From the 13th, Stricter Regulations on Personal Mobility Devices... Essential Safety Rules You Must Know

Enforcement of Revised Road Traffic Act
Motorized Device License Required for Ages 16 and Above
Penalties for Not Wearing Safety Helmets

[Photo by Road Traffic Authority]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Starting from the 13th of this month, the revised Road Traffic Act, which strengthens regulations on the use of personal mobility devices (PM) such as electric kickboards, will be enforced. In particular, confusion among users is inevitable as regulations were significantly relaxed last December but then tightened again after just four months. Here, we take a look at the changes in personal mobility device laws and the basic rules for safe operation.

Unlicensed Minors → Operation Prohibited for Those Under 16

The core of the revised Road Traffic Act, which will take effect on the 13th, is the strengthening of user qualifications and age limits for personal mobility devices. To operate a personal mobility device, one must hold at least a "Class 2 Motorized Bicycle License (motorcycle license)."

The minimum age to obtain a motorcycle license is 16 years old. Accordingly, middle school students (aged 13 to 15) who previously could freely use personal mobility devices will no longer be allowed to operate them. If caught driving without a license, a fine of up to 200,000 KRW will be imposed. However, since the police are currently pushing to establish a dedicated license for personal mobility devices, this regulation may change in the future.

Along with this, a fine of up to 200,000 KRW will be newly imposed for not wearing protective gear such as helmets, exceeding passenger limits, and failing to turn on lighting devices, which previously had no penalty provisions. Especially, if a child under 13 operates a personal mobility device, the guardian may be fined up to 200,000 KRW, so parents need to pay special attention and caution.

Operation on Sidewalks Prohibited... Must Use Road Edge or Bicycle Lanes

The method of passage for personal mobility devices remains the same under the current Road Traffic Act. If there is a bicycle lane, users may travel on the bicycle lane; if there is no bicycle lane, they must travel along the right edge of the roadway. If an accident causing injury occurs while riding on the sidewalk, it will be classified as one of the 12 major violations and will be subject to criminal punishment regardless of insurance subscription or settlement.

For safe use, it is most important to adhere to the basics. Thorough basic inspections and safe riding habits are necessary, and sudden changes in direction, acceleration, or deceleration should be avoided. Before riding, check the brakes, handlebars, tire air pressure, and battery, and during riding, it is advisable to refrain from using earphones or mobile phones. At intersections, rather than forcing riding on the road, it is safer to get off the personal mobility device and use the crosswalk whenever possible.

Increasing Users, Safety is the Top Priority!

COVID-19 has been a factor that explosively increased the usage rate of personal mobility devices. Due to social distancing, personal mobility devices, which allow individuals to move quickly alone rather than using public transportation crowded with many people for short distances, have started to gain popularity. According to market research firm Nielsen Korean Click, as of October last year, there were 1.15 million users of shared electric kickboards, and when combined with owners of electric kickboards, the total number of personal mobility device users is expected to be even larger.

Correspondingly, related accidents are also increasing. According to the Road Traffic Authority’s Traffic Accident Analysis System (TAAS), the number of traffic accidents involving personal mobility devices rose from 117 cases in 2017 to 447 cases in 2019, and the number of casualties increased from 128 to 481, a surge of 282% and 276%, respectively. To prevent accidents, efforts by related ministries, agencies, and shared electric kickboard operators in education and publicity are important, but compliance with laws and safety rules by users is paramount.

A representative from the Road Traffic Authority said, “For the creation of a safe road traffic culture for personal mobility devices, pedestrians, and automobiles alike, the proper use by personal mobility device users is most important,” adding, “We will continue to cooperate with related ministries, industries, and local governments to establish a safe traffic culture for environmentally friendly and convenient personal mobility devices.”