What is Scoopy?
Do you want to fly? Too scared to go skydiving? There's a clear solution to all this... try a Scoopy! The Honda Scoopy is a super popular model of motorbike / scooter sold in Asia, but the term "scoopy" is used by backpackers to describe all motorbikes while in Asia. As you might know, motorbiking in Southeast Asia is extremely common and is the primary form of transportation in most Asian countries. While in Kampot, Cambodia, I finally decided to try driving one for myself.
How Do I Get My Hands On a Scoopy?
Motorbiking in Southeast Asia can be dangerous and is actually illegal in many countries if you do not have a local license. With that being said, motorbikes are very frequently rented to backpackers and travelers at local shops. To find a scooter rental place, just search it up on Google Maps. The process of acquiring a motorbike without a license, although easy, requires confidence. If you are wavering in confidence, it's likely you will be turned down by the owner. When asked if you've ridden a motorbike, but don't have much experience, confidently explain that you do have experience and come prepared to show that. Riding a motorbike in Southeast Asia does require knowledge of motorbike operation and local traffic rules. Do your research before renting.
Motorbike Tips and Tricks for Backpackers
When you get your hands on a motorbike, make sure that you take a picture of the contract signed between you and the owner and take pictures of the vehicles condition prior to riding. It is not odd for the motorbike's owner to hold onto your passport as a deposit (to make sure you don't keep it forever). Drive slow and carefully if you're getting used to a new city or new vehicle. If you encounter any problems, pull over right away. Motorbike accidents are extremely common in Southeast Asia. Most occur not because of backpackers, but because of locals not following proper regulations or driving intoxicated (driving in SEA is like riding a horse in the Wild West). If you get into an accident, many suggest to flee the scene. Whether or not this is against your moral compass, understand that in Southeast Asia foreigners are seen to have much more than the locals. If a local is injured or their property is damaged, the foreigners *always* have to pay.. even if the local was the culprit. In addition to paying for the expenses of an accident, if police or other party is involved, they often require a pay off. With that being said, Tourist Police can be found in many cities and are *supposed to be* your friend. Read
this forum post below if you're still curious.
Riding a Motorbike in Kampot
Wow! What an experience! Despite the cautionary information above, I decided to rent a motorbike in Kampot. Kampot is a relatively quiet town and very easy to ride it. Relatively clear roads and exciting roundabouts made it the perfect place to practice for the first time. I did know how freeing it would feel until I sat on the back of that 6 hp stallion! On my first ride I took I got lost at the salt fields and ended up 20 minutes out of town. I didn't have a SIM card to search up directions, so getting back to the hostel was quite an adventure. In addition to running errands, I ended up taking the motorbike to the Merkari kayak rental to kayak the Preak Tuek Chu river and to the Ciao pasta restaurant, both of which I have posted articles on. I will miss my Scoopy as I depart for Ho Chi Minh City in a couple days and have been warned that Vietnam is not so welcoming to newbie drivers. We'll see what adventures await for me there.
