The electric and non-motorized folding bicycles were introduced at an event Friday that presented a wide array of memorabilia in commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the opening of Taiwan's first rail line.

The electric folding bicycles, the world's first of their kind, are manufactured by a company in southern Taiwan and can be easily folded in one second by pressing a button, said a company representative.

The electric folding bikes come in two sizes --12 inches and 16 inches -- that weigh 21 kilograms and 23 kilograms and carry price tags of NT$19,800 (US$607.36) and NT$26,800, respectively.

Consumers can apply for a subsidy of NT$3,000 when buying one of the eco-friendly bikes, the representative said.

Once folded, the bike can be rolled on its wheels like luggage.

The bike's battery can last 30-40 kilometers per charge and requires about two hours of recharging, he added.

As for non-electric folding bikes, there are three different sizes -- 12 inches, 16 inches and 20 inches -- which sell for NT$5,980, NT$8,800, and NT$9,800, respectively. The 12-inch model weighs 12 kg, while the 16-inch and 20-inch bikes weigh 23 kg, according to the company representative.

The bikes can be ordered at train stations around Taiwan from June 9-14. About 40 types of souvenirs will also go on sale as part of the anniversary sale, including oval shaped stainless lunch boxes, commemorative coins, commemorative stamps, TRA antique glass cups, specially designed lunch boxes, train models and i-cash cards.

The bicycles and some of the memorabilia can also be ordered at participating 7-Eleven convenience stores until July 15.

(By Y.L. Kao)