The Street Outlaw Shared Kickboards... Parking Anywhere Causes Nuisance

Private Property and Alleyways Cluttered, Blocking Passage
Kickboard Parking Laws and Ordinances Remain 'Unclear'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Shin Mo (34), who lives in Yangpyeong-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, experiences inconvenience while driving every morning due to shared electric scooters placed all over the alleyways. The shared scooters scattered carelessly in the alleys also obstruct parking. Shin said, "There have been more than a few times when I was startled by scooters suddenly darting out while driving on the road," and expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Shouldn't the companies at least establish proper regulations regarding parking?"

As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) slows down and the heatwave subsides, the number of shared electric scooter users is increasing. However, as management of the growing number of shared scooters is not properly carried out, citizens' complaints are also rising.

Currently, the total number of shared electric scooters operating in Seoul is 35,850. In 2018, there were only 150. Most companies apply the free-floating system, where users park scooters anywhere conveniently after use.

As in Shin’s case, electric scooters are indiscriminately parked at entrances to residential alleys and next to parking lots. Since they are quite heavy, and some scooters emit loud alarms if moved without unlocking, they not only obstruct pedestrian traffic but also raise concerns about potential safety accidents, both large and small.

Given this situation, local governments are also considering regulations for shared electric scooters. The government has expressed its intention to enact laws restricting shared scooter parking and designated parking locations, and Seoul City is currently pushing for an ordinance amendment to impose towing fees on electric scooters. However, it is expected to take a considerable amount of time before the bill passes or the ordinance is amended.

The shared scooter industry is also aware of the issues. A company official explained, "We are well aware that complaints related to parking are increasing," and added, "We will work with Seoul City and other local governments to find ways to reduce inconvenience for citizens and users."