As ridership and accidents increase, authorities have recognised the need for considered and collaborative safety measures

Source: The Korea Herald

Where the popularity of electric scooters continues to grow in South Korea, so too does the number of related accidents. Despite their increasing use, regulations governing e-scooters remain in the early stages of development. In response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety recently announced that a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors is underway to enhance safety management measures aimed at preventing further incidents.

This announcement follows the government’s signing of a business agreement in July with key stakeholders, including ten major personal mobility rental companies, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the National Police Agency. The agreement focuses on strengthening safety protocols for e-scooters across the country.

One of the central measures introduced is a reduction in the maximum speed limit for e-scooters from 25 kilometers per hour to 20 kilometers per hour in a newly launched pilot program. This reduction is expected to play a significant role in decreasing the number of accidents and related injuries. According to recent analyses, lowering the speed from 25 kph to 20 kph can reduce the stopping distance by 26 percent and decrease the severity of impact by 36 percent.

The pilot program is being implemented autonomously by personal mobility rental companies, taking into account the specific operational areas and business conditions of each company. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to thoroughly analyze the results of this pilot program, including accident statistics, by the end of December. Based on the findings, the ministry will consider revising relevant laws and regulations to enhance safety further.

In addition to the speed limit reduction, the government has initiated intensive enforcement efforts, which will continue through the end of September. These crackdowns will target major violations, with significant fines imposed on those found in breach of the rules. For instance, operating an e-scooter without a license or while under the influence will incur a fine of 100,000 won (approximately $74.89). Riding with two or more people will result in a 40,000 won fine, and not wearing a safety helmet will attract a 20,000 won penalty.

“The government will continue to improve the regulatory framework,” stated Kim Yong-gyun, Director General of the Interior Ministry’s National Disaster and Safety Control Center. He emphasized the importance of users adhering to e-scooter regulations to ensure their safety and that of others.