【微笑單車】YouBike Rental Guide in Taiwan
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One of the best and most enjoyable ways to explore a new city is by using bikes. Biking allows you to travel quickly through bike lanes while still being able to appreciate the surroundings at a leisurely pace.
In this blog post, I will dive into Taiwan's popular YouBike system, safety tips, YouBike pricing in different cities, renting YouBikes as a foreigner with or without a local Taiwanese SIM card, and how to return your YouBike.
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what's a YouBike?
YouBike, or UBike as some call it, is Taiwan's massive network of bike-sharing stations. Launched in 2009, and only located in Taipei at the time, it's become a favorite way for locals to get around.
Since then, Taiwan decided to expand its bike stations and include more cities throughout Taiwan for others to be able to access YouBikes.
Now, you can find YouBike stations in major cities like New Taipei City, Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu Science Park, Miaoli City, Taichung City, Chiayi City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Pintung County, and Taitung City, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
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YouBike 1.0 vs YouBike 2.0
In 2020, YouBike launched their new bikes called YouBike 2.0.
Instead of the orange and yellow colors on the bikes (YouBike 1.0), YouBike 2.0 now features an app that makes the rental process easier and the colors on the bike are yellow and white.
YouBike 1.0 is currently being phased out, while the 2.0 will take over in the future with its new solar-powered lights that automatically turn on in the front and the back of the bike when the sun starts setting.
Additionally, there's a YouBike 2.0E, an electric bike available in orange and white colors.
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safety first!
Taiwan's cities have traffic, like most other cities, but don’t worry! In most major cities like Taipei, there are designated bike lanes for riding your bike. However, some cities in Taiwan don't have bike lanes, so in those cases, you would have to bike on the side of the streets and leave the sidewalks for pedestrians.
Remember to follow traffic rules and consider renting a helmet beforehand at a local shop for extra protection.
💡 PRO TIP
If you see a YouBike with its seat backward, it's broken! Leave it for the mechanics to fix and find another bike.
If you find a YouBike broken, turn the seat backward as well!
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YouBike's pricing
YouBike rentals are incredibly affordable compared to taxis, rideshares, buses, or MRT.
YouBikes start at just $10 TWD (Taiwanese Dollars) — that's a steal!
Prices can vary depending on location, with some areas charging $20 TWD. Regardless, you're looking at $10 - $20 TWD per 30 minutes for up to 2 hours of riding. After that, the price increases slightly.
Remember, there's a minimum charge of $10 - $20 TWD, even for rides under 30 minutes.
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YouBike App (optional)
The YouBike app adds even more convenience to your ride.
Find nearby stations, check bike availability, and your payment options.
This app is a lifesaver if you don't have a local Taiwanese SIM card or EasyCard.
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how to rent YouBikes
with or without a local sim
No worries if you don't have a local SIM card! Here's a step-by-step guide for both options:
with a local SIM card
Renting a YouBike with a local SIM card can be done in 3 different ways:
at the kiosk right next to the YouBike station, through the YouBike app, or just using your EasyCard.
Renting with an EasyCard
To use the EasyCard, you will need to purchase one from convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.
You can also top off your EasyCard with a specific amount of credit at these convenience stores.
Once you have your EasyCard and local SIM card, be sure to register your EasyCard online or through the YouBike app, and input the necessary information.
Once you are registered, visit any YouBike station and place your EasyCard on top of the screen of your chosen bike (make sure there is enough balance loaded on your EasyCard).
The screen will first search for your EasyCard and then display the available balance. Keep your EasyCard on the screen; do not remove it. If you accidentally take it off, you can simply place it back on the screen to continue the process.
When the bike screen says, “Pull the bike backwards,” you can remove your EasyCard, take out the bike, and you're good to go!
without a local SIM card
To rent without a local SIM card, you can register through the YouBike app.
Create an account, input your credit card details and additional information, and then visit a bike station.
You will need internet access for the following steps: Choose your preferred bike, enable Bluetooth, press the red button below the screen of the bike that says "Rent via QR code", open your YouBike app, and scan the QR code displayed on the bike. After scanning the QR code and completing the process, the green light will flash, and the screen will display "Pull the bike out backward", indicating that you're ready to start biking… and voila! ✨
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returning your YouBike
You can use the YouBike app which helps you locate open stations with available docks. Find any open YouBike station and simply dock your bike in an empty spot. Make sure it's secure and wait for the screen to display "Thank You" followed by "Tap Your EasyCard".
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FAQ
Q: Can foreigners use YouBike in Taiwan?
A: Yes! Foreigners can rent YouBikes with or without a local SIM card. While the process may require a bit of setup, it’s an excellent way to explore Taiwan like a local.
How can I rent a YouBike without a local SIM card?
A: Here’s a simple way to rent YouBikes in Taiwan without a local SIM:
1. Download the YouBike 2.0 app.
2. Register with your personal information and a credit card.
3. Make sure you have internet access to scan the QR code on the bike’s screen to unlock it.
Alternatively, you can also use a station kiosk to input your credit card details and unlock your chosen bike.
Q: How do I pay for a YouBike in Taiwan?
A: Here’s how you can pay for a YouBike in Taiwan with or without a local SIM:
Without a local SIM: Use the YouBike 2.0 app to register for a single ride and pay with your credit card.
With a local SIM: Purchase an EasyCard at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.), load money onto it, and simply tap the card on the bike’s screen to unlock the bike.
Q: How do I return my YouBike?
A: Find an empty YouBike docking station. Push the bike into the dock and check the bike’s screen to confirm it has been successfully returned. You’ll also receive a confirmation notification in the app or hear a cute beep at the dock.
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So there you have it!
You're now ready to explore Taiwan on two wheels.
Feel free to comment below if you have any questions.
Have fun and happy biking!
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog
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Last Updated: 01.02.2025
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