Renting a bike - is it a death wish ?

[liror82]

Hi guys , quick question , i am thinking about renting a bike during my stay in pattaya - sounds like a cool way to get around , is it really that dangerous like some people write here? i am not a heavy drinker and i am sure i will drive slow and safe , considering all of that - what do you think ?

 

Thanks!

John

[Freeze]

The answer's yes. I almost got killed in April on Ko Larn. There was a water ditch on the side of the road that we barely missed going into. If we had hit it we both would have gotten seriously injured. To put it mildly it's like a demolition derby. A fun demolition derby but still a derby.

[Nak Muay]

riding a motorbike anywhere is a death wish compared to driving a car. but keep your wits about you and dont hesitate when you pull out and you will do fine.

[lescot]

Riding a bike safely is one thing, it's the other road users you have to look out for. If a Thai runs into you, it's your fault. Always wear your helmet.

[pattayaguru]

intersting article re motorbike deaths in thailand

 

 

 

http://www.thaiskale.com/journal/thailands-deadliest-killer-vehicle-motorcycle-accidents-and-fatalities/

[sydney95b]

Don't let the worry-stone rubbers get you down. Go ahead and hire a motorbike. First thing though is to confirm with your insurance company that your travel policy covers you on the motorbike. Some travel insurance companies will cover you on a motorbike that's under 200cc. Most of the automatic motorbikes you see around Pattaya are in the 130-150cc rang. Also, a stipulation of the policy is that you have a license to ride in the country you are in (in this case Thailand). Swing by AAA (in the US), NRMA (in Oz), or whatever auto club you have in your country and get an International Drivers License. They are good for a year and is accepted in Thailand.

 

As for safety - ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!!! Don't ever forget it! Aside from serious head trauma if involved in an accident, if the BIB catch you riding without one it's a 400bt fine. Do not try to drive like motorbike taxi drivers - they're nuts! You'll be amazed at how fast 40kph(25mph) feels on a motorbike, so puttering around is the best way to go - plus you get to see more places - AND MORE LADIES! Another benefit - best in my books - is that when you jump on your bike after sweating for a while the breeze on the bike will dry you off.

 

 

FYI - I was in a motorbike accident in October 2010 on Pattaya Klang (Central Road) and a Thai guy on a motorbike made an illegal right hand turn from a side street and came right into my path - I hit him and then I hit the ground. Now this is contrary to what BM lescot has said above - but I was not found at fault in the accident. I ended up getting 6k from the Thai guy while he sobbed and sobbed at the police station. My insurance picked up the rest of the costs. My injuries? Well I was only traveling at arrpox 30kph when we collided, so I was fortunate enough not to break any bones, but I do have a few scars ("Pattaya Tattoo's" as they are called) on my left thigh. Had soreness for several days in hip and shoulder, but I'm fully recovered now and have some cool scars to show the grandkids someday.

 

If you've never - ever - ever rode a motorbike before coming to Pattaya I would avoid it, but as is said "Up to you". Be smart and be safe!

 

Cheers...

[jojomecanic]

I've been renting a bike a few times in Pattaya, and everything went right. It was great as long as nothing happened to me.

 

However, I decided to use baht bus by now. Just not worth the troubles to ride a motorbike in a foreign country.

 

Riding along with a nice chick behind you is a great pleasure. But know that if yo have an accident with her, you'll be in big trouble. Huge money wanted per nail broken, passport took away until you pay etc. Same thing if you have an accident with someone else, even if you're right. you'll always be wrong as you're the fareng... (edit after what Sydey95b said above)

 

 

.

Edited May 10, 2011 by jojomecanic

[lescot]

More times than not, the farang will pay even if he is in the right. Sydney, i reckon you were lucky to get get any compo. Fair play to you.

[JasonL]

I would suggest against it if on holiday...

 

Too many people have donated flesh to the pavement of Pattaya City.

 

It's not something you want to do, especially on vacation where your time is limited...

[furryman]

A motorbike is the way to go. If you haven't ridden before than you have something to do while you wait to go to pattaya, find a friend who wants to teach you or go take a safety class where they provide the bikes.

