TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Sports Administration said Thursday that beginning July 15, eligible youths will be able to redeem their sports vouchers for YouBike ride credits.
This expands the program’s range of use to promote both physical activity and environmentally friendly transportation. Launched in 2023, the youth sports voucher initiative offers NT$500 (US$17) vouchers to Taiwanese aged 16 to 22.
The aim was to encourage participation in sports and attendance at athletic events. Until now, the vouchers could only be used for playing sports or watching competitions, according to CNA and UDN.
This year, about 1.45 million individuals qualify for the program. However, as of June 18, only 350,000 have redeemed their vouchers, trailing last year’s 46.5% usage rate among 1.5 million eligible recipients.
To broaden the appeal and benefits of the program, the administration is partnering with YouBike for the first time. Participants can redeem their vouchers for YouBike ride credits on the program's website, following verification of their YouBike membership.
Once redeemed, the credits will be automatically added to the user’s YouBike account. The ride credits can be used at any YouBike rental station nationwide.
In most areas, YouBike electric bikes cost NT$20 per 30 minutes for the first two hours. The rate then increases to NT$40 per 30 minutes, with all usage rounded up to the nearest 30-minute interval.
After each ride, the system will first apply other eligible discounts — such as monthly passes, city subsidies, or student and senior rates — before deducting the remaining fare from the ride credits. The outstanding balance beyond the voucher amount must be paid by the user.
Deputy Director-General Hung Chih-chang (洪志昌) said the expansion supports national goals of promoting physical fitness and sustainable mobility. In addition to the YouBike collaboration, the administration is also working with schools and sports organizations in central Taiwan to expand voucher usage to school-organized sports activities and events.
