E-bike rider speeds on Yishun main road without wearing safety helmet
While cars are the main mode of private transport for many, Singapore has adapted to allow Power-Assisted Bicycles (PAB) to be part of its transport ecosystem.
However, some PAB riders’ actions pose great danger to other motorists.
On 7 Aug, an e-bike rider was spotted riding along the main road in Yishun allegedly at high speeds without wearing a safety helmet.
Source: Google Maps
A concerned passer-by, Ms Lee, sent MS News a tip-off via email, voicing her concern about the dangers posed by the rider’s risky driving.
Riding at almost 60km/h on the main road
Ms Lee told MS News that she spotted a young man riding an e-bike along Yishun Avenue 2 at around 7pm that day.
Seated inside a car, she captured footage of the scene.
In a video she shared, the rider is seen travelling on the leftmost side of the first lane.
Image provided by Ms Lee
Ms Lee claimed that the rider was travelling at almost 60km/h.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) states that the motor power output of a PAB must be progressively reduced and later cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling.
Rider did not wear a helmet
Ms Lee claims that the rider followed the traffic flow.
However, he was not wearing a safety helmet as he sped on the road.
“How dangerous!” the concerned woman expressed.
Image provided by Ms Lee
The LTA states that PAB riders must wear a helmet when cycling on roads.
Ms Lee said that after witnessing this, she felt the need to “warn the rider” about the dangers he may encounter for flouting the rules.
Registered E-bikes must obey traffic rules on main roads
E-bikes, or PABs, are allowed on main roads, designated cycling paths, shared paths and Park Connector Networks (PCNs) in Singapore.
However, they are prohibited on expressways, road tunnels, and pedestrian-only footpaths.
The bike has to be type-approved, sealed and registered with LTA.
Riding a non-compliant PAB carries strict penalties, including heavy fines of up to S$20,000, up to 24 months in jail, or both for the first offence.
Source: Land Transport Authority
An individual must also be at least 16 years old to ride a PAB, even as a passenger.
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Featured image adapted from Ms Lee.