Find Scooter & Motorcycle Hire in India
Enter your city, island or destination below to search available scooters and motorcycles.
Enter your city, island or destination below to search available scooters and motorcycles.
Explore India on Two Wheels
From Manali’s spectacular Himalayan valleys to the tropical waterways and palm-lined landscapes around Cochin, India offers an incredible variety of scenery to discover on two wheels.
Ride through the golden desert landscapes around Jaisalmer, passing ancient forts, remote villages and the vast open spaces of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.
Or experience the energy of New Delhi, where historic monuments, colourful neighbourhoods and bustling streets reveal yet another side of this remarkably diverse country.
Mountain Adventures
Ride spectacular Himalayan roads through valleys, forests and dramatic mountain scenery.
Desert Escapes
Discover Rajasthan’s golden landscapes, ancient forts and remote desert villages.
Tropical Journeys
Explore Kerala’s palm-lined roads, peaceful backwaters and lush countryside.
Explore India
Manali
Ride into the Himalayas through spectacular valleys, mountain roads and dramatic scenery.
Cochin
Explore Kerala’s tropical coastline, peaceful backwaters and palm-lined countryside.
Jaisalmer
Discover ancient forts, desert villages and the golden landscapes of the Thar Desert.
More places to ride in India
Considerations Before You Ride in India
To ride a scooter or motorcycle in India, you should have a full driving licence that covers the type of motorcycle or scooter you intend to hire. A car-only licence should not be treated as sufficient for hiring a motorcycle.
For UK visitors, you should carry your UK driving licence together with a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP). GOV.UK specifically states that UK drivers in India need both documents, although the length of time a UK licence can be used can vary between Indian states.
The rental company may also impose its own requirements, such as a minimum period of riding experience or restrictions on larger motorcycles. Always check that your licence entitlement also meets the conditions of the rental and insurance before booking.
Useful links
GOV.UK – India travel advice: driving in India
GOV.UK – International Driving Permits
Yes. Most ordinary roads in India are accessible to scooters and motorcycles, but there are important exceptions. Some sensitive border and mountain regions require special permits, and local restrictions can also apply to particular roads or vehicle types.
This is particularly relevant around Manali, one of our hire destinations. Access to Rohtang Pass is regulated, with vehicle permits required and seasonal closures possible because of snow and weather conditions.
There are also parts of India where current travel advice recommends avoiding travel altogether, particularly some border and security-sensitive areas. If planning a longer motorcycle trip, check the latest regional advice and local road restrictions before setting off.
Useful links
GOV.UK – India regional travel advice
A protective helmet is compulsory when riding a scooter or motorcycle in India, and this generally applies to both the rider and pillion passenger. Make sure any helmet supplied fits properly and is in good condition.
Rental companies commonly provide a helmet, but you should check this before booking rather than assume it is included. For additional protection, sturdy footwear, long trousers, gloves and a suitable riding jacket are strongly recommended, particularly for longer journeys and mountain routes.
Useful links
GOV.UK – India travel advice: road travel
You must normally be at least 18 years old to legally ride a scooter or motorcycle in India. Indian law has a limited exception from age 16 for motorcycles of no more than 50cc, but this is unlikely to be relevant to most rental scooters or motorcycles. India Code
Rental companies can set their own higher minimum age, and some may also require a certain amount of riding experience, particularly for larger motorcycles. Always check the individual rental conditions before booking.
Yes. If you are travelling from the UK, you should carry a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your UK driving licence when riding in India. Your licence must also include the correct motorcycle entitlement for the scooter or motorcycle you hire.
GOV.UK currently specifically states that UK visitors driving in India need both the 1949 IDP and their UK driving licence. Rules on how long a UK licence can be used can vary between Indian states, so carrying both documents is the safest approach. GOV.UK
Rental companies may impose additional licence or experience requirements, so check these before booking.
Useful links:
GOV.UK – India travel advice: driving in India
India drives on the left, and you should normally overtake on the right. Obey local speed limits, traffic lights and road signs, and both the rider and passenger should wear a helmet.
Traffic can be very different from the UK, particularly in busy cities such as New Delhi. Expect heavy traffic, frequent use of horns, pedestrians, animals and vehicles behaving unpredictably. Ride defensively, leave plenty of space and avoid riding at night where possible.
Extra care is also worthwhile around Manali, where mountain roads can be narrow and conditions can change quickly, and around Jaisalmer, where long rural stretches require more planning for fuel, heat and distances.
Useful links
GOV.UK – India travel advice: road safety
Some level of insurance may be included with your scooter or motorcycle hire, but you should never assume this provides full cover. Check exactly what is included, particularly third-party liability, accidental damage and theft, as well as any excess you would have to pay following an accident.
Your travel insurance is separate, so check that it specifically covers riding the size and type of scooter or motorcycle you intend to hire. Policies may also require you to hold the correct licence and IDP, wear a helmet and comply with the rental agreement.
If the rental company offers additional insurance, check what extra protection it provides before deciding whether you need it.
Possibly. The advertised hire price may not include every cost, so check the rental terms carefully before booking. Additional charges can include a security deposit, optional insurance, extra helmets, an additional rider, delivery or collection, one-way hire and late-return fees.
Fuel is normally the rider’s responsibility, and you may be expected to return the scooter or motorcycle with the same amount of fuel it had when collected. Tolls, parking charges and traffic penalties incurred during the rental are also normally your responsibility.
Before collecting the bike, check exactly what is included in the price, how any deposit will be taken and when it will be returned.
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