Scooter really necessary in Taipei?

[Jialin]

Is a scooter really necessary in Taipei, does it make things more convenient? From what I've read it seems that with the MRT, taxis and buses, it's not necessary.

But then again, I like the idea of the convenience and being able to get out of Taipei county easily. Thoughts?

Also - is Taipei the most dangerous city to scooter around in??

Many thanks in advance.

[tommy525]

A scooter is nice to go to Yangming Shan and drive around the backroads there and onwards to Jinshan and all the backroads up around the north coast. It really isnt needed for anything else.

U can ride around taipei but the MRT is so nice, why bother?

Piloting one is only about as dangerous as piloting an F16 in enemy territory.

[antarcticbeech]

It is much more convenient with a scooter but it is also dangerous (with the possibility that someone else makes a mistake and YOU become a cripple) and you don't need one. Personally, I get by fine with buses and the MRT. Also, the taxis here are great value for when you are late or out on the tiles.

[Battery9]

You would only know once you're here. Most people I know have one, but you can get by without one just fine.

[dnwolfgang]

Get here before making your decision. It depends too much on where you live / work / school / whatever.

As for the danger.. To be honest, it's really not all that dangerous. Driving speeds on any road that scooters are on is turtle speed, and cars tend to be pretty cautious around them. (anecdotal) I have seen a few scooter accidents and in all of them the scooter did something asinine. If you drive the scooter safely and not like you own the damn road (like 95% of people), most likely you'll be fine.

[monokuro]

I'll go with not necessary, but super super useful.

For example - from my house to NTU took either 40 mins on a bus, 35 mins on the MRT (no direct route) or 10 mins on a scooter.

So obviously - I bought the scooter

It's also a 15 minute walk to the MRT station from my house...

[Jaboney]

Just sold mine. Didn't need it.

[tango42]

Had a scooter now for 5 years, only have 1800km on it (anyone want to buy?!). Very little usage because of weather and danger.

Scooter is fun, to check out interesting areas, some suburbs, but not a necessity. Mass transport, taxi, feet, bicycle, can get people around very conveniently. A car is a necessity in Taipei due to the terribly rainy or hot weather, but most Taiwanese cannot afford a car, so they drive a scooter, or use mass transport.

[rk1951]

It really all depends on your lifestyle. If you are a motorcycle guy and like to ride on 2 wheels then I would definitely get one. Taipei is pretty convenient, but it also matters where you live in Taipei. For me personally, I think a scooter really opens up your world in Taiwan, even if you live in Taipei. The MRT closes before 12, so late at night a scooter might be more convenient if you are a night owl. I like to explore the streets here and you can't do that with just public transportation. You will really get to know the area you live more with a scooter too. It is also nice to explore some of the mountainous areas around Taipei too. If you are going to do that, than you might want to think about buying a 125cc, but if you are just going to be cruising around the city then just get yourself a 50 or 90cc scooter. I have lived here in the Wan for about 8 years and never really had an accident (Just a few bumps, scrapes and middle fingers.) Yes, the driving here is pretty messed up and yes you can get hurt or even killed, but if you drive safe and obey the laws here then you should be ok.

I would just start with public transportation and if you want more than buy a scooter. They are super cheap especially if you only buy a 50/90cc! Most used scooters are cheap, you can find a nice one for 15,000nt!

[cfimages]

I've been in Taiwan almost ten years, in both Taipei and smaller cities and never once felt the need for a scooter.