More than a month since electric scooter crackdown... No helmets and sidewalk riding still common

One Month Since Revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement... Full-Scale Crackdown from 13th
No Change in Helmet Non-Wearing and Sidewalk Riding
150 Cases Caught on First Day of Crackdown... Voices Saying "Ineffective"
Experts Call for Comprehensive PM Management Law Suited to Mobility Characteristics

On the 13th, when the revised Road Traffic Act strengthening regulations on the use of personal mobility devices (PM) such as electric kickboards came into effect, citizens were riding electric kickboards around Seoul city. According to the revision, only those holding a driver's license of 'Class 2 Motorized Bicycle License' or higher can ride electric kickboards, and a fine of 20,000 won is imposed for riding without a helmet. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] On the afternoon of the 23rd, near a university area in Yonghyeon-dong, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, people riding kickboards were noticeable on the streets. Occasionally, some riders wore safety gear including helmets, but most were using their own kickboards. Among the shared kickboard riders observed that day, none wore helmets. On the previous day, the 22nd, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, kickboards frequently crossed between the road and the sidewalk. Kickboards are supposed to use bicycle lanes, and if none exist, they should be ridden on the roadway. University student Kim (23) said, "I don't know the exact safety regulations for kickboards," adding, "I know helmets are required, but since I only ride briefly, I never thought about carrying one around."

The amended Road Traffic Act, which imposes fines for operating electric kickboards without a license or helmet, has been in effect since the 13th of last month. After a one-month grace period, enforcement began on the 13th of this month. Unlicensed driving incurs a fine of 100,000 KRW, not wearing a helmet results in a 20,000 KRW fine, and carrying more than one passenger leads to a 40,000 KRW fine. If a child under 13 is caught operating an electric kickboard, their guardian must pay a 100,000 KRW fine.

On the first day of enforcement alone, 150 cases were detected nationwide. During the grace period, a total of 1,522 fines were issued. Among these, 717 were for not wearing helmets, 200 for drunk driving, 173 for unlicensed driving, 22 for carrying more than one passenger, and 410 for other violations, with helmet non-compliance being the most common.

Despite the law's implementation, complaints continue among riders that the regulations are unrealistic. Many use kickboards for short distances and find it impractical to carry a helmet daily. Despite ongoing publicity, some remain unaware of the law changes. In fact, a recent survey by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority of 1,697 kickboard users showed helmet-wearing rates before and after the regulation at only 0.4% and 2.9%, respectively, indicating minimal change.

The related industry is demanding deregulation, arguing that mandatory helmet use is ineffective. Some are preparing alternative measures, such as attaching helmets to kickboards or providing incentives for helmet use. Professor Kim Pil-su of Daelim University’s Department of Automotive Studies said, "Instead of mandating helmet use, regulations should be realistic, such as installing speed limiters to reduce accident risks. Overly strict regulations reduce effectiveness," adding, "A comprehensive PM management law should be established, and regulations should be updated to reflect the characteristics of new mobility."