【台灣 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.
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
— with a local SIM card —
Renting a YouBike with a local SIM card can be done in two different ways:
using an EasyCard or through the YouBike app
Renting with an EasyCard
Esther Bunny EasyCard from 711
An EasyCard is a must-have in Taiwan — it’s your key to seamless travel, working on YouBikes, MRT, trains, buses, and more. 🚲🚆
WHERE TO GET AN EASYCARD?
➡ Pick one up instantly at any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or MRT station in Taiwan.
➡ Skip the hassle! Order in advance on Klook and pick it up directly at the airport when you land.
Once you have your EasyCard in your hand, you must activate it before you can rent an YouBike.
1️⃣ ACTIVATE YOUR EASYCARD
First, you have to register your EasyCard on the YouBike website or through the YouBike 2.0 app.
Enter your EasyCard details and complete the activation process. (This step is required — without activation, your EasyCard won’t work for YouBikes!)
2️⃣ RENTING A YOUBIKE
Go to any YouBike station and choose your bike. Place your EasyCard on the bike’s screen (make sure you have enough balance in your EasyCard!). The screen will scan your EasyCard and show your balance. Keep your EasyCard on the scanner until the screen says “Pull the bike out backwards.” Remove your EasyCard, pull out your bike, and start riding! 🚲✨
— without a local SIM card —
No SIM card? No problem! YouBike 2.0 now allows you to use the YouBike app for registration even if you don’t have a SIM card. You can register using an email address or a foreign phone number instead.
Please note that YouBike kiosks for single rentals only support YouBike 1.0, which is being phased out. Most stations now primarily support YouBike 2.0, which requires either the app or an EasyCard for rentals.
To rent with YouBike app
1️⃣ Download the YouBike 2.0 app before your trip.
2️⃣ Create an account using an email or foreign phone number (if you don’t have the local SIM).
3️⃣ Add your credit card details for payment.
4️⃣ At the bike station, choose your bike & enable Bluetooth.
5️⃣ Press the red button on the bike that says “Rent via QR code.”
6️⃣ Open the YouBike app, scan the QR code on the bike, and wait for confirmation.
7️⃣ When the screen says “Pull the bike out backward” and the green light flashes, you’re ready to go! 🚲✨
❌ What about kiosks? (outdated)
YouBike kiosks are only for single rentals of YouBike 1.0, which is disappearing across Taiwan.
If you find a kiosk, you can still:
✅ Choose a language
✅ Select “Rent a YouBike”
✅ Pay for a single ride with a credit card
But most new stations no longer have kiosks, so it’s best to use the YouBike 2.0 app.
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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: 03.13.2025
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