Abstract

Electric-motored personal mobility devices(PM) market has rapidly grown in Korea recently. This study analyzes problems PM can cause and introduces strategies to manage PM in Seoul.

 

In order to decide whether to promote or regulate the use of PM in Seoul, this paper first examines the role of PM as a means of transport in Seoul.

 

It turned out that PM is not useful as a transportation mode to be utilized for first & last miles of subway trip in most regions. However, to whom have to walk long distances to access or egress from subway stations because of the poor bus network, PM can be a useful mode. PM can be also useful in regions where public bike can not be utilized for first & last miles of subway trip because of geographical barriers.

 

Meanwhile, In regions where private cars travel short distance, PM could be used instead of them. Private car usages in such regions are expected to partially decrease if PM were promoted to use.

 

This study suggests following strategies to manage PM in Seoul.

 

First, PM should be regulated while the central government sets the legal framework for PM. Without this legal framework, PM could threaten the safety of other road users such as pedestrians.

 

Second, Even if PM are regulated, Seoul should cope with the continuous increase of PM usage. Seoul need to operate Test-beds to test safety of PM and build a guideline for PM.

 

Third, after the central legislations for PM are enacted, Seoul could support PM as a transportation mode for first & last miles of subway trip and as an alternative mode to private car with short trip distance.

 

Fourth, in order to support PM, roads need to be maintained to provide continuity of the space on which PM operates. To ensure continuity of the space for PM operation, Seoul need to build more bike lanes, reduce speed limits, and adopt low speed lanes in PM supportive regions.

 

Lastly, Seoul Metropolitan Government should actively participate in legal discussions on PM. It is necessary, through this, that PM-related legislation must include safety standards for all types of PM and consider Seoul’s road and traffic conditions.

 

Contents

01 Seoul Should Prepare for Rapid Growth of PM Usage

1_The Government is Not Legally Prepared for PM

2_Seoul Need to Prepare for PM Under the National Legislation Plan

3_The Status and the Role of PM Need to be Defined

 

02 State of the PM and Related Legislations

1_Variety of PM Devices

2_Safety Issues for PM Operation

3_Different Strategies on PM in World Cities

4_In Korea, those Aged above 16 are Permitted to Use PM on Roadways Only

 

03 Role of PM in Seoul

1_Potential Role as a Transportation Mode in Seoul

2_Potential Role 1: Mode for First & Last Miles of Subway Trip

3_Potential Role 2: Alternative Mode of Private Car with Short Trip Distance

 

04 Strategies to Manage PM in Seoul

1_Short Term: Regulate PM. However, Prepare for the Future

2_Long Term: Support PM Considering Regional Characteristics

3_Conclusions