As mini-bikes are gaining more and more popularity in Korea, the number of accidents is also rising quickly. According to KCA’s analysis of mini-bike accidents reported to CISS and 90 counsels from Jan, 2004 to May, 2007, three out of five accidents seem to have been caused by lack of cautiousness, while the rest were caused by product defects such as ignition-off or break non-operation. Despite the worsening situation, Korea does not have a product manufacturing standard, unlike the U.S., Japan, and European countries. Therefore, the government needs to come up with preventive measures against mini-bike accidents in an urgent manner.

 

** Mini-bikes: small-sized motorbikes with less than 50cc engine capacity.

 

 

The number of mini-bike accidents reported during 2006 was 10. However, in 2007, already 9 cases were reported so far. Among 20 cases reported to the KCA since 2005, 12 cases or 60% were caused by users’ lack of cautiousness including operational mistakes, while the rest of the accidents occurred due to product defects such as steering wheel damage, wheel detachment, or ignition-off while driving.

 

 

 

Among 90 complaints reported to the KCA from 2004 to May 29^th, 2007, 34 cases were regarding ignition or speed control-related complaints, accounting for the biggest proportion of 37.8%, followed by defective steering wheels (6 cases, 6.7%), engine breakdowns (5 cases, 5.6%), defective power train (5 cases, 5.6%), and defective assembly (4 cases, 4.4%).

 

 

 

Mini-bikes are sold in Korea within the price range of 100,000 won to 1million won. Average weight is about 20kg, and maximum speed varies from 20km to 60 km per hour.

 

Advanced countries like the U.S., and Japan have the safety standards including the guideline for manufacturing mini-bikes, and various measures such as product recall and announcement of safety guidelines are being carried out in order to prevent safety-related accidents. In Korea, however, there is no safety standard or rules for mini-bikes except for the Road Traffic Act.

 

 

The KCA is planning to propose the relevant authorities to come up with comprehensive safety measures including safety regulations, obligations to use protection gears and setting up of users’ age limits. The Agency also asked consumers to follow the mini-bike safety guideline as follows.

 

 

l       Use the bikes after double-checking the assembly status.

l       Check the fuel gauge before riding.

l       Make sure to wear the protecting gear.

l       Do not ride at night.

l       Wear comfortable shoes.

l       Beginners should be accompanied by people who can protect them.

l       Ride the bikes on the safe and level ground.

l       Child riders should be accompanied by adults.

l       Only those who obtained “motorcycle license” ride the bikes on the road.