How We Prep Bikes for Rental: Service Every 3,000 km, Checks Before Every Handover
Every MC BIKE scooter gets a full service every 3,000 km, and before handover our mechanic checks six points: oil, brake pads, tires, CVT, lights, and tire pressure. We film the bike's condition on video, and if it breaks down through no fault of yours, we replace it for free. Here's how the system works.
What does the mechanic check before every handover?
Before every handover, the mechanic runs through six points: engine oil, brake pads, tires, CVT, lights, and tire pressure. It's short but mandatory, regardless of when the bike last had scheduled service. Every 3,000 km, a full service is added on top.
If even one point raises doubt, the bike doesn't go out — it goes to the workshop, and you get another one from our 12-model fleet. The checklist order never changes, so nothing gets missed:
- Oil — level and condition; near the 3,000 km mark since the last change, we replace it right away.
- Brake pads — pad thickness and lever travel: Phuket's descents and switchbacks push brakes hard.
- Tires — tread depth, no cuts or bulges.
- CVT — smooth acceleration, no jerks or odd noises; belt and rollers replaced on schedule, not when they start screeching.
- Lights — headlight, brake light, turn signals: a dead brake light is more dangerous than it sounds in heavy Thai traffic.
- Tire pressure — set to manufacturer spec: the heat shifts it noticeably.
Why service every 3,000 km, not "when it feels off"?
Because a rental bike works harder than a private one: different riders, two-up loads, switchbacks, heat, and the rainy season from May to October. The 3,000 km interval is a rule that changes consumables before they start failing, not after.
"Whenever it feels off" means changing the oil only if the scooter "rides funny." That's how many small rental shops on the island maintain their bikes, and you've probably seen the result: a screeching CVT and tires worn down to the cord.
We've been in business since 2016, with 2,400+ rentals and a 4.9 rating — and almost every serious mechanical issue we've seen at other rental shops started with skipped maintenance. That's why regular service every 3,000 km is built into the rental price and costs you nothing extra.
Why do we film the bike on video at handover?
Video at pickup and return protects both sides. Every scratch is recorded "before," so a dispute like "was this scuff already there or did you make it" simply can't happen — we just pull up the footage.
This matters because the bike itself isn't insured — that's how Phuket's rental market works. Damage is priced from the nearest repair shop's rate card, and only for parts actually damaged — no eyeballed estimates, no round numbers.
We recommend filming the same walkaround on your own phone before you ride off. For the full pickup checklist and what's in the contract, see rental terms.
Bike breaks down mid-trip — who pays?
If the breakdown isn't your fault, the replacement is free: you pay nothing for repairs and don't lose any paid days. You just get a working bike and carry on with your trip.
In practice: message us on WhatsApp or Telegram, briefly describe what happened, and send your location. We usually reply within 15 minutes during working hours, 10:00–19:00, then sort it out from there.
Regular service is exactly what keeps this rare. But machines are machines, so our replacement process is battle-tested on real trips, not just written for the website.
Flat tire: how much, and where to go?
A flat repair runs 100–200 ฿ at any roadside tire shop — the cheapest "repair" on the island. Our guests usually spot a flat in the hotel parking lot: the tire slowly goes down overnight.
Tire shops line every major road on Phuket — look for a rack of tires by the curb. You barely need English: just point at the wheel, and the fix takes a few minutes.
If you get a flat far from any town, message us and we'll point you to the nearest shop. Keep some cash on hand — that same 100–200 ฿ settles it on the spot, since tire shops rarely take cards.
What's included besides the service?
Every bike's price already includes two helmets (any number of kids' helmets), a phone holder, and regular service every 3,000 km. Prices start at 300 ฿/day — for the PCX 150, NMAX 155, or Aerox 155 — with a minimum term of 5 days.
Longer terms cost less: 10% off from 15 days, 20% off from 30 days. The deposit is refundable: 3,000 ฿ for 150–160cc scooters and 6,000 ฿ for 300cc+ maxi-scooters — returned on drop-off day.
All 12 models are automatics — browse the full fleet in the bike catalog. If you're visiting during the rainy season, we especially recommend ABS versions: roads are slickest in the first 10 minutes of a downpour, and ABS helps a lot there.
How do you confirm the bike is really ready at handover?
Take a few minutes and check the bike together with us: brakes, lights, smooth engine running, tire condition. We at MC BIKE are all for it — the more thorough the handover, the smoother the whole rental goes for both of us.
Make sure every existing scratch is caught on video, then sign the contract — it's drawn up on the spot. Booking needs no prepayment: lock in the model and date in advance via WhatsApp; we don't hold your passport, just a photo of it plus the refundable deposit.
Questions about service, the deposit, or bike replacement? Check the FAQ or message us — we usually reply within 15 minutes, 10:00–19:00. For the full pickup checklist, see the related article below.