Scooter Rental Recommendations

Rent a Scooter: The New Favorite for Travelers

Hey, looking for a spontaneous trip? Or planning an exciting round-the-island tour in Taiwan? Then you can't miss renting a scooter—it's an amazing option!
In recent years, scooter rentals have become increasingly popular in the travel community. Why? Because they are both convenient and cost-effective, making your trip more free and exciting!

A Variety of Scooters to Choose From

Lightweight Scooters: Your Best Companion for City Tours

If you plan to explore big cities like Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, lightweight scooters are definitely your best choice.
These scooters are usually 50cc or 125cc, compact and agile, perfect for navigating crowded streets. Imagine riding a lightweight scooter, you can easily tour from Ximending to Taipei 101 and then to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, without worrying about traffic jams or finding parking spaces!

Benefits of Renting Lightweight Scooters:

• Easy Parking: You can find parking spaces almost everywhere
• Fuel Efficient: You can explore the entire city in one day and still spend less than NT$100 on fuel
• Easy to Operate: Even beginners can quickly get the hang of it

Medium-Sized Scooters: Ideal for Suburban Exploration

Want to take a suburban trip or plan a short two-to-three-day journey? Medium-sized scooters are perfect for you.
These scooters usually range from 150cc to 250cc, providing enough power to tackle hills but still light and easy to control.
Riding a medium-sized scooter, you can easily set off from Taipei, travel along the North Coast to Yilan. You can stop whenever you want and take pictures of the beautiful scenery along the way. How delightful!

Advantages of Medium-Sized Scooters:

• Sufficient Power: Effortless uphill rides
• High Comfort: Long rides without getting easily tired
• Large Fuel Tank: Can go a long distance on a single tank

Large Scooters: The Best Partner for Round-the-Island Trips

If you dream of an epic round-the-island trip or need to carry multiple people, then large scooters are your best choice. These scooters are usually over 300cc, offering powerful performance and top-notch comfort.
Imagine riding a stylish large scooter with your loved one, starting from Taipei, heading south along the Suhua Highway, passing through the East Rift Valley, then turning to Kenting, and finally heading north along the west coast. Such a journey would be an unforgettable experience for a lifetime!

Benefits of Large Scooters:

• Powerful Performance: No fear of steep roads
• High Comfort: Long rides without getting easily tired
• Large Luggage Space: Easily fit all your travel gear

No matter which type of scooter you choose, rental companies offer transparent pricing and flexible rental periods. Moreover, the longer the rental period, the more discounts you'll typically receive!

What Are the Benefits of Renting a Scooter?

You might wonder, why rent a scooter? Isn’t taking the bus or metro an option? Sure, but renting a scooter can make your travel experience completely different!

1. Easy Access to All Attractions

With a scooter, you’re not restricted by fixed bus routes and schedules. Go wherever you want, entirely at your own pace. For example, if you’re in Hualien and want to see both Taroko Gorge and Qixingtan Beach in one day, waiting for and transferring between buses might take most of the day. But with a scooter, you can visit Taroko Gorge in the morning, Qixingtan Beach in the afternoon, and still have time to enjoy the night market in Hualien City!

2. Time and Effort Saving

The biggest advantage of renting a scooter is saving time. Statistics show that in the city, riding a scooter is on average 1.5 times faster than the bus and over 5 times faster than walking. For instance, in Taichung, getting from Fengjia Night Market to Gaomei Wetlands by bus might take over an hour with transfers, but with a scooter, it only takes about half an hour! The time saved can be used to visit more places or enjoy more delicious food.

3. Super Convenient Parking

Finding parking is a headache when driving in crowded city areas. But if you rent a scooter, it’s not a problem at all! Scooter parking spaces are everywhere, and many attractions have dedicated scooter parking lots that are convenient and safe. Even in the most popular spots like Kenting Street or Jiufen Old Street, you can easily find parking. This means you can freely explore, stop, and fully experience the charm of each place.

4. Cost-effective Helper

Don’t underestimate scooters; they are great at saving money! First, scooters have extremely low fuel consumption. Generally, a scooter’s fuel tank can be filled for less than 300 TWD and can run nearly 200 kilometers. In contrast, renting a car might cost several hundred TWD just in fuel. Additionally, renting a scooter is much cheaper than renting a car. A day’s scooter rental might only be a third or less of a car rental. If you plan to rent long-term, there are often even more discounts.

