Losing your rental motorcycle key or any key for that matter can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar place like Chiang Mai. Don’t worry, these things happen! Here’s what you should do if it happens to you.
1. Stay Calm and Double-Check
Before you panic, take a moment to retrace your steps. Check your pockets, bags, the ground around your bike, and any nearby shops or cafés you’ve visited. Lost keys are often found nearby and are remarkable at blending into the surroundings.
2. Contact the Rental Shop Immediately
Call or message us as soon as possible no matter how late or early it is. We’re here to help. Let us know your location and situation, and we’ll advise the best next steps. In most cases, we can easily drop off a spare key within the hour.
3. Don’t Try to Force the Lock
Trying to unlock or start the bike without the key can cause damage, which may result in expensive repair costs and lock barrels just being a pain to fix. Just leave the bike where it is and wait for our assistance. Worse case call a Grab home and get it sorted later.
4. Be Prepared for a small Replacement Fee
Replacing a lost key usually comes with a fee. Most scooter keys are inexpensive to replace ~฿150 (USD $5), but some models with chip keys or keyless systems may cost more. We’ll always be upfront about the cost but at the end of the day it’s not the end of the world. If you eventually find the key let us or the rental provider know and they might be able to refund you.
5. Consider Where You Store the Key
To avoid losing the key again, make it a habit to keep it in a secure place. A zipped pocket, a lanyard, or a clip inside your bag are all good options.
If you’re worried about misplacing it again, just let us know. We’re happy to attach an oversized plush keychain or rubber toy to help it stand out. It might look a little silly, but it works for some people!
