Stiffer penalties for errant users of personal mobility devices kick in

With the Active Mobility Act kicking in from Tuesday (1 May), errant riders of bicycles, e-scooters or other personal mobility devices (PMDs) will face stiffer punishments, including jail time, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

In a press statement, the LTA said it will exercise its powers with immediate effect. This includes regulating the use of bicycles, PMDs and power-assisted bicycles (PABs) on footpaths, shared cycling paths and on roads, as well as the sale of these devices by retailers.

For instance, LTA-approved PABs are not allowed on footpaths, while PMDs are not allowed on roads. Speed limits for all eligible devices are 15kmh on footpaths and 25kmh along park connectors and cycling paths.

Other regulations include making it compulsory for PMD users to install a white light at the front of their devices and a red light at the rear for use during the hours of darkness. Those with devices that cannot be equipped with lights must still display front and rear lights, such as on their helmets, while using their PMDs when it gets dark.

Retailers have also been barred from selling or advertising non-compliant devices, as well from modifying them in such a manner that they become non-compliant.

First-time offenders convicted of not complying with the speed limits may be jailed for up to three months, fined up to $1,000, or both. The penalties may be doubled for repeat offenders.

First-time offenders convicted of riding their PMDs on roads may be jailed for up to three months, fined up to $2,000, or both. Repeat offenders face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

For not stopping to render assistance in accidents, first-time offenders may be fined up to $3,000 or faced up to 12 months in jail or both. Repeat offenders may, however, be fined up to $5,000 or faced up to two years in jail or both.

Bicycles and PMDs must not exceed 20kg and 70cm in width. Likewise, PABs must not exceed 20kg. Users and pillion riders of PABs must also be at least 16 years old.

Retailers who display non-compliant PMDs, PABs and bicycles may be fined up to $1,000 or face up to three months in jail or both, if convicted of their first offence.

For selling them, retailers may be fined up to $5,000 or face up to three months in jail or both for their first offence.

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Mandatory registration of e-scooters by end-2018: Lam Pin Min

More than 480 personal mobility devices impounded this year: LTA