Request for Mandatory Age and Safety Equipment Display on Electric Kickboards on Naver and Others

Fair Trade Commission "Plans to Amend 'Important Advertising Disclosure Notice'"
Mandatory Display of Age Restrictions and Speed Limits for Rental and Sales Businesses

On the 13th, a citizen wearing no protective gear was riding an electric scooter weaving through cars on the Namsan Circular Road in Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] With the possibility for adolescents aged 13 to 15 to ride electric kickboards until April next year, the government has decided to strengthen safety regulations.

On the 20th, the Fair Trade Commission announced that it requested businesses such as Naver, 11st, Coupang, and the Online Shopping Association to inform consumers about usage age limits and the wearing of safety equipment.

According to the Fair Trade Commission, there were 1,252 electric kickboard safety accidents reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) over the past 3 years and 11 months. From January to November this year, incidents surged by 135% compared to the same period last year.

By age group, people in their 20s and 30s accounted for 59%, and teenagers made up 12%. Accidents during operation accounted for 64.2% (804 cases), while malfunctions and product defects accounted for 31.4% (393 cases).

The issue is that, with the revised Road Traffic Act enforced from the 10th, adolescents under 16 and consumers without a driver's license are now allowed to ride electric kickboards.

The law was revised again to allow only consumers aged 16 or older with a driver's license to ride, but this will only be implemented four months after the announcement date.

This means that until April next year, adolescents aged 13 to 15 and unlicensed drivers can still ride electric kickboards.

Accordingly, the Fair Trade Commission requested eight telecommunication sales intermediaries, including Naver, 11st, and Coupang, as well as the Online Shopping Association, to inform consumers about usage age limits and the wearing of safety equipment.

Fifteen sharing companies participating in the public-private consultative body plan to notify relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport if they become aware of renting electric kickboards to adolescents under 16 or unlicensed youths aged 16 to 17.

If sharing or sales companies not part of the consultative body become aware of renting or selling to children under 13, they plan to notify the National Police Agency and other authorities.

Additionally, the Fair Trade Commission announced plans to revise the "Important Display Advertising Items Notice" to require rental and sales companies to attach information such as usage age and speed limits on the kickboards.

A Fair Trade Commission official emphasized, "Consumers should check for safety certification when purchasing and carefully inspect for any abnormalities before riding."

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