Social Items


Taiwan is known for its efficient public transportation, but one of the most flexible and eco-friendly ways to get around is by using YouBike—the country's official bike-sharing system. Whether you're a visitor looking to explore scenic riverside parks or a local running errands, YouBike offers a fun, affordable, and healthy alternative to buses and trains. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using YouBike in Taiwan, from registration to returning the bike.



What is YouBike?

YouBike is a public bicycle rental program launched by the Taipei City Government in collaboration with Giant Bicycles. It first rolled out in Taipei and has since expanded to other major cities like Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Hsinchu, and New Taipei. There are two versions of the system: YouBike 1.0 (orange-and-yellow bikes) and the newer YouBike 2.0 (white-and-orange bikes with smart docks and QR scanners).


With thousands of docking stations across Taiwan, YouBike is perfect for short-distance travel, sightseeing, or commuting. The system is designed to be easy to use, even for tourists, and fares are very affordable—often starting at NT$10 to NT$15 for the first 30 minutes.

Loading...

How to Register for YouBike

Before you can rent a bike, you’ll need to register a YouBike account. There are two main ways to do this:

Using the YouBike App (recommended for tourists):
  • Download the YouBike 2.0 app (available on iOS and Android), register with your mobile number (international numbers are accepted), and follow the prompts to link a payment method like credit card or Apple Pay. Download the YouBike 2.0 app!

Using an EasyCard (for residents or long-term visitors):
  • Locals or ARC holders can register their EasyCard at a YouBike kiosk or online. You’ll also need a local mobile number for SMS verification. Once linked, you can use your EasyCard to unlock bikes directly from the docks. 

Get your EasyCard on Klook!


How to Rent a YouBike

To start your ride:

For YouBike 2.0 (with QR code):
  • Use the YouBike 2.0 app to scan the QR code on the bike, and the lock will release automatically.

For YouBike 1.0 (with EasyCard):
  • Simply tap your EasyCard on the dock’s sensor. Wait for the green light, then pull the bike out once it unlocks.

Make sure to check the bike's brakes, tires, and chain before riding. If anything seems off, pick a different one.

YouBike station at Yin Yang Sea View Deck in Shuinandong

How to Return a YouBike

When you’re done, return the bike to any official YouBike docking station in the same city. You cannot return a bike to a different city (e.g., rent in Taipei and return in Taoyuan). For YouBike 2.0, just push the bike into an empty dock, and it will automatically lock and complete your ride.

Always wait for the confirmation tone or light and check the app for the final billing summary. If the dock is full, the app will help you find the nearest available station nearby.



How Much Does YouBike Cost?

Fares may vary slightly by city and bike version, but here’s a general breakdown:

YouBike 2.0 (Taipei):

  • First 30 minutes: NT$10
  • 31–60 minutes: NT$20
  • Every 30 minutes thereafter: NT$40

YouBike 1.0:

  • First 30 minutes: NT$10
  • 31–60 minutes: NT$15
  • Every 30 minutes thereafter: NT$30

Some cities offer subsidies for residents, making the first 30 minutes free. Be sure to check your local city government or the app for updated rates.




Tips for Using YouBike in Taiwan


Use bike lanes and riverside parks for a safer and more scenic ride.

Don’t ride on sidewalks unless clearly marked as shared.

Always return the bike properly—if you just leave it next to the station, your fare will keep running.

Helmets aren’t required by law for adults, but they’re strongly recommended.

You can find bike stations easily using the YouBike app or Google Maps.


Best Places to Ride YouBike

Taiwan is extremely bike-friendly, and some of the best routes include:

Taipei Riverside Parks (Tamsui, Xindian, Keelung Rivers)
  • Enjoy flat, car-free paths and beautiful city views.

Taichung Calligraphy Greenway
  • A scenic urban trail linking museums and art districts.

Kaohsiung Love River and Cijin Island
  • Great for seaside rides and local snacks.

Tainan Anping District
  • Discover historic sites, temples, and street food.

Yanping Riverside park near Dadaocheng


Conclusion: Why You Should Try YouBike in Taiwan

Whether you're a tourist or a local, YouBike in Taiwan is a must-try for getting around the city with freedom and flexibility. It’s affordable, easy to use, and gives you the chance to explore Taiwan’s cities at your own pace. With thousands of well-maintained bikes and stations, it’s never been easier to ride like a local.



