YouBike 2.0 — Taipei's City Bike
Over 1,400 stations, NT$5 for the first 30 minutes, available around the clock. YouBike is the cheapest and most fun way to move around central Taipei.
Pricing — YouBike 2.0
EasyCard rate| Duration | Added | Running total |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 minCheapest | NT$5 | NT$5 |
| 31 – 60 min | NT$5 | NT$10 |
| 61 – 90 min | NT$10 | NT$20 |
| 91 – 120 min | NT$10 | NT$30 |
| Each 30 min after 2 hrs | NT$20 | — |
💡 Dock-and-reset: Return the bike mid-journey, wait a few seconds, then re-rent for a fresh NT$5 window. No penalty — this is how regulars use it.
How to use YouBike
Get your EasyCard topped up
準備悠遊卡
YouBike 2.0 works best with an EasyCard (悠遊卡). If you rode the Airport MRT, you already have one. Make sure it has at least NT$100 on it — enough for several rides. You can top up at any MRT station, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Hi-Life. Alternatively, you can pay via the official YouBike app linked to a credit card, but the EasyCard is far faster at the dock.
Find a station near you
找站點
There are over 1,400 YouBike 2.0 stations across Taipei — roughly one at every MRT exit and every 300 metres in central districts. Open the YouBike app and look for green markers; the number on each marker shows available bikes. Stations are also visible on Google Maps and Apple Maps (search 'YouBike'). In popular areas like Da'an, Xinyi, and Zhongzheng, you'll almost never walk more than two minutes to a bike.
Unlock your bike
取車
Walk up to any available bike in the rack. Tap your EasyCard on the card reader on the handlebar panel — you'll hear a beep and the dock releases. The whole process takes under three seconds. To unlock via app instead: tap a bike icon in the app and press 'Unlock'. You'll receive an SMS confirming your rental start time and EasyCard deduction.
Ride — and use the dock-and-reset trick
騎車 — 善用重新租借
YouBike 2.0 charges NT$5 for the first 30 minutes — cheaper than a single MRT fare. After that, prices step up every half hour (see pricing table above). For longer journeys, use the dock-and-reset trick: pull into any station mid-ride, lock the bike until you hear the click, wait a few seconds, then re-rent a fresh bike. Your 30-minute clock resets and you pay NT$5 again. Completely legitimate — this is how commuters use it daily.
Return to any station
還車
Ride to any YouBike station and slide the front wheel into an empty dock until you hear a firm click and the dock light turns red. That confirms a successful return. Your EasyCard is charged automatically and you'll receive an SMS with ride duration and cost within seconds. You're done — no app tap needed at return.
Popular cycling routes
All accessible by YouBike from central Taipei.
Riverside Path — Guting to Bitan
~14 km古亭到碧潭
Fully car-free path following the Xindian River. Ends at the scenic Bitan suspension bridge.
Danshui River Northbound
~12 km淡水河北向
Flat riverside path from Xinzhuang toward Guandu. Wide lanes, few stoplights.
Da'an to Xinyi Loop
~5 km大安到信義
Urban city ride through Da'an Park, past Taipei 101, and through Xinyi nightlife district.
Before you ride, plan your stop.
The riverside paths end near some of Taipei's best street food. Raohe Night Market is a 5-minute ride from Songshan MRT. Ningxia Night Market is 10 minutes from Zhongshan.
Common questions
Do I need to register before using YouBike?
For EasyCard users, no pre-registration is required — just tap and go. For credit card payment via the YouBike app, you need to register an account and link a card. Registration takes about 2 minutes in the app.
Is there a maximum rental time?
YouBike 2.0 allows rentals up to 10 hours. After that, the bike is considered unreturned and a penalty fee applies. For practical sightseeing, the dock-and-reset approach keeps costs low on any length ride.
Are helmets required by law?
Helmets are not legally required for adults in Taipei on most roads, though they are required on highways (which you won't be on). YouBike does not provide helmets. Bring a compact foldable helmet if you plan to ride frequently.
Can I take my YouBike on the MRT?
No — bicycles are not allowed on Taipei Metro trains at any time. You must return the YouBike at a station near the MRT entrance and re-rent on the other side if needed.
Can two people share a YouBike account at the same time?
Each EasyCard can only have one active rental at a time. For two riders, use two separate EasyCards or have one person use the YouBike app with a credit card while the other uses an EasyCard.
What if the bike has a mechanical problem mid-ride?
Use the 'Report Issue' function in the YouBike app, or call the YouBike hotline (0800-221-998, 24/7). Return the bike at the nearest station — you won't be charged for the incomplete segment if you report it.