Ha Tae-kyung: "Lime side only 'barely' issues notices to evade responsibility... Legislation needed to ensure safety"

On January 17, Ha Tae-kyung, the United Future Party candidate for Haeundae Gap, speaks at the party leader meeting held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Hee-eun Park] Ha Tae-kyung, the Future United Party candidate for Haeundae Gap, raised issues with Lime regarding the 'Lime Kickboard Death Incident' that occurred in Haeundae. He also promised legislation related to 'Lime.'

On the 12th, Ha stated on Facebook, "Lime, with no safety measures, must immediately stop operating electric kickboards."

He continued, "A tragic electric kickboard death accident occurred in Haeundae," explaining, "The fundamental cause was Lime's faulty operational system as the electric kickboard operator."

Ha further criticized Lime, saying, "Electric kickboards require a motorized vehicle license to ride, but Lime does not verify this during membership registration or kickboard rental," adding, "They only put up a notice to avoid legal responsibility."

On the morning of the 12th, a Lime shared electric scooter was severely damaged in a collision with a vehicle. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Ha Tae-kyung also mentioned that other domestic kickboard companies have implemented driver’s license verification systems. In contrast, he sharply criticized, "Lime is not insured, so individuals must bear all responsibility in case of accidents."

He continued, "Electric kickboard accidents often cause more severe injuries than car or motorcycle accidents, yet rental businesses operate without insurance."

He emphasized, "There is only guidance to wear helmets, but no measures such as renting helmets together."

Finally, through Facebook, he explained the necessary measures for 'Lime.' Ha said, "When renting an electric kickboard via the app, it is necessary to confirm safety driving rules such as checking for drunk driving and prohibiting rental to others," adding, "The 'Terms of Use' provided by the Lime app is only in English without even a Korean translation."

He added, "I will promptly prepare legislation to ensure electric kickboard safety and lead the National Assembly in protecting the lives of the people."

Earlier on the 12th, in Haeundae-gu, Busan, a passenger car collided with a Lime electric kickboard, resulting in the death of the kickboard rider. This is the first fatal accident involving a shared electric kickboard in Busan.

Meanwhile, the shared electric kickboard service 'Lime' has been operating mainly in Haeundae since last year.