Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Enjoy Your Bali Adventure
Riding a scooter is one of the most popular—and fun—ways to explore Bali. From surfing spots in Canggu to sunset cliffs in Uluwatu, scooters give you freedom and flexibility. But as a doctor who treats many tourists every week, I also see how quickly a holiday can turn into a medical emergency due to scooter accidents.
This guide highlights essential scooter safety tips in Bali, from a medical perspective, to help you avoid injuries and enjoy your trip safely.
Why Scooter Safety Matters in Bali
Bali’s roads can be challenging, especially for first-time riders. Common risks include:
- Heavy traffic in tourist areas
- Uneven roads and potholes
- Sudden rain causing slippery surfaces
- Lack of riding experience
- Tourists riding without proper protective equipment
At Ivy Medical Bali, some of the most frequent injuries we treat are:
- Road rash and deep lacerations
- Sprains and fractures
- Head trauma from riding without helmets
- Bruises and soft tissue injuries
Most of these injuries can be prevented with simple precautions.
1. Always Wear a Helmet (Even for Short Trips)
Many scooter accidents happen just 5 minutes from the hotel.
A helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 70%. Choose:
- A full-face helmet if available
- A properly fitted helmet that doesn’t move when you shake your head
- A helmet with a working buckle
Tip: Never accept a scooter rental that refuses to provide helmets.
2. Check Your Scooter Before Riding
Before renting, do a quick safety check:
✔ Brakes
✔ Lights
✔ Tires
✔ Mirrors
✔ Horn
If anything feels loose or unsafe, request another bike.
3. Get Travel Insurance That Covers Scooter Accidents
Many tourists don’t know that some insurance companies only cover scooter accidents if you have a valid motorbike license.
Make sure to check:
- License requirements
- Helmet requirements
- Coverage for emergency treatment
Ivy Medical provides medical reports and invoices to help with your insurance reimbursement.
4. Drive Slowly and Predictably
Balinese traffic can feel chaotic. The safest way to ride:
- Keep a manageable speed
- Avoid sudden turns
- Use your indicators
- Be patient—locals are used to flowing, non-aggressive traffic
You are sharing the road with cars, scooters, trucks, dogs, pedestrians, and sometimes even ceremonies.
5. Avoid Riding in the Rain
Bali roads become extremely slippery after rain. If possible:
- Wait 10–15 minutes for the road to dry
- Wear a raincoat with reflective strips
- Reduce your speed significantly
Accidents spike during rainy season (November–March).
6. Don’t Ride After Drinking
This is one of the most common causes of accidents among tourists. Even one drink can:
- Slow reaction time
- Reduce coordination
- Affect your judgment
Take a GoJek or taxi instead—it’s cheap, safe, and much better than risking an injury.
7. Protect Your Skin
Wear:
- Closed shoes
- Long pants
- A light jacket
These can significantly reduce the severity of road rash if you fall.
8. Keep an Emergency Contact and First Aid Items
Recommended items:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Plasters or bandages
- Pain reliever
- Small gauze
- Motion sickness tablets
Ivy Medical offers 24/7 on-call services if you need quick medical help in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu, or Ubud.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Come to a clinic or request a home visit if you experience:
- Deep cuts
- Signs of infection
- Severe bruising or swelling
- Head injury (even without bleeding)
- Dizziness, nausea, or confusion
- Persistent pain after a fall
Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and infection.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Bali
Scooters are fun—but safety always comes first. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy Bali with confidence and reduce the risk of injury.
If you ever need medical assistance, Ivy Medical Bali is ready to help 24/7 with:
- On-call doctor visits
- Wound care
- IV drip therapy
- Antibiotics and medications
- Insurance documentation for reimbursement
Your holiday should be memorable for the right reasons—stay safe on the road!
