Many people ride electric scooters, but starting next month, electric scooters and electric bicycles will be prohibited on the Seoul subway.

Seoul Metro is revising its passenger transport terms and conditions.

The new policy bans personal mobility devices powered by lithium batteries, such as electric scooters and electric bicycles, as well as lithium batteries with a capacity exceeding 160 watt-hours, from being brought into subway stations starting next month.

This measure follows a series of lithium battery-related accidents on the subway recently.

In September of last year, a train passed through Hapjeong Station without stopping after smoke emerged from a battery for an electric scooter carried by a passenger.

Even this year, there have already been four accidents involving portable batteries carried by passengers.

Those who violate the regulations and bring these items into the station may be evicted by station staff or the police.

However, mobility aids for the disabled, such as electric wheelchairs, are exempt from this ban.

Most common smartphones, laptops, and portable power banks do not exceed the capacity limit and are therefore not subject to the restrictions.