TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The greater Taipei area will introduce 1,500 electric-assisted bicycles to the YouBike network in 2024 ushering in a “new era of green commuting,” the mayors of Taipei and New Taipei said on Friday (Aug. 30).

The Taipei Department of Transportation said that after successfully introducing the YouBike2.0E bikes in Taoyuan, they will be rolled out in Taipei's two cities, per CNA. It said the number of e-bikes in the Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan areas will reach 3,000 in 2024, and 8,100 by 2026.

The department said that riders must obtain insurance before renting YouBike2.0E cycles. Insurance is free, and those with a Taiwan ID or residence permit card can register on YouBike’s app or website.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said that with the introduction of the e-bikes to the two Taipeis, the YouBike networks are consistent across the cities and Taoyuan.

In addition to adding the e-bikes, Chiang said that more than 7,000 regular bikes have been added to the YouBike network. He said after the first 30 minutes of YouBike rides were made free in February, usage increased by 40% from 126,000 daily riders to 177,000.