Expected Timeframe for LTA to Complete Review with Stakeholders on Safety Requirements for PMDs

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the expected timeframe for LTA to complete its review with stakeholders on safety requirements for personal mobility devices (PMDs) to mitigate fire risks; (b) whether the Ministry will impose a ban on PMDs and components that come from non-reputable sources in the interim; and (c) whether maintenance standards for PMDs can be made part of the Safe Riding Programme.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has studied the standards available today and determined that the UL 2272 standard is suitable for application for motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) in Singapore.

To improve the safety of motorised PMDs and reduce fire risks, we will require all motorised PMDs intended for use on public paths to conform to the UL2272 standard. We will prohibit retailers from selling motorised PMDs which are not UL2272-compliant from July 2019 onwards. This provides retailers with a nine-month transition period to change their inventories and comply with the new regulation. Existing owners of motorised PMDs which are not UL2272-compliant can continue to use their devices until December 2020. They will thus have a grace period of over two years to make the transition to an UL2272-certified PMD. This takes into account the average PMD lifespan of below three years. Motorised PMDs which are not UL2272-compliant will be prohibited from use on public paths from January 2021 onwards.

Meanwhile, we strongly encourage owners of motorised PMDs to switch to UL2272-compliant devices in order to minimise the fire risk of their devices. When purchasing PMDs, consumers should seek out reputable sources and study their fire safety standards. They should not overcharge batteries, modify their PMDs or tamper with the electrical components of their PMDs. We will include such advisory information in the Safe Riding Programme curriculum.