Singapore’s Parliament on Monday (Jan 12) saw the tabling of a comprehensive Land Transport and Related Matters Bill. If passed, the legislation will introduce significant changes to regulations governing personal mobility aids and road usage across the country.
New Regulations for Mobility Scooters
A key component of the Bill focuses on the use of mobility scooters, or Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs). Currently, individuals can ride PMAs on public paths. The proposed changes will require individuals to possess a valid certificate of medical need to operate these devices.
The Bill also seeks to reduce the speed limit for PMAs from 10kmh to 6kmh. To improve enforcement, all mobility scooters will be required to be registered, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) planning to begin registration with new devices sold.
Enhanced Safety Measures
The proposed legislation addresses safety concerns related to PMA usage. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) stated the amendments aim to address the misuse of mobility scooters by individuals who appear capable of walking unaided, as well as issues with speeding and oversized devices.
Furthermore, the Bill proposes making it an offense to simply keep e-scooters that do not meet the UL2272 fire safety standard. Currently, it is illegal to use such devices on public paths, but not to store them.
ERP 2.0 and Streamlined Toll Collection
Beyond active mobility, the Bill also addresses road transport. It proposes mandating the installation of the ERP 2.0 system’s on-board unit (OBU) in all Singapore-registered motor vehicles. MOT reports that over 90 per cent of vehicles are already equipped with the OBU.
The changes also aim to streamline the collection of missed ERP charges. Missed payments will no longer result in a traffic offense, but motorists with outstanding charges will be restricted from LTA transactions, such as road tax renewal or vehicle transfers, until the debt is settled.
What Happens Next?
The Bill, introduced by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, will now proceed through the parliamentary process. If passed, the changes to mobility scooter regulations are slated for implementation by mid-2026. The timeline for mandatory OBU installation remains unspecified, though previous statements indicate completion by the end of 2026. It is possible that further amendments could be proposed during debate, and the final implementation details may differ from the current proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legislation is being amended by this Bill?
The Bill seeks to amend the Active Mobility Act, the Land Transport Authority of Singapore Act, the Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Act, the Road Traffic Act and the Road Vehicles (Special Powers) Act, among other laws.
What is the UL2272 standard?
UL2272 is the fire safety standard for electric personal mobility devices in Singapore.
What will happen if I have outstanding ERP charges?
Motorists with outstanding ERP charges will no longer face a traffic offence, but will be unable to transact with LTA for services such as road tax renewal or vehicle transfers until payments are settled.
How might these changes impact the accessibility of public spaces for individuals with mobility challenges?
