Scooters are an affordable and efficient alternative, with rental prices typically ranging from 200 to 250 Baht per day(approximately 8-12 USD). Longer-term rentals can often be negotiated at even lower rates. Scooters also provide the ability to easily navigate through Chiang Mai’s bustling streets and winding lanes.

It's Ok to rent a scooter and a very nice way to see some places around Chiang Mai. The visit of the Doi Suthep, the Tawai Village (by following the river), the Samoeng-Mae Rim loop... Renting a scooter in good condition and avoiding the scams is also important. A good address in Chiang Mai: Mister Mechanics, 2 shops in the Taphae Gate Area.

Make sure you have an IDP for motorcycles as there are frequent checks nowadays. Plenty of good motorcycle outlets with scooters, there must be a dozen POP rental shops but with different types of bikes. Mr Mechanic is another one. TBB has mostly larger bikes but there are two more scooter shops in the same street.

While renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is relatively cheap and painless, it is fraught with dangers that you need to be aware of; dodgy dealers, faulty bikes, inadequate insurance and corrupt police are common. Thankfully I managed to avoid almost all of these dangers and ended up having many amazing travel experiences with my rented scooter.