Allowing Personal Mobility Devices Such as Electric Kickboards on Bicycle Lanes

Road Traffic Act Amendment Passed in National Assembly Plenary Session
Driving Prohibited for Under 13...Mandatory Safety Gear
Criminal Penalty for 'Overspeeding' Over 80 km/h

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The use of personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards, will be allowed on bicycle lanes. If caught driving under the influence, the same fines as for electric bicycles will be imposed, and wearing protective gear such as helmets will also be mandatory.

The National Police Agency announced on the 21st that the "Road Traffic Act Amendment," which includes these provisions, was approved at the National Assembly plenary session.

According to the amendment, motorized bicycles with a maximum speed under 25 km/h and a total weight under 30 kg, the same as electric bicycles, are newly defined as "personal mobility devices." Personal mobility devices will be allowed to use bicycle lanes and will be subject to the same traffic rules and driver obligations as electric bicycles.

However, to minimize safety risks and inconvenience to existing bicycle users, personal mobility devices must maintain a safe distance to avoid collisions when passing bicycles, and carrying passengers beyond the seating capacity is prohibited. Additionally, although no driver's license is required, children under 13 years old are prohibited from operating these devices.

Along with the Road Traffic Act amendment, the "Act on Promotion of Bicycle Use" amendment was also approved, allowing road management authorities to designate certain sections of bicycle lanes where personal mobility devices are prohibited or restricted to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow. Furthermore, if a personal mobility device operator is caught driving under the influence, the same fines as for electric bicycles will be applied, and the obligation to wear protective gear such as helmets will be enforced.

In addition, the National Assembly strengthened penalties by imposing criminal punishment instead of fines for driving at speeds exceeding 80 km/h, and approved an amendment to the Road Traffic Act allowing emergency vehicles to stop or park on highways and motorways.

A National Police Agency official stated, "Conditions have been established for the public to use personal mobility devices more safely," and added, "It is expected that reckless speeding, which poses a threat to other drivers and causes major traffic accidents, will be eradicated."

The amended laws will take effect six months after promulgation following the Cabinet meeting, while the allowance for emergency vehicles to stop or park on highways will be enforced immediately upon promulgation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.