How to Buy a Moped in Shanghai

So you're living abroad in Shanghai, and you want to get a moped, or motor scooter, as they're often called there. It's a good decision, as it's one of the better ways to get around the city. (Also true in many other large Chinese cities.) But how should you go about selecting one, and what do you need to consider before you buy?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• At least an intermediate knowledge of the Chinese language, or a translator

1. Get your local driving license. Good news is, as a foreigner living abroad in China, this is relatively easy. You'll need a copy of your old license, and then the location of the local equivalent of the DMV. (Your consulate and/or embassy can help with that.) Some places will sell you a scooter without one, but it's not a good idea.
2. Decide whether you want an electric or a gas-powered scooter. Largely this is personal preference, and also related to how far you have to travel each day. Living abroad in Shanghai, you know it's a big city with lots of roads. Driving distances can add up.
3. Visit a dealership. It's like buying an automobile in the U.S., except every dealership sells the same models. There are a few company-oriented moped/scooter dealerships in Shanghai, but mostly it's a catch-all arrangement.
4. Bargain. Unlike in the U.S., the overall price of the scooter/moped won't change much. What you can bargain for, however, is the accessories that get included, like a helmet or a lock.
5. Shop around. There are a number of places to purchase a moped/scooter, even just within your local area in Shanghai.
6. Pay cash and get a receipt. Many of these places might take plastic, but you're better off paying in cash. Always, always get a specific receipt--general advice for any purchase if you're living abroad in China.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a helmet. They aren't mandatory, but buy one anyway. You're going to have an accident at some point, it's practically inevitable in Shanghai traffic. Make sure you can walk away from it.
• Electric motors on mopeds/scooters are certainly more environmentally friendly, but be aware that when they run out of juice, they do so in a hurry. And unlike gas motors, you can't fill it up at the next station.
• Find a local moped/scooter mechanic. These guys (almost always guys, anyway) will be able to help you if you have a problem faster and for less money than the dealership.
• Multiple locks are a necessity. Otherwise you're just asking to have it stolen.