Using bicycles will make your mobility much easier during your Taiwan trip!
In the past, affordable taxis were a great ally for tourists in Taiwan, but with recent inflation, frequent use has become more challenging. Amid this situation, the public bike-sharing system “YouBike (UBike)” is gaining renewed attention. Taiwan is actually a bicycle-advanced country, home to the world-renowned bicycle manufacturer Giant. Long before bike-sharing became widespread in many countries, Taipei City had already developed a rental cycle service.
In this article, I’ll cover how to use YouBike, important points to note, and share my personal experience using the service.
What is YouBike 2.0?
In 2020, YouBike updated its fleet from the orange and yellow bicycles to the white and yellow “YouBike 2.0.” The new vehicles manufactured by Giant have evolved significantly in terms of systems as well. What’s interesting is that they switched from airless solid rubber tires (which were innovative using Giant’s cutting-edge technology but apparently unpopular due to the direct transmission of vibrations) to regular air-filled tires for a more comfortable ride.
Additionally, YouBike 2.0 implemented operational improvements such as introducing electric bicycles and return quantity limit functions. These measures address challenges like bicycles piling up at certain docks and blocking pathways.
Service Areas
From the YouBike app
The service operates primarily in Taipei City, as well as New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and other major cities, with over 5,000 stations established nationwide. Specifically, there are more than 1,300 stations in Taipei City, over 1,300 in Taichung City, and more than 1,200 in Kaohsiung City, making it convenient for urban transportation. However, the service is not yet available in Keelung, Yilan, Hualien, or Taitung, so it may be difficult to use in eastern regions (instead, some areas in the east offer their own bicycle rental services).
The eastern regions sometimes have their own rental services by area. Other vehicles besides bicycles also offer uniquely Taiwanese experiences worth trying.
Pricing System
The basic rates are very reasonable, even economical compared to MRT or buses. In major cities like Taipei, the first 4 hours cost 10 Taiwan dollars (about $0.35 USD) per 30 minutes. After 4 hours, the rate increases gradually: 4-8 hours costs 20 Taiwan dollars per 30 minutes, and over 8 hours costs 40 Taiwan dollars per 30 minutes.
Registration Methods
There are two main methods: monthly subscription and one-time use. For tourists, the single rental option is recommended. You can use it with an email address and a credit card.
Note that a security deposit of 3,000 Taiwan dollars will be temporarily held, but rest assured that it will be refunded upon return of the bicycle.
Bicycle Features and Characteristics
They come with a large basket that can easily fit a relatively big backpack
All YouBike bicycles are manufactured by the renowned Giant. Not only are they easy to pedal, but they also feature a 3-speed gear shift system adaptable to hills and flat roads, allowing for surprisingly smooth riding despite their relatively compact tires and frame. However, unlike some bike-sharing services in other countries, many YouBikes don’t yet have electric assist, so a certain level of physical fitness is required.
For safety, the front and rear LED lights automatically turn on at night.
Personal Experience Report: From Dihua Street to Taipei Station
I actually tried traveling from Dihua Street to Taipei Station using the newly renovated YouBike. Before renting, I checked the availability of bicycles at nearby ports using the app, then headed to a port with sufficient available bikes.
With stations all over Taipei, you can check the availability of bikes at the nearest station using the app
As expected from a bicycle-advanced country, many areas have dedicated bicycle lanes, making for a comfortable ride overall. However, bear in mind that driving is on the right side, unlike in some countries. Also, as you get closer to the city center, dedicated lanes decrease, and you’ll find yourself riding alongside cars and scooters on the road, which can be a bit nerve-wracking.
Narrow alleys, right-side traffic, and other uniquely Taiwanese traffic conditions can be challenging if you’re not used to them
Nevertheless, I arrived at my destination much faster compared to using public transportation. YouBike’s mobility really shines in areas where subway transfers are cumbersome or stations are far apart. With the new air-filled tires, I didn’t experience any discomfort, and it was notably less stressful than when I used the service before the pandemic.
Conclusion
YouBike has become more than just a means of transportation in Taiwan’s urban transit ecosystem. Giant’s technological prowess, combined with Taiwan’s deeply rooted bicycle culture, has evolved the service into something better.
With rising prices making taxi use more difficult, YouBike serves as an economical mobility option for tourists and a daily transportation means for locals, all while being environmentally friendly. During your Taiwan trip, try utilizing YouBike to discover new charms of the city.