YouBike Taiwan guide, how to use YouBike, YouBike 2.0 vs 1.0, Taiwan bike share, Taipei YouBike app, YouBike for tourists, rent bike Taiwan, EasyCard YouBike, Taiwan travel tips, YouBike rental stations

How to Use YouBike in Taiwan: A Complete Guide for Tourists and Locals


Taiwan is known for its efficient public transportation, but one of the most flexible and eco-friendly ways to get around is by using YouBike—the country's official bike-sharing system. Whether you're a visitor looking to explore scenic riverside parks or a local running errands, YouBike offers a fun, affordable, and healthy alternative to buses and trains. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using YouBike in Taiwan, from registration to returning the bike.



What is YouBike?

YouBike is a public bicycle rental program launched by the Taipei City Government in collaboration with Giant Bicycles. It first rolled out in Taipei and has since expanded to other major cities like Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Hsinchu, and New Taipei. There are two versions of the system: YouBike 1.0 (orange-and-yellow bikes) and the newer YouBike 2.0 (white-and-orange bikes with smart docks and QR scanners).


With thousands of docking stations across Taiwan, YouBike is perfect for short-distance travel, sightseeing, or commuting. The system is designed to be easy to use, even for tourists, and fares are very affordable—often starting at NT$10 to NT$15 for the first 30 minutes.

Loading...

How to Register for YouBike

Before you can rent a bike, you’ll need to register a YouBike account. There are two main ways to do this:

Using the YouBike App (recommended for tourists):
  • Download the YouBike 2.0 app (available on iOS and Android), register with your mobile number (international numbers are accepted), and follow the prompts to link a payment method like credit card or Apple Pay. Download the YouBike 2.0 app!

Using an EasyCard (for residents or long-term visitors):
  • Locals or ARC holders can register their EasyCard at a YouBike kiosk or online. You’ll also need a local mobile number for SMS verification. Once linked, you can use your EasyCard to unlock bikes directly from the docks. 

Get your EasyCard on Klook!


How to Rent a YouBike

To start your ride:

For YouBike 2.0 (with QR code):
  • Use the YouBike 2.0 app to scan the QR code on the bike, and the lock will release automatically.

For YouBike 1.0 (with EasyCard):
  • Simply tap your EasyCard on the dock’s sensor. Wait for the green light, then pull the bike out once it unlocks.

Make sure to check the bike's brakes, tires, and chain before riding. If anything seems off, pick a different one.

YouBike station at Yin Yang Sea View Deck in Shuinandong

How to Return a YouBike

When you’re done, return the bike to any official YouBike docking station in the same city. You cannot return a bike to a different city (e.g., rent in Taipei and return in Taoyuan). For YouBike 2.0, just push the bike into an empty dock, and it will automatically lock and complete your ride.

Always wait for the confirmation tone or light and check the app for the final billing summary. If the dock is full, the app will help you find the nearest available station nearby.



How Much Does YouBike Cost?

Fares may vary slightly by city and bike version, but here’s a general breakdown:

YouBike 2.0 (Taipei):

  • First 30 minutes: NT$10
  • 31–60 minutes: NT$20
  • Every 30 minutes thereafter: NT$40

YouBike 1.0:

  • First 30 minutes: NT$10
  • 31–60 minutes: NT$15
  • Every 30 minutes thereafter: NT$30

Some cities offer subsidies for residents, making the first 30 minutes free. Be sure to check your local city government or the app for updated rates.




Tips for Using YouBike in Taiwan


Use bike lanes and riverside parks for a safer and more scenic ride.

Don’t ride on sidewalks unless clearly marked as shared.

Always return the bike properly—if you just leave it next to the station, your fare will keep running.

Helmets aren’t required by law for adults, but they’re strongly recommended.

You can find bike stations easily using the YouBike app or Google Maps.


Best Places to Ride YouBike

Taiwan is extremely bike-friendly, and some of the best routes include:

Taipei Riverside Parks (Tamsui, Xindian, Keelung Rivers)
  • Enjoy flat, car-free paths and beautiful city views.

Taichung Calligraphy Greenway
  • A scenic urban trail linking museums and art districts.

Kaohsiung Love River and Cijin Island
  • Great for seaside rides and local snacks.

Tainan Anping District
  • Discover historic sites, temples, and street food.

Yanping Riverside park near Dadaocheng


Conclusion: Why You Should Try YouBike in Taiwan

Whether you're a tourist or a local, YouBike in Taiwan is a must-try for getting around the city with freedom and flexibility. It’s affordable, easy to use, and gives you the chance to explore Taiwan’s cities at your own pace. With thousands of well-maintained bikes and stations, it’s never been easier to ride like a local.



YouBike Taiwan guide, how to use YouBike, YouBike 2.0 vs 1.0, Taiwan bike share, Taipei YouBike app, YouBike for tourists, rent bike Taiwan, EasyCard YouBike, Taiwan travel tips, YouBike rental stations
Bicycle City Tour Taipei Taiwan Transportation

No comments

Let us know your thoughts!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)