제 28 호 Is a total ban on electric scooters realistically possible?
Kicker: OPINION
Is a total ban on electric scooters realistically possible?
By Hae-In Noh, Cup-reporter
Rep. Kim So-hee pushes a full ban on electric scooters through her “Kick-Rani Act,” saying the sharp rise in accidents shows that small rule changes are no longer enough. Her bill removes scooters from the legal category of personal mobility devices, which would stop them from being used on public roads. Kim points to more deaths, more hit-and-run cases, and weak enforcement as reasons why current rules fail to protect riders and pedestrians. Her proposal is already stirring debate, as many cities struggle with sidewalk disorder, scooters left everywhere, and more people asking for injury compensation.
Why the bill could realistically pass
The bill could pass because the surge in accidents has reached a level that the public can no longer ignore. Cities report more collisions at night, more hit-and-run cases and more injuries involving young riders. Many pedestrians say sidewalks feel unsafe, and senior citizens complain that scooters appear suddenly with no warning. These incidents create pressure on lawmakers to bring visible change, and a full ban gives the impression of decisive leadership.
Another reason the bill might gain support is the growing number of minors riding without licenses. They often ignore helmet rules, ride in groups and race across sidewalks. Parents express frustration because existing penalties do not deter teenagers. Police admit that their resources are limited and that they cannot catch every violation. When a system depends heavily on voluntary compliance but compliance remains low, lawmakers tend to consider stronger restrictions.
Current enforcement gaps also make a full ban appear reasonable. Even when cities impose fines or introduce helmet requirements, follow-through remains inconsistent. Some districts have no officers dedicated to scooter enforcement, and cameras detect only speeding, not sidewalk riding. With this gap widening each year, supporters argue that banning scooters entirely removes the burden on police and reduces administrative cost. It offers a quick reset rather than endless incremental adjustments.
From a political perspective, the bill gains momentum because it offers a clear and simple message: remove scooters to restore safety. In times of public frustration, voters often respond well to strong, straightforward solutions. If lawmakers want to show responsiveness—especially ahead of elections—they may prefer a full ban over complex regulatory reform that takes time and funding. This political incentive increases the bill’s chance of passing.
Why the bill may still be unrealistic or difficult to enforce
Despite the safety concerns, a total ban faces major obstacles. Electric scooters are no longer a novelty; they are part of everyday transportation. Students rely on them to move across campuses, and workers use them for short commutes between bus stops and offices. Delivery workers use them for last-mile mobility. Removing a transportation tool that people already depend on can cause significant backlash and inconvenience.
Many people use scooters because public transportation does not fully cover short distances, and taxis are expensive during peak hours. If scooters disappear overnight, commuters may face longer travel times and higher costs. Cities also lack enough bike lanes or pedestrian-friendly routes to absorb displaced scooter users. Without alternatives, banning scooters could shift congestion onto buses, cars and sidewalks, worsening mobility instead of improving it.
Opponents argue that better infrastructure—not a ban—is the real solution. Dedicated lanes, scooter parking zones, speed-limit sensors and stricter late-night controls could reduce most safety issues. Some cities that invested in better lanes reported fewer collisions and complaints. If safety can improve through targeted reforms, lawmakers may hesitate to choose a ban that disrupts a widely used mode of transportation.
Even if the ban passes, enforcing it could require significant resources. Police would need to remove illegal scooters, respond to public reports and monitor repeat offenders. There is also the risk of “underground riding,” where people use scooters secretly in alleys or parking lots. These new challenges may create more work than improving current regulations. Because of this, many politicians may see the bill as impractical.
Debate over the “Kick-Rani Act” continues as safety concerns collide with daily mobility needs. The sharp rise in crashes pushes lawmakers to act, yet scooters remain a core part of short-distance travel for many users. The bill’s fate depends on how much weight lawmakers place on public frustration versus urban convenience. A full ban may offer quick relief, but long-term solutions likely require better lanes, clear rules and steady enforcement. Whether the ban passes or not, cities must face the urgent need to build safer streets and restore trust in shared mobility.
Sources:
https://www.hankyung.com/article/202510315422i
https://www.radiokorea.com/news/article.php?uid=482544
https://www.denews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=28314
