The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is banning electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other personal mobility devices with lithium-ion batteries larger than 160 Wh [1].
This measure addresses the critical safety risk posed by high-capacity batteries in enclosed transit environments. Because lithium-ion fires are difficult to extinguish and release toxic smoke, the Seoul Transportation Corporation is restricting these devices to protect thousands of daily commuters.
The ban became effective on July 1, 2024 [1]. The regulation applies to any personal mobility device powered by a battery exceeding the 160 Wh limit [1]. This restriction targets the specific energy density that has led to volatile thermal runaway events in public spaces.
Officials said a series of repeated incidents involving large-capacity battery fires on subway trains was the primary driver for the policy [2]. One notable event occurred in September 2023, when a battery in an electric scooter brought by a passenger exploded at Hapjeong station [2]. That incident highlighted the vulnerability of underground stations to rapid-fire spread.
By setting a clear numerical threshold for battery capacity, the city aims to balance urban mobility with public safety. The 160 Wh limit serves as the dividing line between acceptable portable electronics and high-risk mobility hardware [1].
Seoul subway stations are now implementing these restrictions to ensure that the risk of spontaneous combustion is minimized during transit. The Seoul Transportation Corporation said the move is necessary to prevent future tragedies similar to the Hapjeong explosion [2].
“The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is banning electric scooters, electric bicycles, and other personal mobility devices with lithium-ion batteries larger than 160 Wh.”
This policy reflects a growing global concern over the safety of lithium-ion batteries in mass transit. By establishing a specific watt-hour limit, Seoul is moving toward a standardized safety protocol that treats high-capacity mobility devices as hazardous materials rather than simple consumer electronics. This could set a precedent for other megacities facing similar urban mobility challenges.
