There are concerns that the pace of technological advances in Korea's electric mobility industry is outpacing the regulatory framework. Some rules are instead acting as factors that restrict product development and market entry.
The Small and Medium Business Ombudsman held an industry roundtable on the 29th at the Daema Electric Vehicle Industrial Complex in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla, to hear regulatory grievances.
Fifteen people attended the roundtable, including the ombudsman, officials from Yeonggwang County, the Korea Smart E-Mobility Association, and manufacturing corporations.
The Daema Electric Vehicle Industrial Complex is a regulatory free zone centered on small electric means of transportation such as micro electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and electric kick scooters. Everything from parts production to assembly of finished goods and service corporations is clustered there.
The industry presented key regulatory improvement tasks that day.
First is easing weight regulations for micro electric vehicles. The current limits are 600kg for passenger and 750kg for cargo. Companies said there are limits to installing batteries to secure driving range and adding safety devices. They proposed to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to raise curb weight by 100kg.
They also called for separate safety standards for "cargo bikes" used as urban logistics tools. Currently only general bicycle standards apply, making it difficult to certify three- and four-wheel cargo models. The industry said standards referencing European cases are needed.
Streamlining the certification process for electric bicycles was also proposed. If the drive system changes, even the same model must undergo full testing again. The industry argued that if the core structure is the same, existing test results should be accepted and only some items require additional verification.
The lack of safety standards for personal mobility (PM) was also raised. For some low-speed electric devices under 25 km/h, the legal definition is unclear. With uncertified products being distributed, safety problems are emerging. The industry called for the introduction of certification standards and a licensing system.
Ombudsman Choi Seung-jae said, "This proposal is a foundation for developing high-spec products and securing global competitiveness," and added, "We will consult with relevant ministries so that regulatory innovation can lead to industrial growth."