[Report] First Day of Electric Kickboard Fine Enforcement... "Helmet Non-Wearing Crackdown? I Had No Idea"

Enforcement of Revised Road Traffic Act Starts Today

Fines for Not Wearing Helmets and Two Riders on Kickboards
Hard to See Changes on First Day of Enforcement... No Compliance with Regulations
"How Can We Carry Helmets Every Time?" Complaints Arise
Experts Call for Comprehensive Management Law for New Vehicles

On the 13th, when the amended Road Traffic Act strengthening regulations on the use of personal mobility devices (PM) such as electric kickboards came into effect, citizens were riding electric kickboards in Seoul city. According to the amendment, only those holding a driver's license of 'Class 2 Motorized Bicycle License' or higher can ride electric kickboards, and a fine of 20,000 won is imposed if riding without a helmet.
Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporters Donghoon Jeong and Seungyoon Song] "Ah, you scared me. What if you suddenly jump out like that!"

At 8 a.m. on the 13th, on the sidewalk near the Gongdeok Station intersection in Mapo-gu, Seoul, an electric kickboard narrowly passed by commuters on their way to work. Despite the startled pedestrian's shout, the electric kickboard rider disappeared into the distance without looking back. From this day, a revised Road Traffic Act imposing fines for operating personal mobility devices (PM) such as electric kickboards without a license and helmet came into effect. However, the rider was neither wearing a helmet nor riding on the road, instead riding on the sidewalk.

At the same time, at the three-way intersection in front of Juan Station in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, people riding kickboards could be seen about once every 10 minutes. However, no one was observed wearing a helmet while riding. There were also frequent alarming scenes of riders weaving through pedestrians, crossing between sidewalks and roads, and dashing across crosswalks. Kickboards are supposed to be used on bicycle lanes, and if none exist, on the road. Riders must dismount and walk their kickboards across crosswalks. However, most kickboard users observed that day did not follow these rules. Among 19 kickboard users seen over about an hour in Seoul and Incheon, not a single person was properly wearing a helmet and following the correct riding methods.

When informed that fines would be imposed from that day for not wearing helmets or driving without a license, some responded skeptically. Many were completely unaware that the revised Road Traffic Act was being enforced from that day. Seo (28), a citizen commuting on a shared kickboard, said, "This is the first time I've heard that not wearing a helmet is subject to fines," adding, "I use kickboards often, but I can't carry a helmet every time, so I just ride without one." Another citizen, Kim (25), said, "I just found out about the enforcement, but since I often use it for short distances, I think I'll continue to ride without a helmet."

On the 13th, when the revised Road Traffic Act strengthening regulations on the use of personal mobility devices (PM) such as electric kickboards came into effect, traffic safety officers from the Gangnam Police Station were conducting guidance and promotional activities around Samseong Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. According to the revision, only those holding a "Class 2 Motorized Bicycle License" or higher can ride electric kickboards, and a fine of 20,000 won will be imposed for riding without a helmet. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Electric kickboard users also voiced complaints. Lee (33), who often uses electric kickboards for commuting because the distance between the subway station and home is far, said, "Most shared services for electric kickboards do not provide helmets," adding, "Given the poor actual PM riding environment, imposing fines for riding on sidewalks and not wearing helmets is excessive."

Personal mobility devices have recently seen rapid growth in usage. According to the Korea Transport Institute, the number of PMs introduced domestically increased from 98,000 units in 2017 to 167,000 in 2018 and 196,000 in 2019. As new vehicles increase on the roads, related accidents have also risen. According to the National Police Agency, the number of accidents involving personal mobility devices was 225 cases (4 deaths) in 2018, 447 cases (8 deaths) in 2019, and 897 cases (10 deaths) last year.

Experts emphasize that while strict law enforcement is necessary, tailored systems for new vehicles should also be established. Professor Kim Pilsoo of the Department of Automotive Studies at Daelim University said, "Active regulatory measures are needed to prevent sidewalk riding that threatens pedestrian safety," but also stressed, "A comprehensive management law for new mobility devices like electric kickboards is necessary."

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