Every time you take a trip to Goa, you just know you’ll be accompanied by paddy fields, palm groves, sun-soaked beaches and lots of other bikes! On Goan roads, you won’t see the general city pattern of rickshaws, Ubers and Olas clogging the road. Instead, you will come across local buses, private cars and many two-wheelers.

This is because renting a bike is the most cost efficient way to explore Goa. If you’ve planned out your trip for Goa, the thought of hiring a two-wheeler has also probably struck you at the exact same time. This is no coincidence, as Goa and bikes just go together.

So if you’re renting a motorbike or a scooty in Goa, here’s what to keep in mind.

Choose a Vehicle You are Comfortable Riding

In Goa, you will surely see more scooters than motorbikes on the road. But this doesn’t mean you should go for a scooter, if you’re more comfortable with a motorbike. So if you’re going to ride a two-wheeler, it is necessary to pick the vehicle that you’re most happy and comfortable with.

These days, there are many rental companies offering a wide variety of bikes. so you can review and settle only with the type of bike you usually ride. Some common ones that are in high demand, especially in Goa are Honda Activa, Honda Dio, Yamaha Fz and Royal Enfield.

If you’re not sure on how to take this call, you can consult the bike rental company you’ve selected, as they would be happy to help you out too.

Rent a Well Maintained Bike

Before you rent a bike, you can do a quick run-through of the brakes, gear functionality, tyres and indicators. We can’t stress enough on renting a well maintained bike, as dealing with the hassles of a broken down bike can make the road trip underwhelming. BikeRentalia has selected some of the best bike rental agencies in Goa, that have a good reputation for renting out bikes that are already maintained well. This saves you the stress of worrying about it on your holiday.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a rented bike is not always going to be brand new. So if you see a small dent or scratch on the bike, be sure to point it out before you rent it. This helps any petty arguments, when you’re handing the bike back to the owner.

You should also keep the mobile number handy from the shop you’ve rented, as they can be friendly with helping you tour around as well. Spend some time to learn about the place you plan on renting from. It’s absolutely essential to choose a place that has a good reputation. Don’t worry though. In a normal scenario, it’s not going to cost you more for a good service. Let’s get more into this as we discuss rates.

See also: Two-Wheeler Maintenance Tips

Rates

Renting a bike in Goa is easy, but understanding if you’re paying the right price can get tricky. We all know Goa is an extremely touristy place and people like to scam to make money off tourists. But don’t worry, we can help you with the exact rates provided by top bike rental companies in Goa. This helps make sure that you’re not getting scammed. It’s also value for money, as you’re paying the best market rate along with great service.

A thing to keep in mind about the rates is that the cost of bike rentals on weekends is hiked. This is because that’s when the demand is higher. And since Goa is an extremely touristy place, the rates are also hiked during holidays. But you could still rent one out for a good deal, by simply comparing rates from a few popular rental companies. Also, rates are provided on websites, assuming you are renting it for 24 hours. So in case it would be for more days, you could get a better deal.

A scooter like a Honda Activa or Honda Dio would cost you Rs 300 to rent out for 24 hours. But an upgrade such as Vespa would be Rs 500. A Royal Enfield classic 350 or a Royal Enfield Thunderbird would cost Rs 700-800 for 24 hours.

Some bike rental companies also offer drop off to railway stations and airports. This type of service shows that you won’t be left in Goa without the support of a great bike rental company. We would highly suggest investing some time in picking out the correct bike rental company.

See also: Cheap Bike Rentals in India

Documents

Papers you need to take once you rent the bike are the pollution under control certificate, ownership papers and insurance proof. You will also need to leave your Aadhar card or Pan card with the vendor, as this works as an assurance deal that you would return the bike in the same condition. So carry all the right documentation to provide a sense of security to the vendor. Also, please ensure that you are carrying a valid license with you. This will save you from paying hefty fines if you’re stopped by the police.

Here are a few other safety tips to keep in mind after you’ve rented your bike.

  • Wear a proper helmet. Helmets are completely necessary, so make sure you’re not starting your holiday on the wrong foot, by riding your two-wheeler without your helmet.
  • If you’re not familiar with the roads in Goa, best to avoid a trip at night. This is because most streetlights are not in a good condition and this disturbs your visibility of what lies ahead.
  • Don’t overtake. A truck or a bigger vehicle might warn you against this, so look out for such hand gestures or signals.

See also: Road Safety Rules in Goa

Conclusion

Your two-wheeler is the most reliable travel companion on the road. Just like you take the time to find the perfect accommodation, it is necessary to make sure you’ve rented the right motorbike, as it helps you make the most of your time exploring North Goa or South Goa. After a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy the ride. The ride where you will be greeted with a beautiful coastline and roads that run through lush green fields.