Before Renting a Scooter in Cambodia: What You Actually Need to Know

Emma Ji
5 days ago
3 min read

If you’ve spent even one day in Cambodia, you already know that scooters are everywhere. They’re fast, cheap, and one of the easiest ways to explore the country—from Phnom Penh’s busy streets to the quieter corners of Siem Reap and Battambang.

But before you rent one, there are a few things you should understand about Cambodian law, rental-shop practices, and what really happens if things go wrong. Most travelers don’t find out until it’s too late—so here’s the full picture.

Is a License Required? Here’s What the Law Actually Says

Cambodia’s traffic rules have changed over the past few years, and the updates affect both locals and foreign visitors.

For scooters 125 cc or below: You are not required to have a driving license under Cambodian law. This covers the majority of rental scooters available to tourists.
For motorbikes above 125 cc: A proper motorcycle license is legally required—for example, Category A under Cambodian regulations.

So yes, most tourists can legally ride smaller scooters without a license. But legal is not the same as safe or fully protected—especially when it comes to insurance.

Why Rental Shops Make It Look Easy

If you rent a small scooter in Cambodia, the process is usually simple: pay the fee, leave a passport copy or deposit, grab the key, and go. No one asks about your license.

This convenience is great, but it hides important risks:

Rental shops rarely explain what happens if police stop you.
They won’t tell you that most insurance companies require a motorcycle license or an IDP—even for scooters under 125 cc.
They typically offer little or no real insurance, even if they claim to.

In short, rental shops make riding easy, but they don’t make it safe or insured.

The Real Risks: What Happens If Things Go Wrong

If you ride a scooter in Cambodia without the right documents or insurance coverage, you’re taking on the full risk yourself. Here’s what that could mean:

Police fines: If stopped and you can’t show a license or IDP, you may need to pay an on-the-spot fine.

Accident liability: If you crash, even if it’s not your fault, you could be held responsible for damages—to vehicles, property, or other people.

Insurance refusal: Many travelers don’t realize this: insurance companies often refuse scooter-related claims if you don’t have the proper license. This applies even to 110 cc and 125 cc scooters.

High medical costs: International-standard medical care in Cambodia is expensive. Emergency evacuation to Thailand or Singapore can cost thousands.

Because of these risks, some travelers prefer to rely on tuk-tuks, ride-hailing apps, or bicycles if they don’t have the proper license.

Planning a Longer Stay? Consider Getting a Cambodian Licence

If you’re staying in Cambodia for months or living here long-term, getting a Cambodian motorcycle license can save you from legal and insurance headaches.

You’ll typically need:

A valid passport and visa
Your home-country motorcycle license (if you have one)
A basic medical or eye test
Passport photos and an application form

Getting a Cambodian license generally makes police checks smoother and improves your chances of being covered by insurance in case of an accident.

Riding Safely in Cambodia’s Traffic

Even with everything in order, riding in Cambodia can be challenging. Traffic can feel chaotic, and road conditions vary widely.

Here are a few safety tips every rider should keep in mind:

Always wear a helmet—it’s legally required and enforced.
Avoid riding at night if you’re new to the area.
Ride defensively and expect the unexpected: sudden turns, animals, pedestrians, or vehicles coming from the wrong direction.
Double-check your insurance to confirm motorbike coverage.
Rent from reputable shops and choose scooters in good condition.

These small steps can make a huge difference to your safety on the road.

Renting a scooter in Cambodia is practical and affordable and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. But it’s important to understand the difference between what is legal, what is safe, and what is covered by insurance.

You can legally ride most small scooters (125 cc and below) without a license.
That doesn’t mean insurance will cover you.
Larger motorbikes require a proper license—no exceptions.
For long stays, getting a Cambodian license is worth considering.

Cambodia is a beautiful place to explore on two wheels. Just make sure you do it wisely, responsibly, and with full awareness of the risks and rules. :)