This year, accidents caused by electric kickboards have more than doubled compared to last year.
According to today (20th) Korea Consumer Agency, etc., from 2017 to November of this year, a total of 1,252 safety accidents of electric scooters were reported to the Consumer Risk Monitoring System (CISS).
Of these, 571 safety accidents were reported between January and November of this year, a 135% increase over the same period last year.
By age, 20s accounted for 34.8% of all safety accidents, 30s recorded 24.2%, and teens accounted for 12%.
64.2% of all accidents occurred during driving, such as poor driving or speeding.
Among them, there are cases of bumping into guardrails or tripping over speed bumps or sinkholes. Consumers said that expansion of exclusive roads is urgent.
In addition, 31.4% of accidents were caused by electric kickboard failure and product defects.
Head and face injuries were the most common with 36.3% of injuries due to accidents, mainly lacerations and fractures.
The Fair Trade Commission and Consumer Agency plan to strengthen surveillance of rental and sales companies as the revised Road Traffic Act, which took effect on the 10th, will allow people over the age of 13 to use electric kickboards without a driver's license.
On the other hand, on the 9th, a revised bill of the Road Traffic Act that allows the use of electric kickboards only when a driver's license equal to or greater than the motorized bicycle license is held passed the National Assembly plenary session.
Accordingly, those under the age of 16 who cannot obtain a prime mover license are restricted from riding the electric kickboard.
The Fair Trade Commission and Consumer Agency advised, "From next April, young people under the age of 16 and those who do not have a driver's license will not be able to ride electric scooters, so it is advisable not to purchase them."