Registration for e-scooters part of review of code of conduct for PMDs

SINGAPORE — There may be a case for e-scooters to also be registered, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan in Parliament on Monday (Jan 8), as he gave an update on the number of reported accidents involving pedestrians and personal mobility devices (PMDs) on footpaths and walkways.

From January to September last year, there were 30 such cases, said Mr Khaw, in response to Member of Parliament (Jurong GRC) Tan Wu Meng. In total, there were 90 accidents involving PMDs in the first six months of the same year, with the bulk taking place on roads, Mr Khaw had said in October.

“I don’t think we should be registering all scooters or all bicycles, but I think those which are power-assisted, and therefore potentially can incur greater harm, there may be a case for some sort of registration,” Mr Khaw said.

Since August last year, e-bikes had to be registered.

When Dr Tan asked if the authorities would consider introducing compulsory insurance for PMD users, Mr Khaw said he has asked the Active Mobility Panel to review the code of conduct for these device “to see what other rules to introduce, tweak or toughen”.

Some of the issues being looked at include requiring PMD users to buy third-party insurance, use helmets, and registration for e-scooters, the minister added.

Mr Khaw was referring to the panel headed by MP Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim who had come up with a set of guidelines on the use of PMDs, which were incorporated into the Active Mobility Act passed in Parliament in January last year.

In the meantime, Mr Khaw said the Land Transport Authority will step up efforts to prevent accidents involving PMDs through enforcement and education.

This includes compelling PMD users and cyclists who behave recklessly to undergo the Safe Riding Programme, which was originally scheduled to launch in July last year but has been delayed because more time was needed to refine the tender requirements after consultation with various stakeholders.

Aimed at creating awareness about safe riding behaviours, the programme, which will be launched soon, will involve schools, foreign worker dormitories and community centres.

The LTA issued more than 1,700 advisories for unsafe riding behaviours in 2017, said Mr Khaw. He added that offenders will face fines once the new Active Mobility Act comes into force early this year.

Mr Khaw also said that victims of accidents involving PMDs should make a police report.

“If the offender is convicted in court (of) committing an offence, the court will consider if compensation to the victim should be paid. The victim can also seek compensation through civil lawsuits, mediation or private settlement,” he added.

Last week, the LTA also announced higher penalties for those who ride PMDs on roads, which is prohibited. From Jan 15, the composition fine will be tripled to S$300 for those caught riding on local roads, and S$500 for those who do so on major roads. Those who ride on expressways will be hauled to court.

The issue of safety issues concerning PMDs was thrown into the spotlight recently, with the most recent case being the death of a 52-year-old man riding an e-scooter in an accident with a double-decker SBS Transit bus last November at the junction of Bedok Reservoir Road and Kaki Bukit Avenue 1.

He was taken to the Changi General Hospital after the accident, and died from his injuries.