[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The Korea Road Traffic Authority announced on the 1st that it has developed and distributed materials to guide the types of "motorized bicycles" that the public often confuses in daily life and their proper usage.
There are mainly two types of motorized bicycles: ▲ motorcycles with an engine displacement of 125cc or less or vehicles equipped with an engine displacement of less than 50cc ▲ and personal mobility devices powered by electricity for single riders. The former includes delivery motorcycles or small scooters, while the latter includes electric kickboards, electric two-wheeled parallel vehicles, and throttle-type electric bicycles.
The Authority also included information on the classification of electric bicycles according to their drive system, the necessity of a driver's license, and the use of bicycle lanes, as the number of users is increasing due to the rise of "Jachuljok" (people commuting by bicycle) and demand caused by COVID-19.
Among electric bicycles, the Pedal Assist System (PAS) type, which requires pedaling to move forward, is classified as a bicycle and does not require a driver's license. However, throttle and mixed throttle-PAS types, which can be driven solely by electric battery power, are classified as motorized bicycles and require a driver's license. Those who already hold a Class 1 or Class 2 regular automobile driver's license have no issues, but minors who cannot obtain an automobile driver's license must acquire a "motorized bicycle driver's license," which can be obtained from age 16, to ride electric bicycles.
Additionally, the Authority recommends verifying whether personal mobility devices and electric bicycles are KC certified and have been imported through official customs clearance when purchasing or using them. Lists of products that have completed safety confirmation reports and are allowed to use bicycle lanes can be checked on the "Personal Mobility Safety Confirmation Report Bulletin Board" and the "Bicycle Happiness Sharing" website, respectively.
An official from the Authority said, "We hope people will understand the somewhat difficult and unfamiliar term 'motorized bicycle' and the various transportation means it includes, and use them properly to protect not only their own lives but also the lives of others from traffic accidents." He added, "We will continue to develop educational and guidance materials tailored to users' perspectives for each type of transportation to enhance traffic safety awareness."
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