Penalties for Misuse of Personal Mobility Devices

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider having or increasing penalties to prevent the misuse of personal mobility aids (PMAs) by able-bodied persons.

Mr Alex Yam Ziming asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider implementing the guidelines as recommended by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel earlier, considering the increasing number of reported incidents between errant personal mobility aid users and other pedestrians and road users.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether an update can be provided on LTA’s efforts since March 2024 to prepare for the enforcement of new regulations for the use of personal mobility aids (PMAs) in 2025; (b) what efforts have been expended to engage current owners who will have to give up their PMAs under the new regulations; and (c) whether any efforts have been made to engage retailers to stop selling PMAs to buyers who will not be allowed to use PMAs under the new regulations.

Mr Xie Yao Quan asked the Minister for Transport (a) in 2023, how many personal mobility aids (PMAs) have been impounded for being non-compliant with technical standards; (b) how many PMAs have been impounded because of egregious behaviour by the user, such as riding on roads and reckless riding; and (c) what challenges does LTA face in enforcing against non-compliant PMAs and errant PMA users.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: In March 2024, the Government accepted recommendations by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel on various regulations for personal mobility aids (PMAs) such as to: (a) allow only users certified with relevant medical needs or walking difficulties to use mobility scooters; (b) reduce the speed limit of motorised PMAs from 10 kilometres per hour (km/h) to six km/h; and (c) align dimension restrictions for all PMAs used on public paths with that allowed for use on public transport. We also said there is a transition period of at least one year, to provide ample time for affected stakeholders, such as retailers and PMA users, to adjust to the new regulations. During this transition, we have continued to work on various fronts.

First, on requiring the certificate of medical need for mobility scooter users. We have been working with relevant public agencies, healthcare institutions and voluntary welfare organisations on the operational details of this requirement, including how existing certification can be recognised to make it more convenient for PMA users with genuine needs and to reduce the workload for healthcare institutions.

Second, on reducing the speed limit for PMAs from 10 km/h to six km/h. For retailers, we had earlier highlighted that they should start making adjustments and not bring in new PMAs that do not comply with the revised speed limit. From our engagements, we are glad that retailers have already started doing so. For PMA users who depend on using PMAs for their livelihoods, we are working with stakeholders, such as food delivery companies, the National Delivery Champions Association and social service agencies, on how they will be able to support affected persons in making the transition.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also continued to enforce against errant PMA users. In 2023, LTA took enforcement actions against four PMA users for riding their PMAs on roads. In 2024, as of August, LTA has enforced against 10 PMA users for riding their PMAs on roads and impounded four of the PMAs involved.