Seoul expands electric scooter bans to five high-traffic areas

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has expanded its ‘kickboard-free streets’ initiative to five locations across the city, effective from October 30. This expansion follows repeated accidents involving personal mobility devices, including incidents involving unlicensed minors.

The newly designated areas include the Daechi-dong academy district, Yeonsinnae Rodeo Street, and the Wirye Transit Mall pedestrian walkway, adding to existing restricted zones in Hongdae Red Road and Banpo. In Daechi-dong, electric scooter travel is prohibited on a 1.63km stretch from Dogok Elementary School to Hanti Station daily between 12:00 PM and 11:00 PM to protect students during peak commuting hours.

Violators caught during restricted hours face a fine of 30,000 KRW and 15 penalty points on standard roads. Penalties are doubled to a 60,000 KRW fine and 30 penalty points within school zones. Despite the new regulations, reports from the first day of implementation showed continued scooter usage and a lack of awareness among some users regarding the new restrictions.