From hobby to habit: YouBike's story
Taiwan is renowned for its world-class bicycle manufacturing industry. However, just a decade ago, bicycles were a relatively uncommon sight on the streets compared to today. To leverage its industrial advantage and foster a cycling culture, the Taipei City Government partnered with GIANT, Taiwan’s largest bicycle manufacturer, to create a new public bike-sharing system. At the time, Paris’s Vélib was the primary inspiration for Taiwan’s initiative, which aimed to offer citizens a high-quality, affordable commuting option.
YouBike launched its pilot program in the heart of Taipei’s central business district with just 500 bicycles and 11 stations. Initially operating as an independent unit, it soon became clear that the key to widespread adoption was integration with the existing public transportation network. Drawing from early experiences, YouBike began collaborating closely with local government agencies to expand the pilot across the city. The trial was well-received by the public, paving the way for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between YouBike and local authorities.
This PPP model has enhanced both system management and accessibility. By integrating YouBike with public transit systems, users can seamlessly switch from metro or bus services without needing a separate payment method. In addition, government-led promotional campaigns have helped citizens adopt the service and stay informed about operational updates. With YouBike’s involvement, public transportation has become more convenient and comfortable, contributing to the development of smart urban mobility.
Following the overwhelming public support in Taipei, YouBike gradually expanded to other cities. Over the past decade, it has facilitated more than 800 million rides across 13 cities—a testament to the growing popularity of cycling as a mode of transportation in Taiwan. Today, YouBike weaves perfectly into Taiwan’s landscape, with its vibrant yellow identity creating a distinctive harmony against the island’s emerald mountains and sapphire seas.
The ever-evolving bike for You
YouBike continues to shape urban mobility in collaboration with its users. In over a decade of operational experience, the bike-sharing system has been continually refined to better meet the needs of commuters. A major milestone in this evolution is the introduction of YouBike 2.0, which offers multiple rental options and a more user-friendly design compared to the original YouBike 1.0. One of the most notable upgrades is the improved saddle adjustment mechanism. In the previous model, users needed both hands to change the saddle height. With YouBike 2.0, adjustments can now be made effortlessly with just one hand.
YouBike provides two bike options to meet users’ needs.
In step with global trends in smart mobility, YouBike has also launched an electric-assist model: YouBike 2.0E. This pedelec (pedal electric cycle) allows users to travel up to 80 kilometres on a single charge, providing a smoother, more energy-efficient, and comfortable riding experience.
The YouBike mobile application provides an intuitive operating platform for seamless user operation. Users can check bike and station availability before heading out, return bikes conveniently, and monitor the battery status of YouBike 2.0E to ensure a smooth journey. Domestic users can register an account, enrol in insurance, and rent a bike by scanning the QR code on the onboard system. Foreign users can also sign up for single-use rentals without needing a local mobile number.
Taiwan has diverse urban characteristics, featuring densely populated metropolitan areas and cities with unique cultural and geographical traits. To accommodate these differences, YouBike’s back-end system allows its dispatch and maintenance teams to manage real-time data effectively. In addition, YouBike collaborates with local entities to better understand community needs and cycling habits. During the initial planning phase, in-depth discussions with local authorities helped tailor YouBike’s services to each city's specific requirements.
Moreover, YouBike provides both online and in-person customer service, treating user feedback as a valuable resource for continuous improvement. By refining existing services and adapting to users’ needs, YouBike remains committed to enhancing urban cycling.
See You in Gdansk
Looking beyond Taiwan, YouBike aims to bring its bike-sharing concept to the global stage. As a comprehensive solution, the system integrates two bicycle models (a mechanical and a pedelec model), a customised user application, a back-end management system, and operational expertise. Additionally, YouBike welcome collaborations with local entities, operators, and organisations to tailor bike-sharing projects to regional transportation requirements.
In 2024, YouBike partnered with Velo-city in Ghent, which was an incredible and precious experience to this approach. By sharing its visions for the future of public bike-sharing systems in Europe and beyond for the first time, YouBike also connected with many partners sharing their commitment to sustainable urban mobility. Furthermore, YouBike's representatives visited Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Belgium to share insights with partners from all over the world.
Join YouBike's representatives on the Freewheel Stage, Wednesday 11 June at 13:45 and Thursday 12 June at 15:45, to learn more about its bike-sharing systems implemented throughout Taiwan.
