[Becoming an Insurance Insider] The Era of 200,000 Electric Kickboards... "Have You Purchased Insurance?"

Increasing Electric Kickboard Accidents... Launch of Dedicated Insurance

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On the 13th, the day the amended Road Traffic Act strengthening regulations on the use of personal mobility devices (PM) such as electric kickboards came into effect, citizens were seen 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 Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] As the number of electric kickboards speeding on the roads increases, accidents leading to serious injuries are also rapidly rising.

Electric kickboard accidents often result in serious injuries because protective gear is frequently not worn despite the high speeds, highlighting the need for special caution. In severe cases, dental damage or concussions can occur. Insurance companies are launching insurance products that provide compensation for such accidents, strengthening coverage for everyday risks.

According to the Korea Transport Institute, the number of personal mobility devices such as electric kickboards in South Korea surged from 98,000 units in 2017 to 196,000 units in 2019. Considering this growth trend, it is estimated that the current number has easily exceeded 200,000 units.

Related accidents are also increasing. The number of reported accidents was 225 cases (4 deaths) in 2018, 447 cases (8 deaths) in 2019, and 897 cases (10 deaths) in 2020.

Recent domestic research shows that nearly half of electric kickboard accident patients experienced skin lacerations, concussions, or dental fractures.

Professor Kim Jae-young’s team from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital conducted a study on 256 patients who visited the emergency treatment center due to electric kickboard accident injuries from January 2017 to March 2020, focusing especially on 125 patients with trauma to the skull, face, and teeth.

Among types of craniofacial trauma, lacerations (56 patients, 44.8%) were the most common. This was followed by concussions (49 patients, 39.2%), dental injuries (27 patients, 21.6%), skin abrasions (17 patients, 13.6%), and craniofacial fractures (16 patients, 12.8%).

In the craniofacial trauma patient group, males accounted for 76 patients (60.8%). By age group, people in their 20s made up the largest proportion with 51 patients (40.8%).

Insurance products that provide compensation for electric kickboard accidents are also being launched one after another. Recently, products have appeared that cover from one-day insurance to injury damages to others and fines.

Hana Insurance introduced a one-day electric kickboard insurance product that can be subscribed to in one minute with a daily premium of 1,480 KRW, and coverage takes effect immediately upon subscription.

The coverage scope was expanded to include not only personally owned electric kickboards but also shared and others’ electric kickboards.

Hanwha General Insurance also signed an agreement with the shared electric kickboard platform company 'G-Bike' and launched a dedicated insurance product. It is limited to customers using the G-Bike G-Scooter service and covers personal injury accidents, injury damages caused to others, fines, and lawyer fees.

This is offered as a benefit linked to the G-Scooter monthly pass called the Commuting Booster, allowing easy subscription. The coverage period is one month after the customer purchases the G-Scooter monthly pass.

Even if you have subscribed to electric kickboard insurance, you should be careful as violations of safety rules such as not wearing a helmet may exclude you from coverage. According to current Road Traffic Act regulations, electric kickboard users must wear protective gear such as helmets, and only one person is allowed to ride per device.

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