Best Scooter Rental Shops in Koh Phangan

Exploring Koh Phangan by scooter is the most popular way for travelers to see the island’s beaches, waterfalls, and jungle roads on a budget. However, rental scams are common, so it’s crucial to choose trustworthy shops and take precautions. Below are our top scooter rental recommendations on Koh Phangan and key safety tips for visitors.

Why Rent a Scooter on Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has very limited public transport, so having a scooter gives you the freedom to visit remote beaches and attractions at your own pace. Scooters are widely available and usually cost around 200–250 baht per day for a basic model. Riding safely (wear a helmet and keep speeds moderate on winding roads) allows you to explore the entire island, from the busy Thong Sala pier area to quiet northern bays, without paying for expensive taxis.

Top Recommended Scooter Rentals

Budget Two (Thong Sala Pier) – A highly rated shop right at the pier. Travelers praise its nearly-new scooters and honest service. Budget Two offers a cash deposit system (around 5,000–6,000฿) instead of holding passports, and is known for flexible return policies (for example, allowing slight delays or empty fuel tanks without extra charge). Reviews highlight that the staff are friendly and rarely try to charge hidden fees, making it a very reliable choice.
EasyBikes Koh Phangan – Run by an English-speaking owner named Petro. This shop is known for great customer service: Petro will deliver and pick up the scooter at your hotel or hostel on request. You can secure a bike with a 5,000฿ deposit or passport, and he doesn’t push you to leave your passport. EasyBikes has modern, well-maintained scooters and positive customer feedback for honesty and fair pricing.
Pukki’s Motor Bike Rental – A small, family-run shop in Thong Sala. Locals and hostel staff often recommend Pukki’s. The owner is friendly and straightforward. She notes any minor scratches on the bike at pickup, so you won’t be blamed for pre-existing dings. Rental rates are about 250฿ per day for a 125cc scooter. Pukki’s accepts either a cash deposit or your driver’s license instead of a passport, and even provides two helmets free of charge. Customers say the bikes are in good condition and that she won’t try to rip you off.
Ton Bike Rent (Thong Sala) – Conveniently located near Thong Sala pier. Ton Bike is praised for good service and honest dealings. You may be asked to leave your passport or a deposit, but renters report that deposits are returned promptly with no quibbles. The staff speak English and help check the scooter thoroughly before you leave. Bikes come with a full tank plus one liter of fuel, and the shop has extra helmets available.
AUM Motor Bike Rentals – A popular choice near the main restaurants and hostels on the west side of the island. AUM is run by a kind Thai lady who speaks good English. Importantly, she will not hold your passport; only a 5,000฿ deposit is required. Reviews note that the bikes are clean and well-tuned, and two helmets are provided per scooter. The owner is known for honesty and sometimes offers basic maintenance (like an oil top-up) for long-term rentals.
EARN Bike for Rent (Baan Tai area) – A local, no-frills rental recommended by long-term visitors. This shop is not advertised on Google Maps, so you may need directions (it’s near Food Factory in Baan Tai). EARN is notable for very competitive rates (around 180฿ per day for long-term hires). The Thai owners are friendly and typically accept your driver’s license or a cash deposit instead of a passport. The bikes come in decent condition (often with playful paint jobs). Reviewers stress that EARN is honest and will even give you a small fuel can or extra helmet at no charge.
Lala Agency (Big Bike Rental) – A European-run company catering mostly to long-term rentals and larger scooters/bikes (125cc–300cc). Based in Chaloklum village (north side), Lala Agency gets high marks for professionalism. The owner speaks fluent English and maintains the fleet very well. Customers say the rates are lower than many competitors and that “he does not try to scam you like many rental places”. If you need a bigger scooter or a multi-month hire, Lala’s location and reliable service make it a top choice.

Each of the above shops consistently receives positive feedback for their honesty and bike quality. They are known for dealing fairly with tourists and avoiding the common tricks (like charging for false damage). Asking your hotel or hostel staff for referrals is also a good idea, as many of these rentals work directly with local accommodations.

Scooter Rental Safety Tips

Inspect and Photograph: Before you ride off, carefully inspect the scooter from all angles. Take close-up photos of the tires, body panels, lights, mirrors, and the fuel gauge. This provides proof of the vehicle’s condition and can protect you from being blamed for existing scratches or punctures.
Passport vs. Deposit: Avoid leaving your passport if possible. Reputable shops will accept a cash deposit (typically ฿5,000–฿6,000) or even your driver’s license instead. If a rental insists on your passport, know it’s not required by law to hand it over. Only rent from places you trust completely if they request it.
Check Tires and Fuel: Examine the tires for hidden holes or wear (it’s a known scam for a tiny puncture to be “discovered” later). Confirm that the scooter’s lights and brakes work, and check that you have enough fuel. Many shops give you an emergency one-liter can and expect you to fill the tank at the station. It’s safer to immediately top up at a regular pump so you start with a full tank.
Helmet and Gear: Always wear a helmet (and avoid following locals who ride without one). Thai roads are among the world’s most dangerous, so use full-face or at least certified helmets. Sturdy footwear and clothing are also wise, especially on steep or sandy sections of road. Don’t ride under the influence or at night if you’re not completely comfortable.
Insurance and License: Legally, you should have a motorcycle license and insurance to ride. In practice, rental shops rarely check, but know that you need an appropriate license (Thai or international) to be covered in case of accident. If you have insurance (often it’s minimal or none with cheap rentals), confirm what it covers. Always drive defensively and under the speed limit; smaller scooters need time to brake on downhill curves or slippery patches.
Secure Parking: Never leave the keys in the scooter, and lock it to a fixed object if you’ll park in a public area. Theft is uncommon, but a spare key trick does exist. When parking on the street, choose well-lit, busier spots. Carry only what you need when leaving the bike, and do not store valuables in the under-seat compartment.
Read the Contract: Get a rental agreement in writing (even a simple one) and note the mileage/odometer at check-out. Confirm the return time to avoid unexpected late fees. Understand the damage policy: most shops will deduct repair costs for any new scratches, so make sure everything is documented at handover.
Trust Your Instincts: If a rental shop feels sketchy (no signage, aggressive haggling, or dirty/unsafe bikes), walk away. Use the shops listed above or other ones with clear online reviews. It’s better to pay a bit more for peace of mind. Many travelers note that dealing directly through their hotel reception can also be safer, as hotels prefer not to be associated with scams.

By following these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of being cheated or having an unexpected bill. Most rentals on Koh Phangan will be honest if you give a deposit instead of a passport and choose a well-reviewed shop. Keep in mind that road conditions can be challenging: drive slowly on hilly or sandy sections, and always use turn signals and horn when overtaking or turning. With a reliable scooter and cautious riding, you’ll be free to discover Koh Phangan’s waterfalls, beach bars, and viewpoints on your own schedule.