Let’s make a concrete comparison: Suppose you plan to play in Taitung for 5 days, traveling an average of 100 kilometers each day.

• 🛵 Scooter Rental: Rental fee about 500 TWD/day, fuel cost about 150 TWD/day, totaling only 3250 TWD.
• 🚗 Car Rental: Rental fee about 1500 TWD/day, fuel cost about 450 TWD/day, totaling 9750 TWD.

See, choosing a scooter rental can save you nearly two-thirds of the transportation cost! This money can be used to enjoy more meals or visit more attractions.

Great Deals for You to Choose From

1. Longer Rentals Are More Cost-effective

If you plan to stay longer, choosing a long-term rental plan can save you a lot of money. For instance, a daily rental might be 500 TWD per day, but if you rent for a week, it might average down to 400 TWD per day, and for a month it might be even cheaper, only 350 TWD per day. This means renting for 30 days can save you 4500 TWD!

2. Many Benefits of Becoming a Member

Becoming a member of a rental company is really worth it! Besides enjoying member discounts, you can sometimes participate in special events. For example, some companies offer birthday discounts or let you accumulate points to exchange for free rental days. Joining as a member is usually simple and can be done online. Plus, it’s free! Even if you might only rent once, it’s worth becoming a member.

3. Don’t Miss Holiday Specials

Although holidays are peak travel seasons, don’t think renting a scooter will be expensive. In fact, many rental companies offer special deals during holidays to attract more customers. For example, during the Lunar New Year, there might be a “rent 5 days get 1 day free” deal, or a summer “early bird 10% off” discount. Remember to check the rental company’s website or social media for the latest deals.

Car Rental Information

Required Documents for Car Rental

When renting a car, you need to provide the following documents:

• For local residents: National ID card and driver's license. (Cash rentals available)
• For foreign nationals: Valid IDP (International Driving Permit), passport, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card or UnionPay card, visa or residence permit (valid for more than 6 months) or entry-exit proof.
• For residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau: Valid Hong Kong driver's license or IDP, Mainland passport, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card or UnionPay card, Taiwan entry permit.
• For Japanese citizens: Japanese driver's license and its translation, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card, entry-exit proof.

Security Deposit

• For foreign nationals: TWD 10,000 credit card authorization. The deposit will be refunded after the vehicle is returned successfully, which takes about 28-45 working days.
• For local residents: TWD 1,000 credit card authorization. The deposit will be refunded after the vehicle is returned successfully, which takes about 28-45 working days.

Authorized Credit Cards

Only VISA and Mastercard (excluding debit cards) are accepted.

Mileage Limit for Passenger Cars

The daily mileage limit for passenger cars is 400 kilometers, and the hourly rental limit is 40 kilometers per hour. An additional charge of TWD 2 per kilometer will apply for any excess mileage.

Usage Duration

One day is defined as 24 hours. An overtime fee of 10% of the daily rate will be charged for each additional hour.

Car Rental Insurance

• Vehicle Damage Insurance:
  In the event of vehicle damage, the renter is responsible for the repair costs up to a maximum of TWD 50,000, except in cases of drunk driving, unknown vehicle damage, breach of contract, and other non-compensable actions.
  Note: For upgraded insurance, please contact the branch representative.
  (Excludes business loss and 20% depreciation)
  (If the vehicle is a total loss, the renter is responsible for 25% of the vehicle's current value and 20 days of business loss)
  (Applicable only to accidents involving collisions with other vehicles)
• Theft Insurance:
  In the event of vehicle theft, the renter is responsible for 10% of the vehicle's current value as a deductible.
• Passenger Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 1,000,000 per person within the allowed number of passengers.
• Compulsory Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 2,000,000 per traffic accident victim.
• Driver Injury Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 1,000,000.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance:
  Voluntary third-party accident liability insurance (requires TWD 10,000 deductible for insurance compensation)
  Maximum coverage of TWD 1,000,000 per person for injury or death
  Maximum coverage of TWD 2,000,000 per accident for injury or death
  Maximum coverage of TWD 500,000 per accident for property damage.

*Detailed coverage is based on the policy of each vehicle. The above insurance types do not include motorcycles and trucks (Revised on 2020.3.1).

