidays such as New Year, Christmas, Songkran, etc.).
Delivery
- Free delivery within Chiang Mai city is available for rentals of 7 days or more, subject to staff availability.
- Office customers are our priority. During busy hours, delivery may be unavailable or rescheduled.
- Please book delivery at least 24 hours in advance so we can confirm a time slot.
- We do not deliver to some remote areas, even for an extra fee. If you are staying far away, please visit our office for pickup.
Mileage and Fuel
- Included mileage: 300 km per rental day.
- Extra mileage is charged above 300 km/day.
- Fuel policy: full to full.
- If returned with less than a full tank, we charge the fuel cost plus a 200 THB service fee.
Support and Maintenance
- Normal maintenance is included. Small things are usually done quickly at our office (for example: bulbs, battery issues, engine oil changes).
- If the bike needs a longer repair (for example, overnight or more), we can provide a replacement bike when available.
- If you have a problem on the road, contact us immediately. We will tell you what to do step by step.
Equipment Included
- Helmets are provided. We offer both 3/4 helmets with shields and full-face helmets.
- Rain ponchos for rider and passenger are available.
- A first-aid kit is available (bandages and basic disinfectants).
Cleaning Fees
- If the bike is returned excessively dirty, a cleaning fee may apply.
- Washing fee: 50 THB.
- Bitumen cleaning: 500 THB.
Damage and Responsibility
- Tire punctures are paid by the renter. The renter is responsible for route and road choices.
- Before you ride, take a few photos of the bike. It helps avoid misunderstandings at return.
- Spare parts pricing is transparent in the office.
Zero Tolerance
- We have zero tolerance for deliberate cheating or abuse of our goodwill.
- We may terminate the rental and contact Royal 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
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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