Last Updated on 12-30-2023

The world’s scooter capital is Taiwan. While unsafe to operate, scooters are entertaining. Almost anywhere along the side of the road is a good place to pull over so you can take pictures and take in the beauty. They are also rather simple to learn to drive; if you can already ride a bike or a vehicle, learning to drive a moped shouldn’t be too difficult. Cruising along the streets with the wind in your face like everyone else is the best way to experience Taiwan. 

Riding a scooter in Taiwan

The world’s scooter capital is Taiwan. While unsafe to operate, scooters are entertaining. Almost anywhere along the side of the road is a good place to pull over so you can take pictures and take in the beauty. They are also rather simple to learn to drive; if you can already ride a bike or a vehicle, learning to drive a moped shouldn’t be too difficult. Cruising along the streets with the wind in your face like everyone else is the best way to experience Taiwan. 

Important Guidelines for Scooter Riding:

There are a few key guidelines to remember when riding in Taiwan if you want to ride safely and comfortably.

Limitations on Traffic:

• National highways, the area in front of Taipei Main Station, and a few inner lanes on roads with numerous lanes are off-limits to motor vehicle traffic.
• Only heavy scooters and motorcycles with displacements more than 250cc are permitted on expressways.

Turning Guidelines:

• Typically, a left turn is made in two steps: pull to the right, stop in a white box, and wait for the green light.
• Heavy scooters and motorcycles above 250cc are an exception to the two-step rule since they can turn like vehicles.
• It is forbidden to turn right on a red signal.
• When turning right, be careful: Check for scooters and bikers in the blind spots and the space at the back.

Security and Law Enforcement:

• As there are many scooters, right turns must be taken carefully.
• Early signaling, slow turning, mirror checks, and blind spot inspections are all good ideas for safe right turns.
• Red light and speed cameras are frequently used as the principal means of traffic enforcement.
• In the event of an accident, call the police and insurance, and don’t move the car until you have the accident report.

Road features and lane usage:

• Avoid driving in Taipei City’s bus-only lanes.
• Some roadways have designated special lanes just for scooters.
• To ensure enough gas for mountain rides, organize your fuel.
• Safety precautions At blind corners, there are round mirrors to look for approaching vehicles.

Instructions for Short-Term Rental (less than 30 Days):

Types of Scooters and Their Usage:

In Taiwan, the most common scooter varieties include 50cc, 100cc, and 125cc engine sizes.

Getting Ready and Needs:

1.Verify the validity of your driver’s license in Taiwan.
2. Important documents:

• Travel document International driving permit (IDP): Get this from your home nation; Taiwan does not handle IDP applications for travelers from other countries.
• original driving permit from your country of residence.

Rental Charges:

Scooter type affects rental costs:

Prices for 24 hours typically vary from NT$300 to NT$400 on weekdays, which is thought to be acceptable. Rates may rise to about NT$450 to NT$500 on weekends and holidays. NT$500 is a typical day cost for electric scooters.

Electric Scooter Vehicle Sharing in Taiwan:

In Taiwan’s major cities, a lot of electric scooter rental businesses have recently popped up. However, they can only be used in large cities, and you need a local Taiwan scooter license to rent one. The wonderful thing about them is that you only need to register using the app and can rent the scooter using your phone. Once you’re done, you can park it in a legal scooter parking area. The top companies that rent out scooters are listed below:

iRent

iRent presents a convenient scooter rental solution, currently accessible in key cities including Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. To initiate rentals, users must download their dedicated app, enabling a seamless experience. However, it’s important to note that renting may be challenging for foreign tourists due to the requirement of possessing a local Taiwan scooter license.

The pricing structure is designed to be budget-friendly and transparent. Initial usage, covering the first 6 minutes, incurs a charge of NT 10.Following this initial period, a competitive rate of NT1.5 per minute is applicable. Notably, the service ensures affordability with a daily maximum rental payment capped at NT 300, providing users with cost-effective options for their travel needs. The scooters offered a range of 20 to 80 Km, with variations based on the chosen model, catering to different journey lengths. Recharging is made convenient through battery swaps at Ionex stations, ensuring consistent and hassle-free mobility for users. ScooterGo emerges as a viable choice for local commuters and tourists seeking accessible and efficient urban transportation solutions.

Wemo

Wemo presents an accessible and traveler-friendly scooter rental service, with coverage extending to key urban hubs: Taipei, urban New Taipei, and downtown Kaohsiung. A notable advantage is the absence of a requirement for a local scooter license. International travelers can make use of their valid international driving license to enjoy the service.

The pricing structure is designed to be both transparent and accommodating. The initial 6-minute ride is priced at NT 15, followed by a competitive rate of NT 2.5 per minute thereafter. For those who require a full day of mobility, a 24-hour rental option is available at a rate of NT 350, ensuring a practical and cost-effective solution for longer journeys. While charging stations are not provided, the service employs a unique approach—users can seamlessly swap vehicles when their current scooter’s battery runs low, allowing for uninterrupted travel.

Goshare

GoShare is a well-known company that rents out scooters, and it is currently available in many places, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Tainan, and Yunlin. Users must download the specific app in order to start the rental procedure. Possessing a local scooter license is a requirement for rentals. For example, a Taiwan 50cc scooter license allows users to operate the VIVA model, whereas a 150cc license allows them to use any sort of electric scooter.

The fee schedule provides both flexibility and affordability. Depending on the model, the first 6 minutes of usage are charged at either NT 15 or NT 25. After the first hour, a reasonable rate of NT 2.5 per minute is in effect. Depending on the model chosen, the range of these scooters ranges from 20 to 80 km, meeting a variety of travel needs. Users are guaranteed uninterrupted travel thanks to a quick battery swap mechanism at authorized GoStations. GoShare helps to provide practical and eco-friendly urban mobility solutions in various places through its extensive use and user-friendly design.

Top Scooter-Friendly Destinations in Taiwan:

Green Island

On Green Island, renting a scooter costs roughly NT$400–500 per day (NT$600 if you want an electric cycle). Most BnBs can assist you with making a reservation so you can go on the scooter as soon as you arrive. 

Orchid Island

There are numerous options available at the port or the airport to rent a scooter on Orchid Island. A 30- to 40-minute round-island scooter ride is something we heartily suggest. A 125cc scooter is $500 per day to rent.

Penghu

Penghu is made up of numerous little islands. Penghua Island, Cimei Island, and Wangan Island are well-known islands. On all of them, scooters can be leased for roughly NT$350–450 per day. You might get cheaper prices on boat tickets with some package packages.

Xiao Liuqiu                                                                                               

In Taiwan’s south, on the island of Xiao Liuqiu, a refuge for divers, you can only rent a Gogoro (electric scooter). A standard scooter costs between NT$300 and NT$400 per day to hire, whereas a gogoro costs NT$600 per day. 

Conclusion:

Riding a scooter in Taiwan offers an exciting and convenient way to traverse its bustling streets and picturesque landscapes. With a valid motorcycle license or appropriate permit, you can navigate the country’s vibrant cities and rural areas. It’s crucial to prioritize safety by wearing helmets and adhering to traffic rules while driving on the right-hand side of the road. Parking in designated spots, refueling at easily accessible gas stations, and respecting local driving customs round out the experience. By embracing the freedom of scooter travel and respecting local regulations, you can fully enjoy the unique charm and practicality of exploring Taiwan on two wheels.