NewBike in New Taipei  Automated 24/7 bike rental system to launch by end of August

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

With the growing popularity of cycling, not to be outdone by Taipei City, New Taipei City’s public bicycle rental system will roll out a 24-hour, year-round automated bike rental service by the end of August this year. The initial plan includes 13 pilot stations in Banqiao District, and in the future, the systems of both Taipei and New Taipei will be integrated—allowing users to rent bikes in Taipei City and return them in Banqiao.

▲The two cities previously collaborated to launch a new version of the “Iron Horse Riding the Wind” bicycle website service. (Photo / Courtesy of New Taipei City Tourism Website)

The New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated that since its launch, the city’s public bicycle rental system has accumulated 620,000 rentals. To make the service more convenient for the public, starting at the end of August, the rental process will switch from manual to a more user-friendly automated system. After registering on the official website, at information kiosks at each station, or at two service centers, users can borrow bikes using their EasyCard.

Regarding bike rental fees, the bureau explained that considering the usage habits formed under the previous “manual public bicycle rental system” and referencing the pricing models of Taipei and Kaohsiung, the first 30 minutes will remain free, with a fee of NT$10 for each subsequent 30-minute period, and the service will be available 24 hours a day.

Additionally, as Taipei and New Taipei form a shared living area, the bike rental services will gradually be integrated based on corresponding districts. The New Taipei City Department of Transportation will first pilot the program in Xizhi District, corresponding to the YouBike rental service already established in Nangang District, Taipei City.