PMD in Bedok accident was unregistered, exceeded weight and width limits: LTA

SINGAPORE — The personal mobility device (PMD) involved in a fatal accident in Bedok was a non-compliant e-scooter that had exceeded the prescribed weight and width limits for use on public paths, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has said.

In response to media queries, LTA said on Thursday (Sept 26) that based on its checks, the “unregistered device should not have been used on public paths”.

Under LTA regulations, PMDs cannot exceed 20kg in weight or 70cm in width to be allowed on public paths. There is also a maximum speed of 25km/h.

The authority added that it is investigating the case for offences under the Active Mobility Act.

The late Ong Bee Eng was riding her bicycle last Saturday at around 11pm near Block 539 Bedok North Street 3 when she and an e-scooter rider were involved in a crash on a shared cycling path.

The 20-year-old rider was arrested and police were initially investigating the case as causing grievous hurt by rash act. After the woman’s death on Wednesday, the police are now classifying the case as causing death by rash act.

The offence carries a jail term of up to five years, a fine, or both.

Separately, LTA said that its investigation will “potentially disclose an offence of riding a non-compliant PMD on a public path”. The offender could be jailed for three months, fined up to S$5,000, or both.

It added that its regulations on speed limits and device criteria to ensure path safety have been in place since May last year.

“We have zero tolerance towards those who show flagrant disregard for our regulations and endanger public safety,” the authority said.