Regulation of Motorised Bicycles

The following question stood in the name of

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah – 13: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) whether motorised bicycle riders are allowed to carry a pillion passenger; (b) how many accidents are there involving motorised bicycles in the past three years; and (c) whether there is an inter-ministry consultation on the importation of motorised bicycles.

* *Mr Alex Yam (Chua Chu Kang): Question No 13.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Transport): Mdm Speaker, a motorised bicycle is allowed to carry a pillion passenger if it has a seat for the passenger, the passenger is at least 16 years old, and both the rider and the passenger wear helmets. There were 13 accidents involving motorised bicycles in the last three years.

The Government's policy is that only motorised bicycles that meet the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) specifications can be used on public roads. LTA enforces this by affixing approved bicycles with a serialised seal for ease of identification. This mode of enforcement is more appropriate than restricting importation since some motorised bicycles may be imported for use on private property or for re-export. As announced in March, LTA will be conducting a public consultation on the rules governing the use of bicycles and other personal mobility devices, including motorised bicycles.