Hiring a two-wheeler in a foreign land can seem fun and free, and for the valiant vacationer, the thrill of riding a motorbike can seem well worth the risk. However, don’t let reckless riding ruin your dream holiday! Get geared up and ready to go with our handy tips below.
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<a href="https://www.travelinsurance.co.nz/travel-insurance/how-to-ride-a-moped-overseas-and-not-die/"><img src="https://www.travelinsurance.co.nz/assets/tinz/how-ride-moped-not-die.png" width="100%" alt="How to ride a moped overseas & not die"/></a><br /> Infographic by: <a href="https://www.travelinsurance.co.nz">Travelinsurance.co.nz</a>
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BIKE
Renting a scooter overseas may be easy, but choosing your wheels won’t always be breezy. Get road-ready by researching the perfect trike for your trip before you get to the hire shop.
2. DON’T GET SCAMMED
Before accepting your rental, do an inspection of your bike. Hidden charges and scams amounting from prior damages can end up costing you a truck load. Take photos as evidence of any existing scratches and scrapes.
3. KNOW THE ROAD RULES
Road rules differ greatly around the globe. When abroad be sure to obey all traffic regulations and road signs and be ultra-vigilant in unknown areas. Be wary of hazards like risky fellow riders, potholes and even wandering stray dogs. Woof!
4. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Cut and bruises are not great travel companions. Whether it’s compulsory or not, make sure you wear a helmet and protective clothing at all times. No travel insurer is obliged to cover you if you are not protecting your noggin.
5. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
We all love a tipple or two, especially when you’re on your holidays. But let’s face it; unlike gin and tonic, drinking and driving are not a good mix. Stay clear of the beer when getting behind the wheel!
6. HAVE THE RIGHT LICENSE
You wouldn’t drive without a license back home, so why risk it on holidays? To ride legally overseas you need a motorcycle license valid for the same class of vehicle you're intending to hire, accompanied with an international driver's permit.
7. GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Don’t assume that your policy covers you for riding a moped automatically. If you’re involved in an accident without the appropriate license or protective gear, you may invalidate your travel insurance policy and be liable for a large fine.
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We believe that you should have the freedom to experience the world on two wheels. Motorbikes and scooters are a popular way to get around in many overseas destinations but it's important to stay safe. Understand what's covered and wha'ts not, with our common motorcycle questions.
Yes, all TINZ policies cover you to ride a motorbike (regardless of whether you are the driver or riding pillion) but you MUST wear a helmet. You must also be licenced to ride a motorcycle of the same class in New Zealand and hold a valid licence for the country you are in. If you were to sustain an injury while riding a motorbike or scooter you’d be covered provided you are law abiding, licenced and wear a helmet.
We cover you to ride motorbikes, motorcycles, scooters, vespas, mopeds and any other two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorised bike.
It does not matter the engine size of the bike, as long as you are licenced to ride that class of motorcycle. You are insured to ride a bike with an engine displacement up to 50cc with a New Zealand driving licence. If riding a bike over 50cc, you must have a motorcycle licence valid for the same class of vehicle for the country you are riding in.
If your licence restricts the engine size that you can ride then you'll need to stick to that while you are away. For example, if you want to ride a 1000cc motorbike then you must be licensed to do so in New Zealand as well as in the country you’re riding in.
No, TINZ doesn't charge any extra if you want to ride a motorccyle on your holiday. We want you to enjoy the ride without the worry. Whether you're hiring a moped for one day or a motorbike for a month, we've got you covered as long as you're wearing a helmet and you or the driver are licenced to ride that class of bike.
Yes, no matter which country you’re riding in you must wear a helmet. Even if you are not reqiured by the law to wear a helmet in that country, our travel insurance policy requires you to wear one. You’ll also need a helmet if you are a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter. If you’re not wearing a helmet during an accident, you won’t be covered.
Licence requirements vary from country to country but an Internation Driving Permit (IDP) is recognised in most countries and recommended in many. Particularly where English is not a native language as it provides translations into many languages.
Unfotunately not. You shoul make sure you’re fully insured for the motorbike or scooter you’re hiring. It's a good idea to check the bike for damage before you ride it and ensure any damage is noted in the documentation so you don’t pay for it later.
TINZ's Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance covers sedans, hatchbacks, SUV’s, 4WD, station-wagons, motorhomes and campervans rented from a licenced rental company. It does not cover hiring of motorbikes, mopeds and scooters. It's a good idea to check the bike for damage before you ride it and ensure any damage is noted in the documentation so you don’t pay for it later.
