SAFETY CONCERNS OVER E-SCOOTERS

[Anchor Lead]

With electric kickboards gaining popularity as a shared urban mobility tool, it's quite common to spot them on the streets these days. But as convenient as they are, they are prone to accidents due to the lack of safety devices. Concerns are further rising as regulations regarding the vehicle will be eased starting December. Here's more

[Pkg]

An electric kickboard suddenly pops up in front of a running car. The rider of an electric kickboard is hit by a car exiting a parking lot. These accidents occurred because the riders of kickboards failed to notice the cars around them. A growing number of young people are riding these vehicles, leading to more related traffic accidents. The number of accidents involving electric kickboards doubles each year. In 2019, there were 447 recorded cases. The number of injured is also on the rise. Many accidents have fatal outcomes. On November 6 an electric kickboard user died after being hit by a truck. Electric kickboards can run at higher speeds than bicycles. But they have no safety devices. Electric kickboards are classified as motorized vehicles. Their users are required to wear helmets. But few riders seem to comply. Many are seen riding at high speed on pedestrian walkways.

[Soundbite] PARK JI-HYUN(SEOUL RESIDENT) : "The kickboard dashed forward suddenly after I just pressed the button. I was surprised by its acceleration."

From December, under the revised law, electric kickboards will be classified as electric bicycles. Their legal speed will be limited to 25 kilometers per hour. No driver's license is required. The minimum age of riders will be lowered to 13 from 16.

[Soundbite] CHUNG EUI-SEOK(PROFESSOR, ROAD TRAFFIC AUTHORITY) : "Unlike motorcycles, electric kickboard riders mostly get into accidents due to poor operating skills. Car owners practice sufficiently before driving their vehicles. But electric kickboard riders start riding without proper lessons or practice."

More minors are expected to ride electric kickboards. Many experts point out, guidelines on how to ride them safely must be quickly devised.