Few Questions About Scooters

[orbital]

Hello,

I'm planning tourist visit Sri Lanka in couple of weeks. I was searching for information about scooters in Google, but couldn't find any reliable and current info so I was wondering if you could help me out.

1. Do I have to have driving licence category A to rent a scooter with 125cc or less engine? I don't want a powerful motorbike, just a small automatic scooter What is official and unofficial law (for example it's illegal but noone checks it)? Do renting companies check if I have driving licence? Do police check it?

2. Is it easy to find a scooter renting point? I'll travel accross the country and I'm sure in less popular spots it's less possible, but is renting scooters popular there? I want to rent a scooter in one spot for a one or two days and give it back in the same spot. I don't want to ride from Colombo to Jaffna

3. What is a average price for a scooter for one day? What is the price of gasoline?

Oh, I'm aware of your road condition and anarchy on the road

[VVTi]

Yes, you can rent scooters, yes, you need a valid riding license.

In Sri Lsnka it is considered D grade license. No limit on capacities. We do not get bikes bigger than 250cc... officially.

Yes, all rental companies check your license and will ask you to keep a deposit. Police will randomly check and it is better you have all documents with you.

Average price differs from place to place and bike to bike, it will be around $25 per day minimum. (at least for a larger bike)

Petrol is around 130 Rupees a litre.

Negombo, Hikkaduwa and any other popular tourist areas will have bike rental companies.

Enjoy Sri Lanka and watch out for us hooligans!

[orbital]

Thank you very much for such a quick and full feedback. Too bad driving licence is required for scooters with small engine. I travel in group and some of my friends doesn't have a licence so maybe we change our plans or try to rent & ride scooter without license. Thanks again

[MrCat]

Well you can ride a Moped (<50CC i believe) without a license, not sure whether this law has changed now. Lets wait for somebody else with better knowledge to drop a line.

[slcamel]

If you are planing to go long distance, the Moped one will not be suitable. but for short distance traveling yes that's the ideal bike. I have seen many foreigners in Negombo area rides this even without helmets.

[orbital]

Thank you for your support, you made my day

[Sylvi]

Hello,

I'm planning tourist visit Sri Lanka in couple of weeks. I was searching for information about scooters in Google, but couldn't find any reliable and current info so I was wondering if you could help me out.

1. Do I have to have driving licence category A to rent a scooter with 125cc or less engine? I don't want a powerful motorbike, just a small automatic scooter What is official and unofficial law (for example it's illegal but noone checks it)? Do renting companies check if I have driving licence? Do police check it?

2. Is it easy to find a scooter renting point? I'll travel accross the country and I'm sure in less popular spots it's less possible, but is renting scooters popular there? I want to rent a scooter in one spot for a one or two days and give it back in the same spot. I don't want to ride from Colombo to Jaffna

3. What is a average price for a scooter for one day? What is the price of gasoline?

Oh, I'm aware of your road condition and anarchy on the road

Best is to hire a three wheeler with the driver you can get a three wheeler for a day for about 10US$ you have to pump Petrol on your account three people can travel on same.

[orbital]

Yeah, I know, but I want more freedom and be independent I think that Mopeds will do the trick.

[Crosswind]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news here. You will need a riding license even to ride a moped in Sri Lanka.

This was brought in last year, due to countless number of kids and idiots on mopeds heavily contributing to the anarchy on the roads.

Here's the proof: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/Mar04_1299250483KA.php

Strictly speaking, you will need a driving license of Category A or A1 (not Category D. Category D are bus driver's licenses now!) from any country, which can be converted to a temporary driver's license in Sri Lanka. The other option is for you to get an International Driving Permit from your country.

But do remember that this is Sri Lanka and laws are quite flexible here for willing risk takers.