Taichung’s Public Bikes “iBike” Make Their Debut — Non-Members Can Also Rent Them

▲ Taichung’s iBike hits the road on July 18. (Photo / Provided by Taichung City Department of Transportation, the same applies below)

By Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

The eye-catching orange-colored Taichung public bicycle system “iBike” officially launched today (the 18th). Starting immediately, demonstration stations have been set up at three locations — Taichung City Hall, Qiu Hong Valley, and Feng Chia University — where the public can rent bikes. To allow more people to ride iBike around Taichung, the Taichung City Department of Transportation has introduced two rental methods. In the future, both domestic and international tourists can easily rent an iBike with just a credit card, even without becoming a member.

＞＞＞＞＞ More photos of “iBike”Click here

Also using the Giant system, the “iBike” was set up by the Taichung City Government to serve as a transfer option after taking the BRT. The rental method and pricing are largely similar to Taipei’s and Changhua’s YouBike: the first 30 minutes are free, then NT$10 for every subsequent half-hour, NT$20 for every half-hour starting from the fourth consecutive hour, and NT$40 for every half-hour after eight hours.

▲ Taichung’s iBike.

At the same time, the Taichung City Department of Transportation also noted that considering some people do not have an EasyCard, or international tourists visiting Taichung who may want to borrow a bike for short-term use, they have introduced two rental options: “Member Rental” and “One-Time Rental.”

“Member Rental”: Any member of Taipei’s or Changhua’s YouBike can rent directly; new users need to bring their EasyCard and mobile phone number to the official website or the Kiosk self-service machine at an iBike station to register as a member before renting.

“One-Time Rental”: At the Kiosk self-service machine, you can choose to pay via Chunghwa Telecom mobile phone 839 micropayment or with a credit card (VISA, MASTER, JCB) to rent directly.

The Department of Transportation also pointed out that it plans to complete 20 stations along the BRT line by the end of the year, at which time e-ticket cards such as an EasyCard and TaiwanPass will also be available for rental. In addition to the BRT, stations will also be gradually set up in schools, government offices, and tourist attractions in the future.

% iBike station map. (Photo / From YouBike Central Taiwan Fan Page)