Shared e-scooter rides in the Republic of Korea reach 98 million

Source: Chosun Biz

The Korea PM Industry Association has recently reported that domestic personal mobility (PM) sharing service rides reached approximately 98 million in 2025. It also noted the cumulative number of subscribers to the four major PM sharing services in Korea, totalling 14.6 million, with young riders accounting for 70%.

In reporting these statistics, the association indicated that shared PMs are widely used nationwide and not limited to specific classes or regions.

Patterns of use

Shared PMs are primarily utilised during late-night hours, in transfer gaps, and in areas with limited public transportation access. The association highlighted a growing trend of using shared PMs for short-distance trips, reflecting their increasing role as a convenient alternative for urban mobility.

Youth are main users

Young people comprise a significant portion of shared PM users. About 70% of all subscribers are youth, and usage is mainly for commuting to school or work and for short-distance travel. The association stated that in areas where private car use is difficult or access to public transit is limited, shared PMs are emerging as an alternative mode of travel.

Geographic expansion

Use of shared PMs is expanding beyond major cities. In some regions, shared PMs have become a part of daily life, used not only for first- and last-mile trips but also for everyday travel over short distances.

Safety indicators

Regarding safety, the association reported that as of 2024, the fatality rate for PM accidents was 0.78%, lower than 1.65% for motorized bicycles, 1.39% for two-wheeled vehicles, and 1.27% for conventional bicycles.

Vice Chairman Park Pan-yeol of the Korea PM Industry Association said, “As shared PMs play a certain role in people’s everyday travel, cooperation with the central and local governments is needed to improve safety management and the operating environment.”