 

Add up all those baht bus rides and stack that up against the cost of renting and fueling the bike and you will see you can save a lot of cash. No to mention going to see touristy stuff, you will pay as much to get a taxi for the day as it will cost to get a bike for the week.

 

I will say those crazy tiny roads on koh larn are sorta scary.

[Scumbag]

If you haven't ridden before than you have something to do while you wait to go to pattaya, find a friend who wants to teach you or go take a safety class where they provide the bikes.

I don't think Pattaya is a good place for an inexperienced rider.

 

If you go to Pattaya for a holiday renting a motorbike is not a good option for reasons already posted. Stay in a central hotel and use the baht bus system.

 

You may want to think carefully before using motorbike taxis too. All the travel insurance policies I have seen state that you are covered on motorbikes if the rider is licensed. Do all the motorbike taxi drivers have licenses and prepared to give you the details of the licence? I don't know the answer but I have wondered a few times.

[LRanger]

I agree, don't rent motorbikes. Gee I have seen some carnage in my time in Thailand, and almost always involving motorbikes, 2 dead - hit by a truck and trailer, yech. Crossing intersections not controlled by lights or police is a roulette kind of affair. Use Baht buses, but I like now using the motor-cy taxis as they slice through crowded traffic superbly - almost always on the wrong side of the double lines hehe. Why do they bother with the different line markings anyhow, everyone ignores them!

 

Death wish - yes.

[Alex the Hedonist]

I started renting motorbikes about my 3rd trip I think...been doing it ever since.

 

You certainly don't need to if all you are going to do is go to the beach, stores, restaurants and monger of course...baht buses can certainly cover you easily and more cheaply.

 

BUT, it is a lot of fun to get on the bike and explore a bit with a girl who knows her way around. Plus, now I have friends that I like to visit during the day who live a bit away from the fray and it would actually be more expensive taking a baht bus out to see them.

 

As for the risk, I would suggest you think about 2 things...if you have never ridden before, DONT use Pattaya as your training grounds...it is NOT for the novice...way to many crazy drivers about...and, even if you are experienced, make sure you are the type of driver that is alert and has quick reflexes...both will come in handy often!

 

Only other thing I can suggest is that you ALWAYS wear a helmet, otherwise you will get fined...don't go down one way roads the wrong way, they will nail you for that one too...and, if you do get pulled over, just smile, nod yes and go pay the fine, not worth arguing about...police station is on the corner of soi9 and Beach Rd as I recall...only got nailed once for going the wrong way on a one-way street...and that is after more than 10 rentals of 2-4 weeks duration...and never had any theft or accidents...though I did have to get a flat tire fixed once...24 hour repair up on soi B just a few shops south of soi Diana.

 

Hope this post is helpful...Alex

[lescot]

Some good advice here and although you say you are not a heavy drinker, try not to drink at all if your going on the bike. Easier said than done i know, but you do need your wits about you. Some members who have been to Thailand many times and who have hired bikes may disagree.

 

I saw a young guy who could barely walk last xmas try and get on to a Yamaha R1. Fuck me, what a spectacle! He fell of it twice (stationary) before the bar girls managed to get the key off him. This was on soi 8 about 10am. Imagine the damage this prick could have done.

[capricorn]

I'm not an experienced rider, ie. I don't ride in my own country but I've learnt riding in Vietnam which is much more hectic than Thailand (except perhaps Bangkok). I find traffic in Pattaya OK compared with Vietnam and I started renting bikes on my 3rd trip and have never gone back since.

 

It's great to be able to ride in the heat, makes you feel so free. It's just great to ride to Jomtien for a drink on the beach then go back to your hotel on your bike.

 

But be very careful, look everywhere, don't overtake when in doubt, ride slowly, don't ride drunk and you should be safe.

