Committee to review use of personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters

SINGAPORE — The Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Committee is reviewing the use of personal mobility devices on how they can enhance short-distance travel while ensuring the safety of pedestrians, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said yesterday (Nov 3).

Responding to a query from MP Lee Bee Wah on the use of electric scooters, Mr Lui said that these devices are currently not allowed on public roads as they do not meet the safety and technical requirements for motor vehicles.

As such, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) can enforce against their use where necessary, he said, adding that 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.

However, the import of electric scooters is still allowed as they can be used within private premises such as Sentosa with the consent of the premise owners, he said.

“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,” Mr Lui said. He added that the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Committee, chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim, is reviewing how it can “reasonably facilitate this trend”, while ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other road and footpath users. CHANNEL NEWSASIA