Public Safety Committee Strengthens Electric Kickboard Safety Regulations...Riding Restricted for Under 16 Years Old

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 3rd, the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee passed an amendment to the Road Traffic Act in a plenary session, requiring a motorized bicycle license or higher to use electric kickboards. Accordingly, those under 16 years old, who cannot obtain a motorized bicycle license, are restricted from riding.

The original amendment's provision to reduce the maximum speed of electric kickboards from 25 km/h to 20 km/h was excluded during the so-called review process. This law will be enforced four months after passing the plenary session, considering the revision of subordinate statutes.

The electric kickboard deregulation law passed by the National Assembly in May allowed those aged 13 and older to use electric kickboards without a driver's license, raising ongoing safety concerns.

According to the National Police Agency, traffic accidents related to shared personal mobility (PM) devices such as electric kickboards surged from 117 cases in 2017 to 225 cases in 2018, and 447 cases last year.

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