Enforcement against ‘jato-bikes’ to be stepped up at Hangang parks, expanding to all Hangang parks from November

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Government is stepping up enforcement against high-speed, heavy electric bicycles, known as “jato-bikes,” on bike paths in Hangang parks. Starting next month, it plans to expand enforcement against bicycles that violate safety requirements to all Hangang parks. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 26th that it had held a bicycle safety campaign and conducted on-site enforcement at Banpo Hangang Park on the 23rd, in a joint operation with Seocho Police Station and the Hangang Bicycle Patrol Volunteer Group.
The enforcement targets high-speed, heavy e-bikes whose motors have been illegally modified to remove the speed limit, or that weigh 30 kg or more. To use a bike path, the motor must not operate at speeds of 25 km/h or above, and the total weight, including the battery, must be less than 30 kg. 
An e-bike that does not meet the safety requirements is subject to a 40,000-won administrative fine if used on a bike path. Cycling under the influence carries an on-the-spot fine of 30,000 won; refusing an alcohol test carries a fine of 100,000 won. Illegal modification of an e-bike is punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 5 million won.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct a joint enforcement operation at Ttukseom Hangang Park on the 30th and step up enforcement through Hangang Park safety patrol officers from November.
Park Jin-young, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Hangang Headquarters, said, “Hangang parks are spaces used not only by cyclists but also by residents visiting with their families. We hope this campaign will help reduce dangerous behavior, such as riding bicycles that fail to meet safety requirements and cycling under the influence, and serve as an opportunity to make the Han River safer.”

[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter