Legislation of 'Personal Mobility Devices' like Electric Kickboards... What Safety Rules Must Users Follow?

Police Agency and Ministry of the Interior Announce Revised Road Traffic Act on 9th
Full Enforcement in December... Speed Limit of 25km/h and Drunk Driving Ban

PM Traffic Accidents Double Annually
40% of Injuries Involve Head and Face
Safety Gear Wearing Mandatory

A citizen participating in the '2019 Sharing Day' event held on the 2nd at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, is experiencing a shared electric scooter. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The first legislation regarding the traffic methods and safety standards for personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards, has been enacted. The law allows PMs to use bicycle lanes, treating them similarly to electric bicycles, permits use without a license, but prohibits use by children. The aim is to foster the smart mobility industry and promote citizen usage, though some safety concerns remain.

On the 9th, the National Police Agency and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the revised Road Traffic Act and the Act on the Promotion of Bicycle Use. The revised laws will take full effect six months later, on December 10. Although demand for PMs has steadily increased, they were previously classified under the Road Traffic Act as 'motorized bicycles' without specific regulations. Consequently, PMs were required to use only roadways like motorcycles and needed a license to operate, imposing excessive restrictions compared to their characteristics.

The revised law clearly defines PMs as having a maximum speed under 25 km/h and a total weight under 30 kg. It permits PMs to use bicycle lanes, which was previously prohibited, and applies the same traffic rules and driver obligations as electric bicycles. For example, operating an electric kickboard with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% or higher can result in a fine up to 200,000 KRW, detention, or a penalty. Refusing a lawful breathalyzer test by the police will also lead to punishment. When crossing pedestrian crossings, riders must dismount and walk their PMs, and carrying passengers beyond the seating capacity is prohibited. PMs can be operated without a driver's license, but use by children under 13 years old is banned.

However, concerns have been raised about easing regulations amid the rising number of traffic accidents involving PMs. According to the Traffic Accident Analysis System (TAAS) of the Road Traffic Authority, PM-related traffic accidents increased from 117 cases in 2017 to 225 in 2018, and 447 last year, roughly doubling each year. There were also 16 fatalities during this period. The increase in usage is the main cause, but the lack of established safety rules for PM operation is also cited as a factor.

For instance, on the 2nd of this month, a man in his 20s who was driving an electric kickboard with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.180% struck a pedestrian on a park side road and was sentenced in the first trial to 1 year and 2 months in prison with a 3-year probation. In April this year, a man in his 30s who was jaywalking while riding an electric kickboard in Haeundae-gu, Busan, was fatally hit by a vehicle. Oh Jin-taek (34), a member of an electric kickboard club, said, "If electric kickboard operation is allowed on bicycle lanes, usage will increase further," but added, "Since there are some differences in operation compared to bicycles, it will be necessary to maintain distance and ride carefully in crowded situations."

Wearing safety gear is essential to prevent accidents and reduce injuries when using PMs. An analysis by the Korea Consumer Agency of accidents from 2016 to 2018 found that the most frequently injured areas during PM use were the head and face (39.5%) and arms and hands (27.3%). Wearing helmets, elbow pads, and knee protectors can reduce injury damage. Since children are prohibited from operating PMs, education for parents and children is also necessary. A Road Traffic Authority official emphasized, "For safe use of PMs, it is crucial to perform basic inspections thoroughly, develop safe riding habits, and avoid sudden direction changes."

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