South KoreaWhat punishment applies for e-scooter accidents?
In South Korea, e-scooter riders causing injury or death face criminal penalties including up to 5 years’ imprisonment or a fine up to ₩20 million under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents.
What the Law Says
E-scooters are classified as 'light motorized bicycles' under South Korean traffic law, subject to strict safety and licensing rules. Violations that cause accidents trigger criminal and civil liability.
Under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents, anyone operating an e-scooter who causes injury or death through negligence may be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine not exceeding 20 million won.
The Road Traffic Act defines e-scooters as 'light motorized bicycles' (s. 2(14)), requiring riders to be at least 16 years old, wear helmets, and obey speed limits of 25 km/h on bicycle lanes and 30 km/h on roads — unless local ordinances set lower limits.
Riding without a valid driver’s license (required for light motorized bicycles) results in full liability for damages and potential criminal charges, even if the rider is not at fault for the accident’s cause.
Statutory TextAny person who causes injury or death to another person by driving a vehicle in violation of Article 50-2 of the Road Traffic Act shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than five years or a fine not exceeding 20 million won.
— Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents, s. 5 — Punishment for Causing Injury or Death by Driving
Statutory Text‘Light motorized bicycle’ means a motorized bicycle with engine displacement of less than 125cc or maximum speed of less than 30 kilometers per hour, including electric-powered two-wheel vehicles.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 2(14) — Definition
What to Do
Stop immediately and ensure safety of all involved.
Call 112 (police) and 119 (emergency medical services) if injury or death occurs.
Exchange contact and insurance information; take photos of scene and damage.
Report the accident to police within 24 hours if injury occurred (per Road Traffic Act s. 154).
Consult a lawyer before signing any settlement agreement — liability may be automatic if unlicensed or helmetless.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.