Renting a scooter in Taiwan

Here's the best practical advice for renting a scooter during your time in Taiwan.

If you live in Taiwan and hold an Alien Resident Card:
Get a local license when you get here and skip trying the IDL all together. There is a written test, in English, at the DMV and a simple driving test - if you actually know how to drive a scooter - and you can get up to a 250cc machine or e-bike. Now you can rent scooters without an issue anywhere and you're covered by the minimal insurance policy it has! Bonus local ID too.

As a Tourist:

2022 Update:

Many countries now have reciprocal license agreements with Taiwan. The list is continuing to grow as time goes on, but with few exceptions you'll need a copy of your original license, a Chinese translation, and your passport. The program is intended for short stays

Bear in mind when actually acquiring a vehicle you're still far better off holding  an IDL.

Here's the link to pdf's about reciprocal licenses

Bring your International Driving License with you, but be expected to get rejected everywhere without a clear tipoff where you can rent.

As of the end of the pre-COVID era there were no stores accepting international documents near the train stations of any major city. 

If you have NO license of any type and drive its illegal even if you can get the machine, and its not unheard of for unexperienced tourists to have serious or fatal injuries while out on the open road.

There are written plans to be more proactive as of fall 2022 in checking licenses in areas known for people getting on scooters and motorbikes without proper documentation, especially on the tourist circuit.

More information for the reading-inclined:

While bringing the license from home may give you the legal right to drive as a visitor in Taiwan for up to a year, you'll have a hard time renting a scooter anywhere in Taiwan with it. With limited exceptions, local renters only take local licenses, and the exceptions want international drivers licenses. 

Outside of having a tip from social media only in Kenting or Hualian will you find someone willing to rent you a scooter without a local permit, and it's usually a matter of walking to every store in town until one says yes. If you go with a local friend make sure they take their documents to help secure your ride. If you go alone, or with another group of foreign tourists you'll end up paying modestly boosted prices and likely get a trashier machine. The fact that you have an IDL (International Drivers License) in your hands will mean nothing to anyone. 

Expect to pay 500 NTD a day or above, and some stores may request you leave a credit card to pay for tickets which are issued electronically after your rental ends. Some stores on the east coast will say you can only do 200km a day (or something similar) without paying more. Unless you plan to drive around the whole country you won't go over the limit if you rent for a few days.

The only time your foreign paperwork is going to help you is when talking to the police in the event you get pulled over or into an accident. Insurance companies have been known to suggest foreign drivers are not licensed locally and won't pay out, so really your paperwork only serves to save you from the driving without a license ticket.

A notable exception to the "no one takes foreign licenses or IDLs" thing is car rental agencies. Yes, this article is for scooters but be practical while you're visiting, especially if you're going to go outside the cities. There are a few of the major car rental chains around in Taiwan, and you may find some willing stores near HSR stations. 

A car can be a great way to travel around Taiwan, especially on the EXTREMELY dangerous mountain passes. Or 40 degree Celsius heat. Or a torrential downpour. 

If you're looking to do a trip where you travel between cities, east and west coast and into the high mountains a car is hands down the smarter choice.

Back to scooter practicalities.

Most of the winter months are quite rainy, and it can be quite chilly (winter) or flaming hot (summer) while riding on a scooter. The roads are quite slick in places - anything with paint on it, for example - and if you're not used to the driving style you're more likely to get into an accident. There are red light cameras, speed cameras, and the police wait just out of view to spring a ticket on you at many intersections.

Know the rules of the road and follow them.

Nearly everything famous in Tainan City, Taipei, and Kaohsiung can be seen on foot / public transit if you plan things correctly and make sparse use of taxis. Since late 2018 there is also a bike share system like found in Taipei, although the machines are a bit clunkier.

Taichung is more comfortable by car than anything else, but public transit is in the works, and there are lines that now extend through Taoyuan too. Life on two wheels is great, but just be sure its actually part of your travel plans.

The best place to rent and drive a scooter is on the east coast or down in Kenting. Traffic in these areas is also much much lighter. I wrote an article for on-road safety for bikers but its equally applicable for scooters in almost every sense, and if you've never driven on tight mountain roads at speed... good luck.

The bottom Line:

Consider if its worth the hassle of finding a store to rent it to you, get a real location lined up via social media, and bring your documents. Be prepared to change plans if it doesn't work out.

Renting lets you get away from the city and see some cool stuff, but you can also do that on your bike, a car, or any public transit. As much as life on two wheels is still part of Taiwan's culture, most people have shifted to car usage whenever possible in recent years, and the infrastructure to support you choosing driving a car is far greater than scooter infrastructure. 

Think practically about what you want from your time here, and be safe. 

Finally, if its hot and sunny consider covering up exposed skin if you're not used to lots of exposure to the sun.