TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung has added 1,300 electric bicycles, bringing its total fleet to 1,800.
The city rolled out 500 YouBike 2.0E electric-assist bicycles in November 2022, per CNA. Each electric bicycle is reportedly used an average of 8.5 times per day.
Electric bicycles are popular as they make riding easier, with some traveling upwards of 20 km. The bikes can expand commuting and sightseeing distances.
Kaohsiung’s transport bureau said the YouBike 2.0 program can be used with TPASS commuter monthly passes, offering discounts for frequent riders and students.
According to statistics, the top three places where YouBike 2.0E electric bikes are ridden include: MRT Houyi Station (Exit 2), MRT Kaixuan Station (Exit 3), and MRT Fengshan Station (Exit 1).
Furthermore, electric bicycles can replace taxis and buses to promote energy conservation, carbon reduction, and green living. Many citizens have embraced the YouBike 2.0 program, with daily ridership on Dec. 7 reaching 63,019, a single-day record for Kaohsiung.
In July, Kaohsiung’s YouBike2.0 program began offering injury insurance with additional third-party liability insurance. Users must log in to the website or app and agree to join public bicycle injury insurance.
The injury insurance rate for Youbike 2.0 exceeds 90%. The city called on all citizens to join the insurance program.