E-scooter users must be over 16, pass theory test to ride on cycling paths

SINGAPORE — E-scooter users will soon have to pass a theory test before they are allowed to ride on cycling paths. Also, there will be a minimum age requirement of 16 years old to use the personal mobility device (PMD).

Those were two of the recommendations by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) that were accepted by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) on Wednesday (4 December) as part of efforts to improve the safety of pedestrians and active mobility device users.

The recommendations were submitted on 27 September. MOT has not given a time frame in which they will be officially implemented.

AMAP’s submitted recommendations include:

• Businesses to procure mandatory third-party liability insurance to cover e-scooter users who ride in the course of work. This mandatory insurance will eventually extend for all e-scooter users. MOT will also extended the requirement to cover users of all other active mobility devices such as bicycles, power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and personal mobility aids.

• Mobile phone use to be disallowed while riding PMDs on public paths, unless the mobile phone is mounted or used in a hands-free manner.

• A Code of Conduct for all path users on how to share paths safely, with guidelines to encourage pedestrians to keep left, keep to footpaths, and for all path users to be alert to their surroundings.

MOT added that it will work closely with AMAP to implement the recommendations. The panel was set up in 2015 to look at regulations governing the use of PMDs, bicycles and other equipment.

The recommendations come two days after the death of 65-year-old Ong Bee Eng on 25 September, after she was hit by a non-compliant e-scooter while cycling at Bedok North.

The Singapore government subsequent announced a ban of e-scooters from footpaths from 5 November, with an “advisory period” until the end of the year whereby errant users will likely be let off with a warning.

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Rules on PMDs: Panel calls for minimum age of 16 for e-scooter riders

E-scooter in accident that killed 65-year-old woman was non-compliant: LTA

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65-year-old woman involved in e-scooter accident in Bedok North dies