From Japan’s HY War to Taiwan’s U-Bike Evolution: The Rise of Electric Assist Bicycles
With the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions, a new type of orange-and-white electric assist bicycle has quietly joined Taiwan’s U-Bike fleet. These bicycles, equipped with electric motor systems, offer riders a more comfortable cycling experience, especially on hills and during longer commutes. But behind this innovation lies a fascinating history rooted in Japan’s motorcycle industry rivalry of the 1980s, known as the HY War, which sowed the seeds for the creation of the electric assist bicycle.
The HY War: Yamaha’s Loss, Innovation’s Gain
During the 1980s, Japan’s motorcycle industry was locked in fierce competition between Yamaha and Honda. Yamaha, attempting to capture the women’s market, introduced scooters with celebrity endorsements. However, miscalculations in demand resulted in overproduction and inventory issues, leaving Yamaha with a loss of 35 billion yen. Though Yamaha ultimately lost the battle, the company’s failure prompted a pivot toward exploring new business ventures, paving the way for the development of electric assist bicycles.
