Use of Electric Scooters on Roads and Walkways

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) what enforcement action will be taken against the increasing use of electric scooters on roads and walkways; (b) why such scooters are allowed to be imported into Singapore; and (c) whether action will be taken against the importers.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Strictly speaking, under today's regulations, electric scooters cannot be used on public roads as they do not meet the safety and technical requirements for motor vehicles and LTA can enforce against such where necessary. However, electric scooters can be used within private premises, such as Sentosa, with the consent of the premise owners and, hence, we do not disallow their import into Singapore.

The Traffic Police also advises caution on the use of electric scooters on footpaths, as some of the models are able to move at significant speed.

That said, these regulations may be too blunt and rigid. We recognise that some personal mobility devices, if used appropriately, can enhance short distance travel. The Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Committee, chaired by Parliamentary Secretary (Transport), is reviewing how we can reasonably facilitate this trend while ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other road and footpath users.