SEOUL: Amid the growing popularity of electric scooters and the number of accidents involving the mobility devices, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on Tuesday (Aug 20) that the public and private sectors are working together to strengthen safety management measures regarding the usage of the devices.
The announcement comes after the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; and the National Police Agency signed an agreement on this issue in July with 10 major personal mobility rental companies.
In a pilot programme, the speed limit for e-scooters operated by the mobility companies has been lowered from 25kmh to 20kmh. This is expected to contribute significantly to reducing accidents and casualties involving e-scooters.
According to an analysis, lowering the speed from 25mh to 20kmh reduces by 26 per cent the distance an e-scooter needs to come to a stop and also cuts the intensity of impact by 36 per cent.
By the end of December, the ministry will analyse the results of the pilot, including accident statistics, to verify the effectiveness of lowering the maximum speed, and actively consider revising relevant laws and regulations if necessary.
Intensive crackdowns will also be conducted until the end of September, and fines will be imposed for major violations.
Riding without a licence or under the influence will result in a 100,000 won (S$98) fine. Those caught riding with two or more people will be fined 40,000 won and those not wearing a safety helmet 20,000 won.
“The government will continue to make improvements to the system,” said Mr Kim Yong-gyun, director-general of the Interior Ministry’s National Disaster and Safety Control Centre, urging users to abide by the regulations for e-scooters. - The Korea Herald/ANN
