Incheon City announced on the 8th that it will support insurance enrollment for users of electric wheelchairs, scooters, and other electric mobility aids starting this year.
Under the Road Traffic Act, electric scooters and electric wheelchairs, which are not classified as automobiles, must be operated on sidewalks. However, when sidewalks are narrow or obstructed, accidents that injure others or damage others' property are likely to occur.
Accordingly, Incheon City supports liability insurance enrollment for electric mobility aids to alleviate the financial burden caused by accidents and to guarantee the safe mobility rights of the increasing number of electric mobility aid users each year. The number of electric mobility aid users in Incheon was 1,968 in 2017 and reached 3,421 as of last year.
The support targets residents with disabilities in Incheon who use electric mobility aids, but due to the recent surge in demand for electric mobility aids as a means of transportation for the elderly and the rising accident rate, elderly users will also be included.
The insurance coverage period is from January to December of this year, and eligible users can receive insurance benefits as insured persons without any separate enrollment procedures. It covers up to 50 million KRW per accident (with a 50,000 KRW deductible) for third-party bodily injury and property damage liability arising from the operation of electric mobility aids.
There is no limit on the number of claims or compensation amount. If a claim is filed within three years from the date of the accident at the dedicated consultation center (Wheelchair Korea), the insurance payment amount will be determined after review and compensation will be processed. The total budget for supporting insurance enrollment is 126 million KRW, with Incheon City and the districts each bearing 50% of the cost.
An official from Incheon City stated, "Electric mobility aid insurance will greatly help not only in guaranteeing the mobility rights of persons with disabilities but also in providing relief for damages to third parties."
Meanwhile, the city will continue to promote the installation of rapid chargers for electric mobility aids. So far, a total of 195 locations have been installed throughout the city, and 11 more locations are planned to be added this year.
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