Car Pickup Process

When picking up the car, you need to bring the aforementioned documents to the car rental company's branch.

• Complete the rental process: Present your ID, driver's license, and credit card, and fill out the rental contract.
• Pay the rental fee and deposit: Pay the rental fee and deposit by credit card.
• Inspect the car: Check the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, inform the rental company immediately.
• Pick up the car: Receive the car keys and related documents.

Car Pickup Notes

• Review the contract: Confirm the terms to protect your rights.
• Fuel: Return the car with a full tank of fuel/electric charge. If the car is picked up with a full tank/charge, please return it the same way. If not returned with a full tank/charge, a fuel charge and service fee will be applied.
• Take photos of the car exterior: Verify the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, take photos as well.

Online Booking and Rental Calculation

You can make an online reservation and calculate the rental fee through the car rental company's website.

• Choose a car model: Select the appropriate car model based on your needs.
• Choose the rental period: Enter your rental dates and times.
• Check the price: The system will automatically calculate the rental fee and deposit.
• Book online: If you decide to rent a car, you can book and pay the deposit online.

Car Return Notes

• Late fee calculation: 24 hours constitutes one day. The late fee is 10% of the daily rental fee per hour.
• ETC: Taiwan highways use the ETC electronic toll collection system. Fees will be settled when the car is returned.
• Mileage fee: The daily mileage limit for passenger cars is 400 kilometers. The hourly rental mileage limit is 40 kilometers per hour. For excess mileage, an additional fee of TWD 2 per kilometer will be charged.

General Road Traffic Regulations

Left-hand Driving

Taiwan follows left-hand driving. If you are from Japan or Hong Kong, make sure to get familiar with the steering wheel and driving direction again.

Right of Way

Speed Limits

The speed limit on highways is 80 to 110 KM/H, and on expressways, it is 60 to 90 KM/H. Follow the speed limit signs. If there are no speed limit signs on regular roads, the default limits are 50 KM/H for general roads, 40 KM/H for slow lanes, and 30 KM/H for urban alleys.

Speeding Fines

According to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act,

• General roads: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed will result in a fine of NTD 1,200 to 2,400 and 1 demerit point.
• Expressways: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed will result in a fine of NTD 3,000 to 6,000 and 2 demerit points.
• Severe speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will result in a fine of NTD 6,000 to 36,000, immediate driving ban, and 3 demerit points.

Drunk Driving Fines

• A breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% is considered drunk driving and will result in a fine of NTD 30,000 to 120,000.
• A breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% violates criminal law and will result in a fine of over NTD 300,000 and up to 3 years of imprisonment.

Mobile Phone Usage Ban

Using a mobile phone, computer, or other device to make calls, data communication, etc., while driving will result in a fine of NTD 3,000.
Note that you cannot use your phone while waiting at a red light either!

Lane Markings

Yellow lane lines: Used to separate traffic directions.

• Broken lines: You can cross to the opposite lane when it does not affect the traffic.
• Double solid yellow lines: No crossing or U-turns allowed.
• Solid and broken lines together: No overtaking, crossing, or U-turns on the solid line side, allowed on the broken line side.

White lane lines: Used to separate same-direction lanes and identify safe driving distances.

• Broken lines: Lane changes or crossing is allowed.
• Double solid white lines: No lane changes or crossing allowed.
• Solid and broken lines together: No lane changes on the solid line side, allowed on the broken line side.

Street Parking Rules

• Red line: No parking at any time. Parking is also prohibited within 10 meters of intersections and bus stops, and within 5 meters of fire truck entrances.
• Yellow line: Temporary parking (no more than 3 minutes) is allowed during the day, and parking is allowed at night (usually from 8 PM to 7 AM). Yellow lines are often accompanied by signs.
• White line: 10 cm white line means no parking. 15 cm white line allows parking. If the roadside has a 10 cm white line, parking will occupy the slow lane and is considered a violation.

Horn Regulations

Horn usage is regulated as "single beep, no more than 3 consecutive times," and each beep should not exceed 0.5 seconds. Violating horn usage or exceeding the volume limit will result in a fine of NTD 300 to 600.

