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Picking a scooter is a bit like picking a backpack: the "best" one depends on where you're going and what you're carrying. Here's how we'd choose if we were in your sandals.
The quick version
| If you are… | Rent this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New to scooters | Honda BeAT or Scoopy | Light, low seat, very forgiving |
| Riding solo around town | Yamaha Mio or Scoopy | Cheap, nimble, easy to park |
| Two people, hills, sunsets | Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX | More power and a long, comfy seat |
| Into photos and style | Yamaha Fazzio | Neo-retro looks, smooth hybrid engine |
| Heading to Ruteng, Wae Rebo or across Flores | Honda ADV 160 | Ground clearance and long-travel suspension |
| An experienced rider who wants gears | Honda CBX 150 | Our only manual-clutch bike |
Small automatics: Scoopy, BeAT, Mio, Fazzio, Vario
These 110–125cc scooters are what most locals ride, and for good reason. They're light enough to turn around on a narrow lane, they barely use fuel, and they're easy to park outside a warung.
- Honda BeAT (IDR 100,000/day) — the lightest bike in our fleet. If you're a bit nervous, start here.
- Honda Scoopy (IDR 100,000/day) — retro styling, comfortable riding position, our most popular scooter.
- Yamaha Mio (IDR 90,000/day) — the budget pick, sporty and nimble.
- Yamaha Fazzio (IDR 100,000/day) — the one people photograph. Its hybrid assist makes pulling away smooth.
- Honda Vario 125 (IDR 120,000/day) — a little more punch and a bright LED headlight; a great all-rounder.
The catch: with two adults on board, the steepest hills around town will feel slow. Fine for one person, a bit of a struggle for two.
Maxi-scooters: Yamaha NMAX and Honda PCX
At IDR 150,000 a day, the NMAX and PCX are the sweet spot for couples. The 155–160cc engines pull two people up to Sylvia Hill without drama, the seats are long and padded, and the bigger wheels feel more settled on rougher patches.
- Yamaha NMAX — slightly sportier feel, very popular for longer rides.
- Honda PCX 160 — smooth, quiet, with a big under-seat compartment that swallows two helmets or a day's shopping.
- Yamaha Aerox 155 — the sporty cousin, for riders who like a bit more attitude.
They're heavier than the small automatics, so they take a little more effort at walking pace. If you've ridden a scooter before, you'll adapt in minutes.
Want a scooter for this ride?
Scoopy, NMAX, PCX, ADV and more from IDR 90,000/day — two clean helmets, a raincoat and free delivery to Komodo Airport or your hotel.
Adventure: Honda ADV 160
The ADV (IDR 175,000/day) looks like a scooter that's been to the gym. It has more ground clearance, longer suspension travel and a taller riding position. On the broken road towards Denge (the trailhead for Wae Rebo) or the smaller roads around Ruteng, that makes a real difference.
If you're planning a Flores road trip by scooter, this is the bike we recommend.
Manual: Honda CBX 150
Most visitors are happier on an automatic. But if you ride a geared motorcycle at home and enjoy changing down for corners, the CBX (IDR 250,000/day) is a lovely bike for the mountain roads. It's our only manual, so book early.
Three questions to ask yourself
- Will I carry a passenger? If yes, go 155cc or bigger.
- Will I leave Labuan Bajo? For Ruteng and beyond, NMAX, PCX or ADV.
- How confident am I at slow speed? If tight U-turns make you nervous, a lighter bike will make your trip more fun.
Still unsure? Tell us on WhatsApp what you're planning and we'll suggest a bike. You can also swap if the first one doesn't suit you.
Choosing questions
What's the best scooter for two people in Labuan Bajo?
The Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX. They have the power and seat length to carry two people up the hills comfortably.
Is a 110cc scooter enough for Labuan Bajo?
For one person riding around town, yes. With a passenger on steep hills, a 155–160cc scooter is more comfortable.
Can I rent a manual motorbike in Labuan Bajo?
Yes, the Honda CBX 150 is our manual-clutch option for experienced riders.
Which scooter is best for the road to Wae Rebo?
The Honda ADV 160, thanks to its higher ground clearance and suspension.
Want a scooter for this ride?
Scoopy, NMAX, PCX, ADV and more from IDR 90,000/day — two clean helmets, a raincoat and free delivery to Komodo Airport or your hotel.