Scooter Deposit Return: How We Film the Bike's Condition on Video

Updated: July 19, 2026 · 4 min read · APARTEL Rental

At APARTEL the scooter deposit is 2,500–5,000 ฿ in cash, and it comes back in full, on the spot, the moment you return the bike. That works because we film the scooter's condition at handover: a walk-around video shot together with you, so both sides hold the exact same picture. At drop-off the check runs against that same clip — there is simply nothing to argue about. We never hold your passport, and the deposit amount is fixed in chat before we even meet. Paperwork takes 5–10 minutes. Below: the video check step by step, a deposit table by model, and why tourists without a video lose money.

How does the handover video work?

1. We bring the scooter to your hotel or villa — free along the west coast.
2. You show your passport — the details go into the contract, the document goes straight back into your hands.
3. You leave the cash deposit — the amount was already fixed in chat at booking.
4. Together we walk around the scooter and film it: bodywork, mirrors, plastics, wheels, mileage. Film it on your own phone too — we encourage it.
5. You get two helmets and a raincoat and ride off. Both sides keep the clip until the rental ends.

What happens at drop-off?

We collect the scooter where we delivered it — no ride to our office needed. We check the condition against the handover video: it matches — the deposit goes back into your hands on the spot, in full. No "come back tomorrow", no "we'll transfer it later". Leaving from a different area? Agree on the new address in advance, same procedure.

What deposit for which model?

The full rental price list is in the 2026 price table.

Why do tourists without a video lose their deposit?

The classic move at some rental shops: at drop-off they "find" a scratch you never made and bill you thousands of baht. If the shop holds your passport instead of a cash deposit, the argument is over before it starts — the document stays with them until you pay. A handover video breaks this scheme at the root: there is a dated clip, so there is a fact. Hence our simple rule: cash deposit, video on two phones, and your passport always stays with you.

And if the scratch really is mine?

It happens, and it is fine. Tell us straight away — we price it at the real repair cost from our mechanic, not out of thin air, deduct only that from the deposit and show you the maths. The rest comes back. In a serious accident call us first: the scooter is insured, and we will walk you through what to film, whom to wait for and what to sign. Insurance in detail — in the separate guide.

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