In Taiwan, YouBike has long been a popular zero-emission mobility option for urban residents. To further enhance the convenience of urban cycling, the Taipei City Government plans to pilot a shared electric-assisted bicycle program by the end of this year through its Department of Transportation. Let’s take a closer look at the development of e-bikes in Taiwan in recent years.
Unlike oBike, which made a splash in Taiwan in 2017 but quickly exited the market, MOOVO has learned from the pitfalls of dockless bike-sharing. By leveraging technologies such as geofencing, GPS, and smart management platforms, it has successfully achieved a win-win between dockless sharing and urban order. Take Changhua County for example—if a bike is parked more than 10 centimeters outside the designated area, the return cannot be completed. This approach has effectively resolved the issues of bikes being randomly parked and blocking sidewalks. At the same time, the smart platform monitors battery levels and locations in real-time, allowing the operations team to promptly dispatch, recharge, and maintain the bikes, thereby offering users a more stable and reliable experience.
This innovation has earned strong recognition and support from the government. Since MOOVO took over the operation rights from the Changhua County Government in 2021, it has continued to expand its service network. In 2024, the contract was renewed for another five years. MOOVO is committed to increasing vehicle density, expanding station coverage, and introducing a "group account" feature to encourage families and friends to travel green together. MOOVO is more than just a shared mobility brand—it has become an integral part of local residents’ lives and a tangible force driving local carbon reduction goals.
What’s even more exciting is that MOOVO’s efforts are not limited to Taiwan. Its parent company, UrDot, has exported its technology to Europe under the "Rybit" brand, entering the last-mile delivery market through a B2B subscription model. It has quickly gained the favor of international giants such as Domino’s and McDonald’s. MOOVO represents not only an upgrade in shared mobility but also a successful example of Taiwan’s low-carbon innovations going global.
Not to be outdone, YouBike also launched its own e-bike version—YouBike 2.0E—in 2024. It retains the original docking system and app interface, offering low barriers to entry and a riding range of up to 80 kilometers, providing citizens with more flexible and effortless options. Looking ahead, with Taipei’s upcoming pilot program and the active adoption of various brands in southern cities, we are witnessing a new wave of transportation transformation centered on user experience and environmental friendliness.
While shared systems offer convenience, they cannot operate without structure. The key to sustainable shared mobility lies in the combination of technology and policy—comprehensive user education, effective vehicle management, and robust exit mechanisms. Reflecting on oBike’s failure and witnessing the rise of MOOVO and YouBike 2.0E, it’s clear that truly successful sharing is not only a matter of business innovation but also a holistic evolution in civic awareness, policy direction, and urban governance.
The rise of shared e-bikes signals the emergence of a healthier, smarter, and lower-carbon lifestyle. The future of urban transport is no longer just about moving from point A to point B—it’s a co-creative journey that blends technology, sustainability, and public good. Let’s get pedaling together toward a net-zero future.
Source: China Times News
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