"Mandatory E-Scooter Insurance Like Germany and France... Protecting Pedestrians"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] Electric kickboards are rapidly becoming popular. Since the 10th, anyone aged 13 or older can operate them without a license, and they are allowed to use bicycle lanes according to the Road Traffic Act. However, concerns and anxieties about accidents caused by electric kickboards are increasing.

Following the cases of foreign countries that mandate insurance enrollment for traditional kickboards, there have been calls to introduce a compulsory insurance system domestically as well.

On the 13th, Hwang Hyun-ah, a research fellow at the Korea Insurance Research Institute, stated in the report "Trends and Implications of Electric Kickboard Insurance Systems in Major Countries" that "Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan consider electric kickboards as ‘automobiles’ subject to mandatory automobile insurance enrollment."

According to the report, Germany enacted a special law related to electric kickboards, clearly mandating automobile insurance enrollment for electric kickboard owners. Since the implementation of the special law (eKFV) in June last year, electric kickboards must display a proof-of-insurance sticker to operate, and German insurance companies have launched automobile insurance products specifically for electric kickboards.

France also legislated regulations on personal mobility devices in October last year. Unlike Germany, it does not explicitly state the insurance enrollment obligation separately but considers electric kickboards as part of 'automobiles (v?hicule)' subject to mandatory automobile insurance, thereby imposing the insurance requirement.

The United Kingdom had generally prohibited electric kickboard operation but introduced trial operation guidelines in June, allowing shared electric kickboards that meet certain conditions to operate. While shared electric kickboards participating in the trial are permitted to use bicycle lanes, they must enroll in automobile insurance as stipulated by the UK Road Traffic Act (RTA 1988).

Japan classifies electric kickboards as motorized bicycles under current regulations, requiring a driver's license to operate, mandating operation on roads, and compulsory enrollment in automobile insurance.

Research fellow Hwang pointed out, "In the European Union (EU) and individual countries' automobile insurance laws, 'automobile' is defined as a 'land vehicle powered by a motor,' and electric kickboards meet these criteria. However, under the interpretation of Korea's Automobile Damage Compensation Guarantee Act, which is the legal basis for compulsory automobile insurance, it is unclear whether electric kickboards fall under the category of 'automobiles' subject to mandatory insurance enrollment."

He added, "Korea's related laws and policies assume that electric kickboards do not fall under 'automobiles.' Whether to mandate insurance enrollment for electric kickboards, as well as the details and scope of application, should be decided by considering the characteristics and usage status of electric kickboards."

He emphasized, "The performance and accident risk of electric kickboards are similar to bicycles, but their use as a means of transportation is higher than bicycles, and the risk of accidents involving pedestrians is also higher. Therefore, there is a need to introduce a compulsory insurance system that can sufficiently protect pedestrians and other traffic participants as well as kickboard operators."

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