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‘Saddened by accidents’, dozens of PMD retailers pledge steps to deter errant use

SINGAPORE — Dozens of retailers on Wednesday (Oct 9) pledged to stop selling personal mobility devices (PMDs) to those under 16 unless they are accompanied by an adult, and not to modify or enhance PMDs in a way that will affect the electrical systems.

Dozens of retailers said that although the errant usage of personal mobility devices is beyond their control, some businesses were responsible for facilitating non-compliant devices and allowing them to be made available to irresponsible users.

Dozens of retailers said that although the errant usage of personal mobility devices is beyond their control, some businesses were responsible for facilitating non-compliant devices and allowing them to be made available to irresponsible users.

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SINGAPORE — Dozens of retailers on Wednesday (Oct 9) pledged to stop selling personal mobility devices (PMDs) to those under 16 unless they are accompanied by an adult, and not to modify or enhance PMDs in a way that will affect the electrical systems.

They also said they will provide services only to registered PMDs and promote safety awareness efforts, among other measures. 

A statement by a loose alliance of 26 retailers — and a matching commitment from a body representing about 20 other retailers — was put up two days after the Government said that it could not rule out a ban on PMDs if rider behaviour does not improve.

In a  Facebook post on Wednesday, the 26 retailers said: “We are extremely saddened by the recent spate of unfortunate PMD accidents/incidents, we offer our sincere apologies to all affected stakeholders of the community.” 

In making the voluntary move, the retailers added that “although errant usage is beyond our control”, some businesses were responsible for facilitating non-compliant PMDs, and allowing them to be made available to irresponsible users.

On Monday, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Transport, told Parliament that a ban would be “a loss” as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) still believes that PMDs are useful devices for first- and last-mile connectivity as long as they are used responsibly.

Dr Puthucheary said in a radio interview two days later that a ban was not immediately necessary but was being considered.

In response to the statement by the 26 retailers, Mr Wilson Seng, president of the PMD Retailers Association of Singapore (Pras), told TODAY that his members — about 20 — would also impose the restrictions.

Mr Seng said that the association supported the move by the retailers even though they are not members of Pras.

“This is a collective industry effort that goes beyond Pras, with retailers who are not members of the association joining in the effort. This is an industry's joint effort.”

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Pras wrote that “it will now be tougher” for those below the age of 16 to receive services such as maintenance works.

“As an industry, retailers will continue to combat the irresponsible use of such devices,” the association added.

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