Bicycles and electric scooters

An electric scooter is not a toy — it is a vehicle under road traffic law. Breaking the rules is punished.

Electric scooters (personal mobility devices)

• A driving licence is required — at least a motorcycle licence. Riding without one is an offence.
• A helmet is mandatory.
• Riding on pavements is prohibited. Use cycle lanes or the right-hand side of the road.
• Carrying a second person is prohibited.
• No riding under the influence. It is punished like drink-driving.
• Under-13s may not ride.

Detailed rules and fines can change. Check with 1577-1120 (Road Traffic Authority).

Bicycles

• Use the cycle lane where one exists.
• On the road, ride at the right-hand edge.
• Drink-riding is punishable on a bicycle too.
• Helmets are recommended — essential for children.
• Use front and rear lights at night.

Shared scooter and bike apps

• Apps may require licence registration.
• Park neatly in designated areas. Leaving them anywhere brings towing and fines, and endangers pedestrians.
• Photograph the return to avoid disputes.

If you have an accident

1. 119 (injuries) · 112 (reporting the accident).
2. Photograph the other party and the scene.
3. Check insurance. Shared services take accident reports in the app.
4. Get medical treatment and keep the records. See traffic-accident.

Where to go

• 1577-1120 Road Traffic Authority
• 112 accidents and violations · 119 injuries
• Your city or district office (parking and towing)
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation

Questions people ask

Can I ride a scooter on a foreign licence? There is a defined scope of recognition, including international permits. Check your own licence with 1577-1120. See driving-rules.

What happens if I ride on the pavement? It is an enforcement target, and liability grows if there is an accident. Hitting a pedestrian in particular can become a criminal matter.

Must I really wear a helmet? It is required by law, and above all head injuries are hard to recover from. Always wear one.

Are bicycle accidents insured? Bicycle insurance or daily-life liability insurance may apply. Check whether you have cover.

Take care

Electric scooter accidents frequently involve head injuries, with high risk of death or serious harm. Avoiding just three things — no helmet, no licence, riding on pavements — prevents most accidents and penalties.

Related

driving-rules · traffic-accident · traffic-fines · call-119

Source

Korea Road Traffic Authority www.koroad.or.kr / As of 2026-08