Mandatory License Verification for Electric Scooter Rentals
Seven Out of Ten Unlicensed Accidents Involve Teenagers
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is moving to amend its ordinance to make it mandatory for electric scooter rental operators to check users' driver's licenses. This measure aims to strengthen safety management, considering the continued occurrence of unlicensed driving accidents and the high proportion of such accidents involving teenagers.
On January 18, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it had issued a legislative notice for the "Partial Amendment Ordinance on the Promotion of Safe Use of Personal Mobility Devices in Seoul" on January 15 and has begun collecting public opinions.
Mandatory License Verification for Electric Scooter Rentals
The revised ordinance bill stipulates that electric scooter rental operators must verify whether users possess a valid driver's license before renting out scooters. If operators fail to comply, the Mayor of Seoul may request corrective action from relevant agencies, including the police.
According to the current Road Traffic Act, personal mobility devices refer to electric scooters, electric two-wheeled vehicles, and electric bicycles that do not operate their motors at speeds of 25 km/h or higher and have a body weight of less than 30 kg. To operate these devices, a motorized bicycle license or higher is required.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government explained the reason for the amendment, stating, "As the sale and rental of personal mobility devices such as electric scooters have surged, there has been a continuous increase in related accidents and civil complaints about the deterioration of the pedestrian environment."
Continuous Casualties... Strengthened Management Amid Safety Concerns
In particular, the city added that, over the past five years, out of 570 unlicensed driving accidents involving personal mobility devices, 393 cases (68.9%) were caused by individuals aged 19 or younger, identifying this as a major risk factor for youth traffic safety.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to finalize and promulgate the ordinance after collecting public opinions until January 23.
Electric scooters have surged in recent years, becoming a subject of social controversy. The neologism "Kickrani," combining "kickboard" (electric scooter) and "Gorani" (water deer), has emerged, reflecting the perception that these devices suddenly appear on roads or sidewalks, posing risks.
There have been actual cases resulting in casualties. In October last year, two middle school students riding an electric scooter nearly hit a two-year-old girl, and a woman in her 30s who tried to prevent the accident collided with the scooter and was left in critical condition. Additionally, in June of the same year, a woman in her 60s died after being struck by an electric scooter ridden by two high school students.
Meanwhile, since May last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has designated Hongdae Red Road in Mapo-gu (1.3 km) and the Banpo Academy district in Seocho-gu (2.3 km) as "scooter-free zones" from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. as a pilot program.
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