The water sports and scooter rental industries in The Bahamas are minimally regulated. Every year people die or suffer injuries due to improper, careless, or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft or scuba/snorkeling equipment. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.
You should rent motor scooter equipment only from reputable operators, and insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. Travelers have reported that some operators do not actually provide insurance coverage even when the renter opted (and paid) for insurance coverage. You should insist on seeing proof that operators have sufficient medical and liability insurance and are properly licensed to operate in The Bahamas before renting any motorized or other vehicle.
Boat and motor theft does occur in the Bahamas. Boaters should ensure their boats are securely docked and have GPS trackers, particularly in the outer islands.