"Now Even Ddareungi... When to Use It, but Returning It Like Throwing Away Trash [Reporter Han Goes]"

Personal Mobility Devices 'Electric Kickboards' and Shared Bicycles 'Ddarungi' Return Issues Cause Headaches
Civilians Complain "Severe Traffic Inconvenience... Is It a Lack of Civic Awareness?"

In the heart of downtown Seoul, shared bicycles called Ddareungi are left abandoned as if discarded. This not only obstructs the passage of citizens passing through but also raises concerns about a lack of civic awareness. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Isn't it too dangerous for bicycles to be lying down?" , "Please return them properly..."

Electric kickboards, a type of Personal Mobility (PM), are causing significant social inconvenience due to free-floating situations where they block pedestrian paths. Free-floating refers to the practice of using shared mobility devices like kickboards and leaving them anywhere without designated parking spots.

This is a typical feature of shared mobility services, but some users return kickboards carelessly, leaving them in places that obstruct passage, causing ongoing inconvenience to citizens. Even shared bicycles called "Ddarungi" are being discarded at the same level as kickboards, causing public displeasure. Although both kickboards and Ddarungi are convenient for urgent use, there are criticisms that users treat them like trash when returning them on the streets.

Recently, in the heart of Seoul, a Ddarungi was found lying down, presumed to have been used and returned by someone. It is believed that the Ddarungi was used and then simply abandoned on the street. Nearby, kickboards were scattered around. This created a hazardous situation where anyone passing by, including visually impaired individuals, could trip and fall.

A citizen crumpling a used Ddareungi bike between other Ddareungi bikes at a shared bicycle storage. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Kim, a company employee in his 30s who passed by the area, criticized, "I've seen scenes of kickboards lying around like that on the news, but now even bicycles (Ddarungi) are being treated like that, which is unacceptable." He added, "For the sake of the next user, they should use and return them properly, but honestly, I think citizens' awareness is somewhat lacking."

Another office worker in his 40s, Park, said, "I think fines should be imposed," and raised his voice, "There are proper return procedures, and if they are not followed, there is no other choice." He continued, "I don't understand why people return them so selfishly, risking someone tripping and falling."

Lee, a university student in his 20s, said, "I tell my friends to return them properly, but it doesn't seem like people are following that well." He added, "There might be people who get hurt by tripping, so I hope people pay more attention."

A shared mobility electric scooter is lying on the street. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Given the situation, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has coordinated with 16 electric kickboard companies to establish guidelines. Fourteen types of restricted parking zones have been created, including crosswalks and sidewalks, where kickboards cannot be parked if they obstruct passage. The same applies to subway station entrances and walking paths.

Kickboards are also prohibited from being parked on roads, vehicle access routes, and within 10 meters of bus or taxi stops. Especially, tactile paving for the visually impaired and areas within 5 meters of fire facilities have been designated as restricted zones.

However, charging docks and auxiliary facilities for kickboards will be installed near subway stations to encourage the use of electric kickboards in spaces that do not obstruct pedestrian traffic. As a pilot project, about five locations near stations will be set up next year, and based on citizen feedback regarding obstruction, the project scale will be expanded.

In particular, the city plans to minimize citizen inconvenience by towing abandoned electric kickboards. For towed kickboards, the ordinance will be revised to allow a towing fee of about 40,000 won.

Seoul plans to notify users with an alarm when renting kickboards to encourage participation in these guidelines. Additionally, users will be required to take and submit photos of the parking status when returning kickboards, and those who repeatedly violate usage rules may face usage restrictions in cooperation with electric kickboard companies.

A representative from a kickboard operating company said, "The guidelines (prepared by the city) only have meaning if users follow them well," and urged, "For everyone's safety, we hope users will adhere to the rules regarding kickboard parking and usage."