"‘If Helmets Are Mandatory, We Won't Ride Kickboards,’ Shared Mobility Companies Appeal... Citizens Say ‘Safety First’ vs ‘Questioning Effectiveness’"

5 Companies Including Lime Korea Issue Statement Urging Regulatory Relaxation
"Will Stop Using Electric Kickboards If Helmet Fines Are Imposed"
From the 13th, a 20,000 KRW Fine Imposed for Not Wearing Helmets
Electric Kickboard Safety Accidents Nearly Quadrupled in the Last 3 Years
"For Safety" vs "Is It Realistic?" Citizens Debate Heatedly

On the afternoon of the 13th, the first day of strengthened electric scooter regulations, police officers from the Traffic Division of Yeongdeungpo Police Station were conducting enforcement and guidance related to electric scooters at Yeouido Hangang Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] As helmet wearing has become mandatory when using electric kickboards, concerns about a decline in usage rates have grown, prompting kickboard rental companies to appeal for deregulation, sparking controversy. Some argue that kickboards are also a 'means of transportation' and that helmet use is essential due to the risk of injury, while others complain that the regulations are excessively strict.

On the 8th, five domestic shared electric kickboard service providers?Lime Korea, Mercane Mate, Swing, Wind, and Highkick?issued a joint statement urging the relaxation of helmet-wearing regulations.

In their statement, the companies said, "We agree with the government's policy direction to create an environment for helmet use to ensure user safety," but added, "Coercive methods such as imposing fines cannot foster a proper helmet culture."

They continued, "Imposing fines may lead users to give up using shared electric kickboards altogether, destroying the proper usage culture," and "Before establishing a helmet culture, it could reduce the overall use of eco-friendly transportation."

As alternatives to mandatory helmet use, the companies proposed measures such as reducing the maximum speed from 25 km/h to 20 km/h and educating users to ride at 15 km/h in areas with high pedestrian density.

They emphasized, "As a long-term project, we will collect and analyze accident types and causes related to shared electric kickboards in one place to contribute to reducing accidents."

On the 11th, a citizen is using a shared electric scooter in Seoul city. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, from the 13th of last month, the revised Road Traffic Act came into effect, making helmet wearing mandatory for users of 'Personal Mobility' (PM) devices, including electric kickboards. Those caught riding kickboards without helmets face a fine of 20,000 KRW.

The government is strengthening regulations on electric kickboards due to safety concerns. According to data from the Korea Transport Institute, the number of electric kickboard users increased from 98,000 in 2017 to 196,000 in 2019, more than doubling in three years. As usage increased, accidents surged as well. The number of electric kickboard-related accidents rose nearly fourfold from 225 cases in 2018 to 897 cases last year.

The problem lies in the concern that enforcing helmet use may cause a sharp decline in usage. When helmet wearing became mandatory for bicycles in 2018, Seoul's shared bicycle service 'Ddareungi' piloted a free helmet rental service, but usage was very low at 3%. Shared kickboard users face fines for violating helmet regulations, which may lead to users completely avoiding the service.

Distributing helmets along with kickboards is also challenging. It is difficult to monitor theft and damage, and hygiene management is complicated since helmets are handled by multiple users.

On the afternoon of the 13th, citizens without helmets were riding electric kickboards near Yeouinaru Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

Amid this situation, public opinion is divided. Some argue that since electric kickboards are a means of transportation, helmet wearing should be mandatory, while others point out that requiring helmets even for very short trips is an ineffective regulation.

A 20-something office worker, Mr. A, said, "I have used electric kickboards, and they are definitely not slow. If you fall while riding, you could get seriously injured, and children are even more at risk," emphasizing, "It's for safety, so even if it's a bit inconvenient, wearing a helmet is absolutely necessary."

University student Mr. B (26) said, "Asking to be exempted from helmet wearing because the speed will be reduced is no different from saying you will not wear a seatbelt because you will drive a car slowly," and added, "It is only natural to prioritize safety when using a means of transportation."

On the other hand, office worker Mr. C (28) said, "I agree that safety is most important, but I have doubts about the effectiveness," and argued, "Electric kickboards are often used for very short distances, and it is not realistically possible for all users to wear helmets every time."

Meanwhile, the government plans to strengthen safety regulations for PM drivers overall, not just helmet wearing. Accordingly, only drivers with a motorbike license or higher will be allowed to operate PM devices, and a fine of 100,000 KRW will be imposed for unlicensed driving.

Additionally, a fine of 40,000 KRW will be imposed for exceeding the passenger limit, and if a child under 13 drives, a fine and penalty of 100,000 KRW will be imposed on the guardian.