So I’ve been here for about 3+ months and I think I will heed the advice of those around me and get a scooter. I live & teach in the Lu Chou and San Chong areas. I have many questions as I know absolutely nothing about the subject:
What kind of scooter should I get? I am heavy (about 270 lbs, thanks to all the beer and chicken wings ). I’m afraid a light scooter will not support me (I say this because I sat on the back of one and the tires flattened - very embaressing! ). So what kind should I look for? Is there a list of the different kinds I can look at? I have never driven a scooter or motorcycle before and would like something relatively ‘simple’. Motorcycles back home intimitate me and look rather complex. Maybe Motorcycles need a special license in Taiwan? So I guess I’m looking for a scooter that supports a heavier guy.
Do I need a license? I hear different stories with expats. What kind of license do I need to drive a scooter? Where do I go? What is the process…? Is there a web page with this info in English somwhere?
Buy or Rent? I am here until Dec. If I rent one - how much per month (ballpark)? Is there less hassle renting (i.e. if it breaks down, it’ll be taken care of)? Where would I go to rent one? If I buy - how much is a used one (ballpark)? What about a new one? Are they easy to sell when I leave?
I’m 280 pounds and my 12-year-old 125cc scooter has served me well. I’ve had heavy passengers on the back, too!( bringing the total weight to about 500 pounds).
For the legal stuff, definitely check out the traffic forum that Almas John linked to above.
The bike tire that you ‘flattened’ must have had a puncture already.
I think a 125 scooter would probably suit you fine. There’s not really that much difference between most of them.
Now I want to advise you to be very cautious when riding at first. It would be best to go to a big empty car park or some place like that to practice. In the US and other western countries, there are a variety of introductory motorbike riding and safety courses available and in many cases they are compulsory. While passing the riding licence test here will mean you have some physical control over the bike, it does not really prepare you for safe, ‘defensive’ road riding. In a nutshell, this is about riding to suit road conditions, being aware of what’s happening all around you, and crucially, trying to anticipate and prepare for tricky situations before they arise.
I would strongly recommend paying at least several thousand NT on a full-face helmet. I paid just under 3000NT for one made by ‘m2r’ and it has a reasonable degree of protection. 500NT helmets are a joke.
The majority of motorbike or scooter accidents happen with riders during their first year of riding. In addition, as you will be aware, traffic conditions are different here from most western countries, so extra care is needed.
). I’m afraid a light scooter will not support me (I say this because I sat on the back of one and the tires flattened - very embaressing! 
). So what kind should I look for? Is there a list of the different kinds I can look at? I have never driven a scooter or motorcycle before and would like something relatively ‘simple’. Motorcycles back home intimitate me and look rather complex. Maybe Motorcycles need a special license in Taiwan? So I guess I’m looking for a scooter that supports a heavier guy.
Hurl it to the ground, and pound it furiously while shouting ‘eat headboard, baby’?? No way. I love my bike.