What are YouBikes?
YouBike is a bicycle rental system in Taiwan. It provides an alternative method of getting around Taiwan’s cities without using public transportation and is available in all major cities throughout Taiwan.
As of 2023, YouBike has 3 different types of bikes available:
- YouBike 1.0: The system’s first bicycle model.
- This model is currently being phased out for 2.0.
- YouBike 2.0: The most common YouBike model throughout Taiwan.
- Almost all riders will use this model
- YouBike 2.0 E: 2.0 models with a motor to reduce riding fatigue.
- A more expensive rental; unfortunately it is only available in some cities.
Benefits of YouBike:
- Environmentally Friendly: YouBike promotes eco-friendly transportation by reducing the need for private car usage and decreasing carbon emissions.
- Convenience: With numerous bike stations scattered across cities, YouBike provides a convenient mode of transportation, particularly for short trips within urban areas.
- Affordable: YouBike rentals are affordable, making it a cost-effective way to explore cities without the need for taxis or public transit.
- Healthy and Active: Riding a bike offers a healthy and active way to see the sights, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems.
- Tourist-Friendly: YouBike is accessible to tourists, with straightforward registration and user-friendly stations equipped with multiple language options.
How to Rent a YouBike in Taiwan: A step-by-Step Guide
For first time users, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Register for YouBike Service (In-Person / Online)
- Find a YouBike Station
- Inspect YouBike
- Rent/Return Youbike
Register for YouBike Service (In Person)
IMPORTANT: Before registering an account for YouBikes, make sure you have the following:
- EasyCard / iPASS Card
- Taiwan phone number
If you don’t have these yet, you can check out our guides on how to get them. (EasyCard Guide / Taiwan SIM Card Guide).
Step 1: Find a YouBike Kiosk
You’ll need to find a large YouBike Kiosk to register for its service. Most MRT stations will have a kiosk near its vicinity, they aren’t always near the main entrances so you may have to walk around to find it.
Step 2: Follow on-screen instructions
After you find the kiosk, you’ll notice a touch-screen panel. Follow these next steps to complete your registration:
- Pick your language
- Select “I want to rent a YouBike”
- Select “Join Member”
- Accept the “Terms of Use”
- Fill in your information
- Verify your phone number via SMS confirmation
- Complete registration
Once you’re done with these steps, your EasyCard or iPass Card will now have access to all YouBikes in Taiwan.
Register for YouBike Service (Online)
If you want to plan ahead and register for YouBikes early, you can register via YouBike’s official website.
You’ll need the following:
- Taiwan Phone Number
- Passport Number/ARC Number
- EasyCard / iPASS
Once you have these, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Next”. After that, just follow the instructions on the website.
Find a YouBike Station
YouBike is available in many major cities across Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Each city has its own network of stations, making it easy to explore the area you’re visiting.
You will always find YouBike stations outside MRT stations.
Google Maps and YouBike 2.0 (iOS/Android) is also a great way to find YouBike stations near you.
Inspect your YouBike
Before tapping your EasyCard or iPASS card and renting out the bike. Make sure to give your bike a quick inspection. Sometimes the tires may be flat, the seat will be loose, and possibly other issues.
Important Note: Do not rent bikes with their seats reversed. It means the bike requires repair.
Rent / Return your YouBike
Once you have found a working YouBike, first press on the green button and just tap and hold your EasyCard or iPass on the Sensor Zone until the bike unlocks itself from the dock.
When you want to return your YouBike, just go to any empty dock and return your bike. Make sure the dock version is the same, if you’re riding the YouBike 2.0’s you can only return it to 2.0 docking station.
Tips on Using YouBikes
For more tips, go check out YouBikes official website: https://www.youbike.com.tw/region/main/riding-tips/