SMAT: Six Major Cities' Electric Scooter Subsidy Programs Highlight 4 Key Features

The Taipei City Department of Environmental Protection announced on the 2nd that it would continue to promote subsidies for new purchases and replacements of electric scooters. In addition, six major cities, including New Taipei City and Taoyuan City, have successively launched electric scooter subsidy programs. SMAT today analyzed via a press release that the primary highlight of this year's subsidies in the six major cities is the increased subsidy amount, with additional amounts exceeding NT$10,000. Compared to 2025, subsidies in all six cities have significantly increased. SMAT stated that the total subsidy amount is a key incentive driving the public's transition to electric scooters. Analyzing the details of this year's subsidy programs, SMAT pointed out that, secondly, the six cities have diversified their special incentives, demonstrating high inclusivity and segmentation. Through localized incentive mechanisms, they concretely implement the spirit of 'leaving no one behind' in the net-zero transition. Thirdly, direct fee subsidies have become an important policy for county and city governments to promote vehicle electrification. SMAT cited Taipei City, which added an NT$8,000 battery fee subsidy on top of its 2025 base. Tainan City's battery monthly rental fee subsidies, which are NT$7,200 for heavy-duty scooters and NT$3,600 for light-duty scooters, have broadened eligibility this year to benefit more citizens. Kaohsiung City continues to promote monthly rental fee programs, providing NT$3,600 and NT$7,200 subsidies for single and dual battery models, respectively. Fourthly, the creation of sales incentives for electric scooters. SMAT noted that Taoyuan City pioneered a program to promote the replacement of old scooters with new ones by scooter shops, offering a NT$500 reward for each electric scooter sold. This policy extends subsidies from consumers to sales channels. SMAT believes this can incentivize traditional scooter shops to transform and actively promote electric scooters. SMAT expressed support for the proactive actions of various county and city governments in demonstrating their executive power and called for long-term and stable subsidy policies. Through predictable incentives, they aim to continuously guide the public's vehicle transition. SMAT stated that only with policy continuity and concerted efforts across Taiwan can vehicle electrification be steadily advanced, jointly creating a low-carbon and sustainable new future for smart mobility in Taiwan. (Editor: Lin Chia-hsien) 1150407