[jojo90]

Don't let the worry-stone rubbers get you down. Go ahead and hire a motorbike. First thing though is to confirm with your insurance company that your travel policy covers you on the motorbike. Some travel insurance companies will cover you on a motorbike that's under 200cc. Most of the automatic motorbikes you see around Pattaya are in the 130-150cc rang. Also, a stipulation of the policy is that you have a license to ride in the country you are in (in this case Thailand). Swing by AAA (in the US), NRMA (in Oz), or whatever auto club you have in your country and get an International Drivers License. They are good for a year and is accepted in Thailand.

 

As for safety - ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!!! Don't ever forget it! Aside from serious head trauma if involved in an accident, if the BIB catch you riding without one it's a 400bt fine. Do not try to drive like motorbike taxi drivers - they're nuts! You'll be amazed at how fast 40kph(25mph) feels on a motorbike, so puttering around is the best way to go - plus you get to see more places - AND MORE LADIES! Another benefit - best in my books - is that when you jump on your bike after sweating for a while the breeze on the bike will dry you off.

 

 

FYI - I was in a motorbike accident in October 2010 on Pattaya Klang (Central Road) and a Thai guy on a motorbike made an illegal right hand turn from a side street and came right into my path - I hit him and then I hit the ground. Now this is contrary to what BM lescot has said above - but I was not found at fault in the accident. I ended up getting 6k from the Thai guy while he sobbed and sobbed at the police station. My insurance picked up the rest of the costs. My injuries? Well I was only traveling at arrpox 30kph when we collided, so I was fortunate enough not to break any bones, but I do have a few scars ("Pattaya Tattoo's" as they are called) on my left thigh. Had soreness for several days in hip and shoulder, but I'm fully recovered now and have some cool scars to show the grandkids someday.

 

If you've never - ever - ever rode a motorbike before coming to Pattaya I would avoid it, but as is said "Up to you". Be smart and be safe!

 

Cheers...

 

Good advice here.

 

One thing I would add is bring/borrow a UK helmet from home. Those That helmets aren't made for Western heads and I genuinely think they would cause more harm as they put pressure on the frontal lobe. My ex was a psychologist treating people with brain injuries and you REALLY do not want a frontal lobe injury. Even a mountain bike helmet is better than those Thai jobbies.

 

Personally I was stupid enough to disregard all the above advice... but I got around OK as I'm a very experienced road cyclist... in retrospect tho I was both stupid and lucky not to have any accidents.

[yogi100]

Don't worry about renting a M/C in Pattaya as an accident will only ever involve others. That is until you find yourself in hospital getting the stitches put in, your arm or leg getting set and put in plaster, you're laying on a hospital bed calling yourself all the c#nts under the sun, your holiday ruined or possibly much worse.

 

I thought that till I came off on some sand on Soi Bhukaow and only had minor injuries but had to attend Pattaya Memorial Hospital every other day for 3 weeks to have the dressings changed and get the stitches out. Also I was about 12000 baht poorer and that was when the UKP was worth 68 baht. It's just not worth it when a baht bus will take you anywhere in Pattaya for 10 or 20 baht. Not only that but in high season especially it can be impossible to park the bike near your destination.

[furryman]

I bring my own helmet from the states as well, mostly because I can hardly find one to fit my giant head here, so I know I'd never find one there. The traffic looks chaotic until you get out into it for a bit. Once you can see how traffic flows and see how to flow with it you will be fine.

 

If you are a safe driver you are just as likely to be in an accident on a moto taxi or baht bus. I have seen news reports of terrible accidents with those as well. Driving yourself you at least have the opportunity to check the driver's condition before you leave, not so with a Taxi. I have seen moto taxi guys passing the bottle around many a time.

 

Essentially all the bad bike accidents I have heard of are falangs on big bikes going way to fast after too much drink. Stick with the small bikes, don't ride drunk, don't drive stupid and odds are you will be fine.

 

I'd say to anyone not sure what to do, rent one for a day. It's usually only ~200 baht. I just don't think you can understand how much you are missing out on until you try it.

 

I will say this though, I almost never drink alcohol, even in Pattaya, so I'm never in the position of having to choose between riding drunk or leaving my bike somewhere and picking it up later. That's a spot a lot of folks might make a bad choice. If I was big drinker I'd stick to taxis as well.

