[Reader Contribution] Increasingly Dangerous Electric Kickboards... Now Subject to Crackdown and Sanctions

Kim Gwang-jung, Traffic Safety Team 1 Lieutenant, Gwangju Seobu Police Station

Kim Kwang-jung, Lieutenant, Traffic Safety Team 1, Gwangju Seobu Police Station.

These days, it is common to see people riding electric kickboards on city streets. It is also easy to find electric kickboards parked in various places on the roads.

Personal mobility devices such as electric kickboards could be ridden by anyone aged 13 or older without a license, according to the revised Road Traffic Act effective from December 10 last year.

Without wearing safety gear like helmets, some riders exceeded speeds of 25 km/h to enjoy the thrill, and teenagers often rode together with two or more friends simply for fun.

Although there were prohibitions against dangerous behaviors such as riding after drinking alcohol, there were no penalties, so there was no basis for special enforcement or sanctions.

However, the revised Road Traffic Act will take effect from the 13th. Personal mobility devices must primarily use bicycle lanes, and riding on sidewalks is prohibited. If there is no bicycle lane, riders must travel along the right edge of the road.

Only those holding a motorized vehicle license (age 16 or older) are allowed to operate these devices, and violating this rule will result in a fine of 100,000 KRW for unlicensed driving. If a child under 13 operates one, a fine of 100,000 KRW will be imposed on their guardian. Failure to fulfill the driver's duty of care includes a 40,000 KRW fine for carrying passengers, a 20,000 KRW fine for not wearing a helmet, a 10,000 KRW fine for not operating lighting devices, and a 100,000 KRW fine for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If a pedestrian is injured while riding on the sidewalk, it will be considered one of the 12 major negligence offenses, making the rider subject to criminal punishment regardless of insurance settlement. In cases of accidents, hit-and-run, or alcohol-related injuries within school zones, enhanced penalties under the Special Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes (Special Act) will apply, and the duty of care will be strengthened.

Since these devices are easily accessible to anyone, it is important to recognize the hidden dangers behind their convenience. Considering that the main users are teenagers, thorough safety education should be conducted at schools and homes.