Once you get started, it’s addictive. And now, if you use it for less than 30 minutes, it’s free! So when you ‘check out’ a U-bike you’re basically getting a free ride around town, faster than all the other means of transport — as well as getting a good workout!
So there are no more excuses not to take advantage of this ride!
In the past few years, the Taipei city government has been phasing in an enormously popular city-wide system of bicycle rentals, mos located near MRT stations, available on a 24/7 basis.
All it requires is a 5-minute registration at the kiosks next to any of the 62 U-bike stations around town. Use your Easy card (the same one as for the MRT and buses), enter your cellphone number; a four-digit number is sent to your cellphone for confirmation. Then you’re good to go!
After the first half-hour, it’s 10NT every 30 minutes. Check the youbike.com.tw website for a map of rental stations, currently only within Taipei City.
This very complaint was published in the Taipei Times newspaper, and in response Taiwan Department of Transportation arranged for additional bikes to be dealt with at the most frequented stations.
Enjoy the ride!