SINGAPORE — A total of 20 electric scooters have been seized after their users were caught riding on the road, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Monday (Nov 7).

More than 1,400 notices were also issued to users of power-assisted bicycles (PABs) — also known as electric bicycles — that were non-compliant, between January and September.

Another 860-plus advisories were issued to cyclists, e-bike riders and users of personal mobility devices (PMDs) caught riding in an unsafe manner on footpaths and cycling paths.

Under the law, PMDs such as electric scooters and hoverboards are not allowed for use on roads. And since February, e-bikes are required to meet tighter technical requirements, such as having to weigh less than 20kg.

According to the LTA, more than 560 enforcement operations have been carried out across the island since it set up a dedicated active mobility enforcement team in May. Most of the errant users were caught travelling at dangerously high speeds, on devices that can go as fast as 70kmh.

The LTA, which also carries out joint enforcement operations with the Traffic Police against reckless PAB users, also noted that some common offences included riding against the flow of traffic or riding without a helmet.

Under the Road Traffic Act, anyone found using non-compliant vehicles may be charged in court, and fined up to S$2,000 or jailed up to three months for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the person may be fined up to S$5,000 or jailed up to six months upon conviction, while his vehicle could also be seized for investigations.