"Electric Scooter Riding Rules for Ages 16 and Over Passed in National Assembly Plenary Session... 'Punishment Even for Two Riders'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Starting from the 10th, regulations on personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards, will be significantly relaxed, while a bill strengthening the qualifications for electric kickboard users has passed the National Assembly.

On the afternoon of the 9th, the National Assembly held a plenary session and passed a revision to the Road Traffic Act aimed at strengthening safety regulations to prevent accidents involving personal mobility devices.

The amendment includes a provision that users must obtain a driver's license equivalent to or higher than a motorized bicycle license to operate an electric kickboard. Accordingly, those under the age of 16, who cannot obtain a motorized bicycle license, will be prohibited from riding electric kickboards.

Additionally, the amendment stipulates penalties for cases such as ▲drivers not wearing protective gear or failing to require passengers to wear it ▲riding with more passengers than the allowed capacity ▲driving at night without headlights or tail lights or without wearing light-emitting devices ▲driving under the influence of drugs or other impairing substances ▲and guardians allowing children to operate personal mobility devices on the road.

Earlier, in May, a law easing regulations on electric kickboards passed the National Assembly, allowing anyone aged 13 or older to use electric kickboards without a driver's license, raising concerns about safety accidents.

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