Seoul conducts crackdown on illegal electric bicycles at Han River

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched a joint crackdown and safety campaign to remove non-compliant electric bicycles, colloquially known as ‘jatobai,’ from Han River park bike paths. These vehicles include electric bicycles with illegally modified motors that bypass speed limits, as well as heavy bicycles weighing over 30kg that resemble motorcycles.

Under current regulations, electric bicycles exceeding 30kg or those with motors that continue to operate at speeds above 25km/h are prohibited from Han River bike paths. The initiative, conducted alongside the Seocho Police Station and the Han River Bicycle Patrol Volunteer Group, aims to address rising safety concerns among citizens. During recent enforcement at Banpo Hangang Park, police checked for non-compliant vehicles and conducted breathalyzer tests for suspected drunk riding.

Violators face various penalties: a 40,000 won fine for non-compliant electric bicycles, a 30,000 won fine for drunk riding (or 100,000 won for refusing a test), and potential imprisonment for up to six months or fines up to 5 million won for illegal motor modifications. A second enforcement action is scheduled for October 30 at Ttukseom Hangang Park.