riding solo in Taiwan
 

Hi everyone,
I'm going to Taiwan the last two weeks of January and I'm planning to rent a motorcycle or scooter while I'm there. I don't want to ride in the super busy cities like Taipei. I imagine I'll ride in places like Hualien. Any suggestions on where to ride? Or where to avoid?

I keep reading that Taiwan has the highest motorcycle accident rate in the world, but perhaps that's because there are 10 million bikers on the island. Either way I am nervous about riding over there. Who has riden there recently?

I've only riden stateside and never have I rented a bike before. I'm thinking of carrying some basic tools. What does everyone else do?

I am hoping that I can rent gear as I don't want to carry mine around for two weeks just so that I can go riding for a day or two (I'm traveling with my mom who doesn't ride so we'll be on foot most days).

I already have a current USA moto license, along with an International Driving Permit. And I have travelers insurance. I believe that is all that I need for renting a bike.

Thanks in advance for your help!