Panel recommends theory test and minimum age requirement for e-scooter users
SINGAPORE — The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) has submitted its latest set of recommendations to the Government, following the death of a 65-year-old Ong Bee Eng who collided with a personal mobility device (PMD) earlier this week.
SINGAPORE — The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) has submitted its latest set of recommendations to the Government, following the death of a 65-year-old Ong Bee Eng who collided with a personal mobility device (PMD) earlier this week.
In a Facebook post, the panel’s head Dr Faishal Ibrahim expressed his sadness about the death of Madam Ong and urged the Government to mandate a theory test, ban the use of mobile phones unless mounted or used in a hands-free manner, and impose a minimum age requirement of 16 for all e-scooter riders on public paths.
Those below the age of 16 can ride under adult supervision, he added.
The set of recommendations also includes mandating businesses to procure third-party liability insurance to cover e-scooter riders who are riding in the course of work.
“In the year ahead, the Panel will actively monitor the situation and prepare the industry and community to move towards mandatory insurance for all e-scooter users,” Dr Faishal wrote.
The panel also calls for a code of conduct to guide pedestrians to “share paths safely”.
Acknowledging that PMDs have been a debated topic in the last few months, Dr Faishal said: “This tragic incident underscores the need to implement AMAP’s recommendations swiftly, and continue stepping up on education and enforcement to create a safe riding culture.”
On his Facebook page on Friday (Sept 27), Senior Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min wrote that the Land Transport Authority has been working with community partners, including grassroots organisations and town councils to step up educational and enforcement efforts.
The Ministry of Transport has also received the panel’s recommendations and a response will be provided in due course, wrote Dr Lam.