Electric Scooter Safety: Understanding Health Insurance Coverage and Traffic Laws

The National Health Insurance Corporation has emphasized the importance of complying with traffic laws when riding electric scooters. If you are injured while riding an electric scooter and the accident is deemed a traffic violation, your health insurance may not be covered.

Personal mobility devices, such as electric kickboards, are classified as ‘vehicles’ under the Road Traffic Act. As a result, health insurance coverage may be restricted if you receive treatment for an injury caused by unlicensed riding, traffic violations, or drunk driving.

A recent case highlights the importance of adhering to traffic laws. A minor was involved in an accident while riding an electric kickboard without a license and violating a traffic signal. The National Health Insurance Corporation considered this a criminal act due to gross negligence and recovered 40 million won in health insurance benefits.

It is essential to note that the youngest driver’s license that can be obtained is a motorized bicycle license, which is available to individuals aged 16 or older. Therefore, if a person under 16 years old rides an electric kickboard, it is a violation of the Road Traffic Act.

According to data from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, there were 2,389 personal mobility device traffic accidents last year. Drivers under the age of 20 accounted for nearly 70% of these accidents.

Key Takeaways

• Electric scooters are classified as ‘vehicles’ under the Road Traffic Act.
• Health insurance coverage may be restricted if you receive treatment for an injury caused by unlicensed riding, traffic violations, or drunk driving.
• The youngest driver’s license that can be obtained is a motorized bicycle license, available to individuals aged 16 or older.
• Drivers under the age of 20 accounted for nearly 70% of personal mobility device traffic accidents last year.