what is the best scooter to rent in chiang mai?

The Honda Dream: Reliable, but Not for Everyone

The Honda Dream is legendary across Asia. It is simple, durable, cheap to maintain, and famously hard to kill. You will see them everywhere in Chiang Mai, often carrying entire families or mountains of goods.

But there is one major drawback: it has gears.

Dealing with gears while focusing on the road is too much for most people. The clutch and gear changes require concentration that takes away from watching the traffic around you. In a busy city like Chiang Mai, you need to be paying attention to the road, not your feet.

For local riders who have been using them for decades, the Dream is fine. But for visitors who are not used to manual bikes, we do not recommend it. There are easier options available.

Why Automatic Scooters Are the Best Choice for Visitors

For ninety-nine percent of visitors, automatic scooters are the way to go. They are super easy to ride with their twist and go nature. There is no clutch to worry about, no gears to change, and no stalling at traffic lights.

They are lightweight, stable and agile, perfect for the busy streets of Chiang Mai. You can focus on the road ahead instead of thinking about which gear you should be in. 

They are also great for two people. The wider seats and flat floors make them comfortable for passengers too. 

We asked local riders what they would recommend to visitors, and they all agree that the Click 160 is the king of Chiang Mai. It is the bike that locals choose for themselves when they want reliability and performance.

Step-Through vs Straddle Scooters: What's the Difference?

Among automatic scooters, there is another important distinction: step-through versus straddle style.

Step-through scooters are far more practical for most riders, especially in city environments. The Honda Click 160 is a perfect example of a step-through design. You can step on and off easily without lifting your leg high. This is especially useful when you are carrying bags, wearing a skirt, or if you have any mobility issues.


By contrast, models like the Honda PCX require you to straddle the bike due to the central frame and fuel tank placement. You have to swing your leg over the seat, which can feel awkward. It is also harder to get on and off when you are parked between two other scooters in a crowded lot.

For everyday city riding, step-through is simply more practical. It is easier to get on and off, and easier to carry things with you.

What About Maxi Scooters? Are They Worth It?

Then there are the big machines, often called maxi scooters. Bikes like the Forza and the ADV (300 to 350cc models) are powerful, comfortable, and great for long-distance touring.

However, they are heavy, huge and difficult to ride in tight traffic. Parking them is a challenge because they are wider and longer than standard scooters. They are also very, very expensive to rent.

They are amazing for long trips, though. A Forza 350 is hard to beat when riding the Mae Hong Son Loop. The comfort and power make those long mountain roads a pleasure.

But for everyday use in the city? Nope. They are too much bike for most visitors.

Why We Recommend the Right Scooter for the Right Job

Smaller bikes like the Honda Scoopy (110cc) have their place. They are incredibly popular with locals for good reason. They are light, nimble, and an absolute joy to ride around the city. The low seat height makes them accessible for riders of all sizes, and the retro styling turns heads wherever you go.

We actually stock Honda Scoopys at Scooter Hub. They are brilliant for what they are designed to do: relaxed urban exploring. If you are planning to stay in the Old City, explore Nimman, or just cruise around town, the Scoopy is a fantastic choice. It is easy to park, easy to handle, and perfect for short trips to the market or cafe.

However, there is an important catch. The Scoopy is not built for mountain roads. The 110cc engine simply does not have enough power for the steep hills around Chiang Mai, especially if you are riding with a passenger or carrying luggage.


We have seen too many tourists struggle up Doi Suthep on small scooters, with the engine screaming and the speed dropping to a crawl. It is not a fun experience for anyone. It is also not safe when you are surrounded by faster traffic.

For that reason, we have a clear policy: Scoopys are for city use only. We do not permit them on mountain routes like Doi Suthep or the Samoeng Loop. If you want to explore the mountains, we will recommend our Click 160s instead.

So here is the honest take. If you are staying in the city and only riding on flat roads, the Scoopy is a great choice. It is affordable, stylish, and fun. But if you have any plans to go up into the hills, you need something with more power.

That is why we recommend the Click 160 as our all-rounder. It can handle the city and the mountains with equal ease. But for pure city cruising, the Scoopy is still a favourite.

Honda Scoopy 110cc

The Honda Scoopy is a local legend – and for good reason. It's light, easy to handle, and an absolute joy to ride. Whether you're zipping through the trendy lanes of Nimmanhaemin or soaking up the atmosphere in the Old Town, the Scoopy makes every ride feel effortless. The low seat height means it's a great choice for shorter riders too. Just don't expect it to conquer Doi Suthep – for that, you'll want our Click 160cc. But for laid-back city cruising with a touch of style, the Scoopy is hard to beat.

Read more about the Honda Scoopy