Aussie holidaymakers are advised to ensure they are licensed to ride a scooter overseas and to take all necessary precautions after a recent uptick in serious accidents involving Australian travellers on motorbikes abroad.
1Cover Travel Insurance noted that four severe scooter incidents have been reported in the past week alone with three cases involving unlicensed riders in Bali.
The recent surge in overseas scooter accidents highlights the danger of riding these motorised vehicles without the proper licensing or insurance coverage.
While scooters are convenient for zipping from A to B while on holiday, inexperienced riders can come undone on busy and dangerous roads in unfamiliar locations.
One key issue is the misunderstanding around licensing when renting scooters overseas such as in Bali where most scooters available for hire exceed 50cc, which means riders need a motorcycle licence.
Rise in overseas scooter accidents involving tourists
Tourist accidents are such a prevalent issue in Bali that the Indonesian island is considering banning international travellers from hiring scooters and motorbikes.
Many travellers are unaware they must have an Australian motorcycle license and, in some cases, an international driving permit for insurance coverage purposes.
Local laws are another important factor along with following other crucial safety measures when renting scooters overseas.
Travellers should wear a helmet when riding a scooter and avoid being under the influence of drugs and alcohol, which will negate your cover in the case of overseas scooter accidents.
1Cover Travel Insurance spokesperson Natalie Smith said the sharp increase in overseas scooter accidents is alarming and reiterated the importance of adhering to local laws and insurance requirements.
“If you wouldn’t ride a scooter in Australia without a license and helmet, you shouldn’t do it overseas. The consequences are simply too severe,” she said.
