E-scooter rider gets probation for colliding into woman who suffered a spinal fracture

SINGAPORE — A teenager riding on an electric scooter collided into a pedestrian strolling along a pavement even though she was on the lookout for cyclists or e-scooter riders.

The accident left her with a spinal fracture and she suffered pain in her lower back daily three months afterwards.

Mohamad Danial Akid Mohamad Imran, 19, was sentenced to one year of probation on Friday (Jan 31) after pleading guilty last year to causing grievous hurt to Madam Cheng Joon Yin, 69, by a negligent act.

He also has to perform 80 hours of community service and his mother posted a bond of S$5,000 to ensure his good behaviour.

The court earlier heard that the incident happened at about 8.30am on March 11 last year.

E-scooters have been banned on footpaths since November last year with the ban going into full effect this year.

That morning, Mdm Cheng was walking along the pavement near 329 Jurong East Avenue 1 to go to Jurong Polyclinic.

“As she was walking along the pavement, she turned her head, as a matter of habit, to check for cyclists or e-scooter riders. When she turned to face the front again… she saw that the accused and his e-scooter was already very close to her,” Deputy Public Prosecutor Mansoor Amir told the court.

Even though Mdm Cheng tried to block the e-scooter with both hands, Danial collided into her. She fell backwards from the impact.

Investigations revealed that Danial knew he should have slowed down while riding on the pavement but did not do so. He also failed to keep a proper lookout for pedestrians.

Mdm Cheng went to the National University Hospital’s accident and emergency department for treatment.

She was discharged the next day with a diagnosis of lumbar spine fracture, stemming from the fall.

As of June 24 last year, Mdm Cheng said that she had to sit down due to back pain after standing for more than two hours.

Danial’s e-scooter was examined by the Land Transport Authority and found to be compliant.

Causing grievous hurt by a negligent act carries a maximum punishment of two years’ jail and a fine of S$5,000.