Starbucks customer stirs debate in Korea after charging electric unicycle inside cafe
A photo of a customer charging an electric unicycle inside a Starbucks sparks controversy. Captured from Bobae Dream
A photo of a Starbucks customer with an electric unicycle plugged into a store outlet has spread online, sparking debate over safety and cafe etiquette.
On Nov. 19, an online post on the community site Bobae Dream titled “Electric unicycle spotted at Starbucks, where does charging end?” included a photo taken inside a Starbucks store. The image shows an electric unicycle charger connected to a power outlet installed beneath a window seat. The poster said, “How far does charging at Starbucks go?” adding that “charging an electric unicycle indoors looks very dangerous.”
Online users are divided. Those critical of the act say, “Electricity in cafes is offered as a convenience for phones and laptops, not for charging personal transportation devices,” and call it “a typical case of mistaking goodwill for a right.” Others worry that “this could lead to people charging electric bicycles or even electric cars next,” raising concerns about the safety risks of charging large batteries indoors.
Some users, however, say the criticism is premature. One commenter asked, “What is the basis for allowing phones and laptops but banning electric unicycles?” adding that clear rules are needed rather than public shaming. Another user noted that the customer “may have needed urgent charging while working as a designated driver,” urging caution before assigning blame.
Many users proposed middle-ground solutions. Suggestions include charging a fee for outlets and limiting usage time, or creating designated charging zones in large franchise cafes to safely accommodate devices that require special charging environments.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.