[Daveo]

Its simple, if you NEED a bike maybe, but if you dont NEED one, stay safe and use the 10 baht buses

[liror82]

Great tips and advices , thanks everyone

guess i will wait with that for a while , will stick with the buses for now

[yogi100]

I bring my own helmet from the states as well, mostly because I can hardly find one to fit my giant head here, so I know I'd never find one there. The traffic looks chaotic until you get out into it for a bit. Once you can see how traffic flows and see how to flow with it you will be fine.

 

If you are a safe driver you are just as likely to be in an accident on a moto taxi or baht bus. I have seen news reports of terrible accidents with those as well. Driving yourself you at least have the opportunity to check the driver's condition before you leave, not so with a Taxi. I have seen moto taxi guys passing the bottle around many a time.

 

Essentially all the bad bike accidents I have heard of are falangs on big bikes going way to fast after too much drink. Stick with the small bikes, don't ride drunk, don't drive stupid and odds are you will be fine.

 

I'd say to anyone not sure what to do, rent one for a day. It's usually only ~200 baht. I just don't think you can understand how much you are missing out on until you try it.

 

I will say this though, I almost never drink alcohol, even in Pattaya, so I'm never in the position of having to choose between riding drunk or leaving my bike somewhere and picking it up later. That's a spot a lot of folks might make a bad choice. If I was big drinker I'd stick to taxis as well.

 

FM, when I had my accident I was stone cold sober and I was riding a 125cc Yamaha. A split second of bad luck or ill judgement in an unexpected situation is all it needs to ruin your holiday and have an expensive hospital bill.

[joe_momma]

Don't!

 

I've seen way too many fatalities (50% were farang, 50% locals). I've ridden street motorcycles here in the states for 20 years and am scared sh*tless even in a car. The chances of a serious accident are way to high in LOS, oh, and insurance - forget about it.

 

Ride the 10 baht bus, take a tuk-tuk, or hire a driver for the day - getting on a moped is just asking to lose your leg or your life.

[furryman]

FM, when I had my accident I was stone cold sober and I was riding a 125cc Yamaha. A split second of bad luck or ill judgement in an unexpected situation is all it needs to ruin your holiday and have an expensive hospital bill.

 

 

/Shrug. I'd rather rely on my own luck and judgement than that of a taxi driver of unknown sobriety.

 

Do you still ride in LOS or are you just taxis now?

 

FWIW I ride every day at home, my bike is my only transport here too. I'm often more scared of the other drivers here than in LOS.

 

and i pay a little extra for travelers medical insurance with $0 deductible.

Edited May 12, 2011 by furryman

[Edge]

I thought this was the same thread as I just posted on, so deja vu :-

If you have never ridden a bike i.e. don't have a licence and you don't take the test and get a Thai one then you cannot legally ride a bike here, though of course you can rent one.

As you would be riding illegally, you probably will not be insured either, but you won't know that until you try to make a claim.

You probably wouldn't be covered by your Travel Insurance for injuries either.

 

Don't let any of that put you off, as there are lots of advantages and most people get away with it.

 

Sometimes however, even if you're completely legal, reasonably experienced and do nothing wrong, shit can and does still happen.

The BiB attended and took some money from the Thai guy in the pick-up, gave me 1500 Baht of it, told me to go to hospital and cleared off. That's about as blameless as you can be here.

 

My hip & ankle :-

 

....

 

 

[gerry53]

Many of you guys sound like news commentators from Fox News with the fear mongering!!! There are many long term expats in and around Pattaya who have been driving motorbikes for years and are still alive and kicking. YES it is higher risk so you just have to be more cautious and if you don't ride at home or lack confidence on a motorbike give it a miss here. Older guys whos reflexes are slow should also pass on it also, same for heavy drinkers.

 

In spite of my comments you can still have an accident even if you do everything correct, you can in a car or baht bus also. The thought of having to give up my freedom to drive to the beaches and other sites within 60 km of here would ruin the reason I chose to live here in the first place.