Survey Conducted in Seoul's Pilot Areas
77% of Citizens Report "Reduced Risk"
City to Discuss Improvements with Police and Other Authorities
According to the results of a pilot program in Seoul-the first of its kind nationwide-that designated two "Kickboard-Free Streets" in Mapo-gu and Seocho-gu, 7 to 8 out of 10 citizens reported experiencing improvements such as a better pedestrian environment and reduced risk of collisions. The city is considering further expanding the areas where kickboards are prohibited.
On November 3, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it had conducted a survey in August of 500 local residents (aged 18 to 60 and above) in the designated areas to analyze the effects of the "Kickboard-Free Streets" pilot program.
A citizen riding without a helmet on a road near Gongdeok Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
Since May of this year, two sections in Seoul-Hongdae Red Road in Mapo-gu (1.3 km) and Banpo Academy Street in Seocho-gu (2.3 km)-have been operated as Kickboard-Free Streets (from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) on a trial basis.
According to the survey, 53.2% of respondents said they were aware of the Kickboard-Free Streets. When asked about changes before and after the program (average for both sections), 76.2% noticed a decrease in electric kickboard traffic, 80.4% observed a reduction in illegally parked kickboards, and 77.2% felt that the risk of collisions had decreased. Additionally, 69.2% responded that the pedestrian environment had improved.
Regarding the possibility of expanding the program to other densely populated pedestrian areas or safety-vulnerable zones, 98.4% expressed support, while only 2.6% said they experienced inconvenience due to the kickboard ban.
On Kickboard-Free Streets, electric kickboards, electric two-wheeled balancing vehicles, and bicycles powered solely by electric motors are not allowed to operate. Violators are subject to a fine of 30,000 won and 15 demerit points on regular roads, and a fine of 60,000 won and 30 demerit points in child protection zones. However, the police are currently operating a guidance period. Based on the results of the public awareness survey and a comprehensive analysis, the city plans to review enforcement measures and the possible expansion of kickboard-free zones in consultation with the police.
Yeo Jangkwon, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Transportation Bureau, stated, "According to the results of the public awareness survey, restricting kickboard access has led to improvements in perceived pedestrian safety indicators. We will do our utmost to create a safer pedestrian environment by establishing systematic safety management between electric kickboards and pedestrians and by setting clear operational guidelines."
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