A 13-Year-Old on an Electric Scooter? ... Parents' Reasoned Sighs

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Kim (41, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City), who has a middle school-aged child, is deeply worried ahead of his son's birthday. Although it is a special day that comes once a year, his son is persistently asking for an "electric kickboard."

Starting next month, the minimum age for operation will be lowered to 13 years old, making it a favorite item among peers. However, parents feel uneasy as there are no special safety devices and the speed is fast, making it feel like leaving their child alone by the riverside.

Kim said, "I used to refuse every time my child begged for an electric kickboard after seeing other kids riding them within the complex because it looked too dangerous," adding, "Now that 13-year-olds will soon be allowed to ride, I worry my son will use that as an excuse to ask even more."

He continued, "I cannot understand what the lawmakers who created or passed this bill were thinking, allowing two-wheeled motor vehicles to children who lack the ability to predict accidents or traffic knowledge compared to adults," and said, "I am at a loss on how to explain this to my child who is waiting for a birthday present."

From the 10th of next month, minors aged 13 and over will be able to operate personal mobility devices (electric kickboards) without a license, leading to complaints mainly from parents with middle school children.

Moreover, with the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Act just a month away, recent nationwide electric kickboard-related accidents have sparked criticism that the government is encouraging safety accidents among youth.

Parents unanimously agree that preventive measures must be promptly established before the revised law takes effect.

Park (43), who is raising a middle school child, said, "I think electric kickboards are more dangerous than motorcycles. The wheels are small, and the only safety gear is usually a helmet, so I doubt young children will comply with the law," adding, "I often see kids racing each other on electric kickboards or multiple kids riding on one kickboard. I worry that children will imitate such risky behavior."

In the Gwangju area, related accidents are on the rise. According to the Gwangju Police Agency, the number of personal mobility device accidents, including electric kickboards, in the region has steadily increased: 3 cases in 2017, 15 in 2018, 18 in 2019, and 16 cases as of August 2020.

In fact, on the 12th, an accident occurred on a road in Buk-gu where an electric kickboard rider going the wrong way collided with a motorcycle and was injured.

In response, Gwangju City is busy preparing countermeasures due to the government's revised bill.

A city official said, "Before the enforcement of the related law, we are negotiating with two shared service companies in the Gwangju area to create safety guidelines to reduce accident risks," adding, "We will prepare comprehensive measures such as designated parking zones, safety rules, and education to minimize citizens' concerns."

Meanwhile, the revised Road Traffic Act and the Act on Promotion of Bicycle Use were promulgated in June, and from the 10th of next month, motorized bicycles with a maximum speed under 25 km/h and a total weight under 30 kg will be classified as personal mobility devices and allowed to use bicycle lanes.

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