Nowon-gu Opens Electric Mobility Device Driving Practice Center for Disabled Persons

Using Electric Mobility Devices Without Licenses or Safety Training, Toward a 'THE Safe Nowon'
858㎡ Practice Area Equipped with Driving Courses, Slopes, and Rest Zones... Theoretical and Practical Training Provided
Leading Improvements in Pedestrian Environment, Electric Mobility Device Accident Insurance, and Rapid Charger Expansion for a 'Mobility Paradise for the Disabled'

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it has established an 'Electric Mobility Device Driving Practice Course' to ensure the safe mobility rights of people with disabilities.

Electric mobility devices for people with disabilities refer to electric equipment such as electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that assist the activities of those with mobility difficulties. Since electric mobility devices are legally classified as pedestrians and can be operated without a separate license or safety education, there have been no institutionalized safety accident prevention education or facilities, creating a blind spot.

With the overall trend of aging and the increase in the disabled population, the district has promoted the establishment of the 'Electric Mobility Device Driving Practice Course' as a safety accident prevention measure in response to the growing use of electric mobility devices.

Nowon-gu’s electric mobility device driving practice course, the second to open among Seoul’s autonomous districts, was created on the former Jungnangcheon Water Park site, covering an area of 858㎡.

The course is designed with straight and curved paths, stop lines, and slopes so that first-time users of electric mobility devices can practice in realistic situations. Reflecting the characteristics of an area with a high proportion of apartment complexes, a simulated space to prevent collision accidents during elevator boarding and alighting has also been implemented. Users can practice using their own electric mobility devices or use practice devices provided. Additionally, auxiliary facilities such as rest areas, rapid chargers for electric mobility devices, and accessible restrooms have been installed for user convenience.

The education program consists of basic theory, driving practice, and safety accident response methods. The operating organization, the Seoul Association of the Physically Disabled, invited experts in theory and equipment through the Seoul Northeast Assistive Device Center as instructors and began pilot operations on the 5th. People with disabilities themselves and the Nowon Youth Supporters Group, who applied to experience electric mobility devices, participated in the feedback process.

After the opening ceremony on the 14th, a formal education program will be operated, and promotional activities targeting local mobility device retailers, disability organizations, and facilities will be conducted simultaneously, according to district officials.

The district is also making efforts to improve the operating environment for electric mobility devices. It has removed over 1,200 unnecessarily installed bollards on sidewalks and lowered curbs at more than 450 crosswalks. To prepare for emergencies such as battery depletion, 64 rapid chargers have been installed mainly in parks and along rivers.

Support systems have also been established to prepare for accidents, breakdowns, and battery depletion that may occur during the use of electric mobility devices.

Since 2022, Nowon-gu was the first autonomous district in Seoul to subscribe to electric mobility device insurance. This year, the self-pay amount was reduced from 50,000 KRW to 30,000 KRW, while the compensation limit was raised to a maximum of 50 million KRW, easing the financial burden on accident victims. In case of mobility device breakdowns, seven companies contracted with the district provide prompt repairs, and the district supports repair costs.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Mobility rights for people with disabilities expand their contact points with the world and serve as a pathway to enjoy other fundamental rights, so we must approach this from a comprehensive perspective including safety and convenience. We will carefully ensure that no obstacles remain to block the mobility of people with disabilities in Nowon, a city where people want to walk and can walk comfortably.”

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