First Legal Regulation of 'Personal Mobility Devices' Including Electric Kickboards... Allowed on Bicycle Lanes, Driving by Children Prohibited

Police and Ministry of the Interior and Safety to Announce Revised Road Traffic Act on the 9th

A citizen participating in the '2019 Sharing Day' event held on the 2nd at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, is experiencing a shared electric scooter. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The first legislation regarding the traffic methods and safety standards for personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards, has been enacted. The legislation allows personal mobility devices to use bicycle lanes, treating them similarly to electric bicycles, permits usage without a license, but prohibits use by children.

The National Police Agency and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 9th the promulgation of the amended Road Traffic Act and the Act on the Promotion of Bicycle Use reflecting these changes. The amended laws will be fully enforced starting December 10, six months later.

Until now, demand for personal mobility devices has steadily increased, but under the existing Road Traffic Act, they were classified as "motorized bicycles" like motorcycles without separate regulations. As a result, they were required to use only the roadway like motorcycles and needed a license to operate, imposing excessive restrictions compared to the characteristics of personal mobility devices.

The amended law clearly defines personal mobility devices as having a maximum speed of less than 25 km/h and a total weight under 30 kg. It also permits their use on bicycle lanes, which was previously prohibited, and applies the same traffic methods and driver obligations as electric bicycles. They can be used without a driver's license, but operation by children under 13 years old is prohibited.

Furthermore, to ensure safe and smooth communication between bicycles and personal mobility devices, road management authorities may designate certain sections and times on bicycle lanes to prohibit or restrict the passage of personal mobility devices.

The police and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated, "With the amendment of laws related to personal mobility devices, the public can use these devices more safely, and it is expected to contribute to the activation of the smart mobility industry. We will prepare to ensure smooth implementation of the system through the refinement of subordinate laws and cooperation with local governments."