Starting next month, the Seoul Metro will restrict the carrying of large-capacity lithium batteries and lithium battery-powered personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters, onto subway trains.

Seoul Metro announced that it has revised its passenger transport terms and conditions to proactively eliminate fire hazards and ensure passenger safety, with the new rules taking effect on July 1.

The corporation has added all lithium battery-powered vehicles, including electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric wheels, to its list of prohibited items. Furthermore, it has banned the entry of large-capacity lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh (watt-hours) into subway stations.

However, mobility devices for the disabled, such as electric wheelchairs, are exempt to ensure their right to transportation.

Most electronic devices used by citizens in daily life, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, laptops, and standard portable power banks, are under 160Wh and are not subject to this restriction.

This revision to the terms and conditions was pursued following legal reviews and interpretations by relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in consideration of the increasing use of personal mobility (PM) devices and incidents of lithium battery fires.

The corporation’s standards for restricting battery carriage are based on internationally recognized safety standards for lithium batteries in the aviation sector.

Unlike ordinary fires, lithium battery fires are difficult to extinguish in the early stages due to internal thermal runaway and have a high risk of reignition, necessitating extra caution in subways used by many citizens.

In particular, concerns over fires have been growing as the use of lithium batteries in electric scooters, electric bicycles, and power banks has increased.

In fact, in September of last year, smoke emerged from a passenger's electric scooter battery at Hapjeong Station in Seoul, causing trains to pass through without stopping. This year, there have also been four consecutive incidents involving portable power banks carried by passengers.

Prior to the implementation of the new policy, the corporation plans to promote the changes through various channels, including station notices and joint campaigns with relevant organizations, while also conducting on-site guidance.

(Photo: Courtesy of Seoul Metro, Yonhap News)