Laws and regulations related to electric bicycles in South Korea

In South Korea, the relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles are mainly managed based on the Road Traffic Law. The following is a summary of its core provisions:

1、 Definition and classification of electric bicycles

In South Korea, an electric bicycle refers to a bicycle equipped with an electric motor to enhance manual drive, and must meet the following conditions:

1. The pedal and electric motor move synchronously: that is, the electric motor only provides auxiliary power when the pedal rotates, and the vehicle cannot be moved solely by the electric motor.
2. Speed limit: When the speed of an electric bicycle exceeds 25 kilometers per hour, the electric motor must stop running.
3. Weight limit: The total weight of the bicycle, including the installation device, must be less than 30 kilograms.

Exemption from driver's license: Only electric bicycles that meet all the above conditions can be ridden without a driver's license. If an electric bicycle adopts throttle mode or throttle mode+PAS mode (combining throttle control and pedal assist), a driver's license may be required.

2、 Regulations on Riding Electric Bicycles

1. Driving Road: Electric bicycles are considered as "motor vehicles", equivalent to motorcycles with low displacement, so they can only be driven in lanes and are not allowed to enter bicycle lanes, road edges, or sidewalks.
2. Age restrictions: Those who are over 16 years old can obtain an electric bicycle driver's license, while those who are over 18 years old can obtain a car driver's license.
3. Safety equipment: When riding an electric bicycle, it is recommended to wear a safety helmet to ensure safety. Although some regulations may not explicitly require it, wearing helmets is an effective measure to reduce traffic accident injuries.

3、 Driving license and penalties for electric bicycles

1. Driver's license requirements: If an electric bicycle does not meet the conditions for exemption from a driver's license (such as using throttle mode or throttle mode+PAS mode), the rider must hold an electric bicycle driver's license or a car driver's license.
2. Unlicensed driving punishment: Driving an electric bicycle without a license will face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 3 million Korean won.
3. Other violation penalties: Violating traffic regulations (such as carrying passengers in violation of regulations, non-standard modifications, etc.) may result in fines of up to 200000 Korean won or detention.

4、 Safety standards and subsidy policies for electric bicycles

1. Safety standards: The South Korean government is promoting the establishment of unified technical standards for electric motorcycles and electric bicycles, including vehicle quality, safety performance, battery interface specifications, etc., to raise industry barriers and ensure consumer safety.
2. Subsidy policy: In order to encourage the popularization of electric bicycles, the South Korean government provides car purchase subsidies and tax incentives. For example, purchasing an electric bicycle can receive a subsidy of 200000 to 300000 Korean won (the specific amount varies by region), while being exempt from purchase tax and some transportation insurance surcharges.

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