TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei launched a six-month dockless electric bicycle sharing pilot program Thursday (Sept. 18) in Da'an District (大安區), partnering with MOOVO. The city government implemented electronic fence technology to manage bicycle returns and address dock availability issues. The initiative represents Taipei's renewed attempt at dockless bike-sharing following previous failures.
The program restricts bicycle borrowing and returning to Da'an District (大安區), allowing officials to observe public acceptance on a smaller scale. Taipei City Government plans to assess the pilot's impact before considering broader implementation across the capital. The localized trial could provide a model for future citywide expansion of dockless bike-sharing services.
Taipei last attempted dockless bike-sharing in 2017 with oBikes, when thousands of bicycles spread across the city. The bikes were frequently parked in car parking spots and pedestrian walkways, sparking resident complaints. The Singaporean company behind oBike went bankrupt within two years, and authorities removed the last bikes in 2019.
Chu Chen-tso (朱宸佐), section chief at the Taipei City Department of Transportation (台北市交通局), highlighted differences between this pilot and the oBike debacle. Chu stated they will employ electronic fence technology to provide a structured yet flexible bicycle sharing solution. Taipei City Councilor Liu Tsai-wei (柳采葳) expressed concerns that electronic fences might undermine dockless bicycle sharing's original intent. ◼
