Road Traffic Authority: "With the Increase in Personal Mobility Devices, Traffic Safety Rules Must Be Strictly Followed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The Korea Road Traffic Authority issued a special warning on the 18th regarding the use of personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards, which have recently gained popularity. This comes as related traffic accidents have been occurring frequently due to increased usage.

Personal mobility devices primarily refer to transportation means powered by electricity for one or two users, including electric wheels, electric kickboards, electric bicycles, and ultra-small cars.

Under the Road Traffic Act, only individuals who have obtained a motorized bicycle driver's license or a Class 2 regular driver's license or higher are allowed to use personal mobility devices. Since the motorized bicycle license can be obtained from age 16, youths and children under 16 are prohibited from riding personal mobility devices, and using them without a license results in a fine of up to 300,000 KRW.

Personal mobility devices are classified as vehicles under the Road Traffic Act and are not permitted to operate on sidewalks or bicycle lanes. Like two-wheeled vehicles, they must be driven on the roadway but are prohibited from entering motorways and expressways. Some regions allow operation on bicycle lanes or within parks as pilot projects, but as a rule, riding is not allowed, so users must verify whether riding is permitted at the location beforehand. The maximum speed is limited to 25 km/h, and drunk driving is punished the same as for automobiles. Additionally, with safety standards strengthened in February this year, the maximum weight of electric boards is limited to 30 kg, and lighting devices such as headlights and tail lights, as well as horns, must be installed.

Furthermore, drivers and passengers must wear helmets, and failure to do so results in a fine of 20,000 KRW. Besides helmets, it is recommended to wear safety protective gear such as gloves and wrist guards, knee and elbow pads to prevent injuries.

The Korea Road Traffic Authority emphasized thorough basic inspections before riding and safe riding habits for the safe use of personal mobility devices. Since each device has different characteristics, users should refer to the user manual provided at purchase to check necessary items.

In particular, before riding, brakes, handlebars, tire pressure, and batteries should be inspected. Caution is required as battery shocks or overcharging can cause fires due to explosions. During riding, the use of earphones or mobile phones is prohibited, sudden direction changes or acceleration/deceleration should be avoided, and it is advisable to dismount and push the device at crosswalks. Riding at night or in rainy weather should be avoided if possible; if unavoidable, headlights and tail lights must be turned on while riding.

A representative from the Korea Road Traffic Authority stated, “Personal mobility devices such as electric kickboards can cause serious injuries in accidents, so wearing safety protective gear and complying with traffic laws are essential,” and emphasized, “Above all, safe riding habits are necessary to prevent accidents.”