LTA delays awarding licences to PMD and bike-sharing operators for second time
SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority has delayed for a second time its decision on the awarding of licences to personal mobility device (PMD) and bicycle-sharing operators.
In a media statement released on Monday (30 September), LTA said it will also be consulting device-sharing and rental companies on additional regulations to improve public safety.
A total of 14 companies had submitted applications to operate PMD-sharing services in Singapore, and the application results were supposed to have been announced in the second quarter of this year.
The results were initially delayed to the third quarter, prior to Monday’s second postponement.
Review to extend safety measures
LTA said in its media statement that the new consultation on additional regulations is part of a review to extend safety measures to all e-scooter sharing and rental companies. This is because these companies provide devices which are more easily accessible to the public, including less experienced riders.
“There have been suggestions to implement locally developed trackers to monitor the speed and location of PMDs, for example, to ensure that users are not riding these devices on roads,” the LTA said.
“While such technology exists, there are implementation difficulties that have to be studied further. These implementation difficulties include ensuring that the speed tracking device is tamper proof, and the accuracy of location data.”
Increased debate on PMD safety
LTA's announcement comes at a period of increased debate on PMD safety.
On 25 September, an elderly cyclist died after a collision with an e-scooter in Bedok North. LTA subsequently said that the PMD exceeded the prescribed weight and width limit.
On 27 September, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel submitted a set of recommendations in review of the safety regulations safe path sharing between PMD users and pedestrians.
The recommendations include: A minimum age requirement of 16 years old, a mandatory theory test requirement and a ban on the use of mobile phones while riding.
Related stories:
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
Users of PMDs, bikes and PABs who ride at HDB void decks in 15 estates may be fined up to $5,000
65-year-old woman involved in e-scooter accident in Bedok North dies