Speed Cameras

Taiwan's average speed cameras calculate the "average speed over a section" unlike traditional fixed-point speed cameras. You need to maintain the speed limit within the section to avoid fines.

Highway Traffic Regulations

ETC

Most highways are toll roads. It is recommended to choose vehicles equipped with the electronic toll collection system eTag for convenient toll payment. Fees will be settled when returning the vehicle.

Speeding Fines

• Expressways: Exceeding the speed limit by over 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed limit will result in a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$6,000 and 2 penalty points.
• Severe Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by over 40 km/h will result in a fine of NT$6,000 to NT$36,000 and immediate suspension of driving, with 3 penalty points recorded.

Overtaking Lane Regulations

The far left lane is the overtaking lane, primarily used for passing vehicles at the highest speed limit. After overtaking, return to the original lane. Do not occupy the overtaking lane for an extended period to avoid traffic congestion.

Shoulder Regulations

The far right lane is the shoulder. During traffic jams, it may be opened to relieve traffic flow at certain times and under certain conditions. A green circle marking indicates the shoulder is open, while a red cross indicates it is closed. When drivers see the sign "No lane change ahead shoulder driving prohibited," they should return to the main lane unless exiting at the next interchange, to avoid penalties. Violating the shoulder regulations results in a fine of NT$4,000 to NT$6,000.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Regulations

Some highway sections implement high occupancy vehicle (HOV) control during peak periods, requiring at least 3 people in the vehicle, including the driver and children, to use the lane.

Traffic Signals

Traffic Lights

In addition to the basic red, yellow, and green lights, there are sometimes arrow signals.
Pay attention to situations where the red light is accompanied by a left/right arrow, allowing only left or right turns.
In other scenarios with a green light, you can go straight or turn left/right.

Flashing Red and Yellow Lights: Indicating Main and Secondary Roads

Flashing Red Light: Indicates a secondary road. You must stop at the intersection and yield to traffic from both sides before proceeding.
Flashing Yellow Light: Indicates a main road. You have the right of way but should be cautious of oncoming traffic.

Common Road Signs

Common Violations

• Right Turn on Red: Right turns are not allowed on a red light unless there is a right turn arrow.
• Speeding: As mentioned previously, speeding violations result in fines and penalty points.
• No Left Turn: No left turns or U-turns are allowed as a U-turn involves two left turns.
• No U-Turn: Left turns are allowed, but U-turns are not, as making a left turn once is not equivalent to a U-turn.

Recommended Navigation System

Google Map

Rental Car FAQs

Q: Where to pay for parking tickets?

You can pay at convenience stores such as 7-11, OK Mart, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life.

Q: What to do in case of an accident?

• Call 110 to report to the police: Preserve the scene or take photos, and do not settle privately.
• Notify the rental car company: Contact their representative or customer service.
• Submit the required claim documents.
• Complete the accident handling process.

Q: How to pay fines?

You can pay at convenience stores such as 7-11, OK Mart, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life. The rental car company will contact you later and charge your credit card remotely.

Q: How to use gas stations?

Taiwan's fuel options include 92, 95, and 98 unleaded gasoline and diesel. Make sure to confirm before you start.

Q: Steps for self-service refueling

• Turn off the engine, engage the parking brake for cars, and set the center stand for motorcycles.
• Choose your payment method.
• Confirm the receipt option.
• After touching the static discharge zone with both hands, open the fuel cap, then follow the machine instructions to lift the nozzle and refuel.
• Refuel to the desired amount or until the nozzle automatically stops, then return the nozzle to the machine.
• After closing the fuel cap, retrieve your credit card, receipt, and invoice from the machine.

Conclusion

Now, you’ve become a scooter rental expert! What are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip right away! Remember to book your scooter in advance, as some popular models can be hard to come by.
Wishing you an amazing journey, safe riding, and lots of fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find Goodcars Rental locations?

A: You can find the location at this link

Q: What should I pay attention to when renting a car?

A: When renting a car, you need to pay attention to the following:

• Prepare Valid Documents: Provide valid identification and driver's license when renting a car.
• Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons or holidays, it's recommended to book the car in advance to avoid delays.
• Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully check the condition of the car when picking it up. Report any damages to the rental company immediately.
• Understand Rental Terms: Read the rental terms carefully before signing the rental agreement to understand both parties' rights and obligations.