New E-Scooter Sharing Service Can Only Get Licence In January: LTA

Beam To Wait ‘Till Jan 2019 To Get Licence

E-scooters are becoming a common sight in Singapore.

We’ve seen super-long e-scooters and messily parked scooters. And while we all have our own opinions on PMDs (Personal Mobility Devices), their rise is inevitable.

On Tuesday (23 Oct), Singapore-based startup Beam announced the launch of their e-scooter sharing service, after they raised close to S$10 million in seed funding.

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It plans to charge customers $1 for the use of e-scooters, plus an additional $0.15 per minute.

But the LTA was quick to burst Beam’s bubble. In a statement last Wednesday (24 Oct), the authority told The Straits Times :

We would like to remind all interested companies that it is an offence to operate a device-sharing service at public places without a licence.

That said, the next licence application exercise will be held in January 2019. Unlicenced operators can receive up to six months in jail and be fined up to $10,000.

More stress and accidents?

Singaporeans are wary of more PMDs after several e-scooter accidents. For the past few months, there have been more discussions about implementing tougher laws for users.

This has not gone unnoticed by netizens and many were concerned by Beam’s arrival.

After a fair share of e-scooter accidents, some are worried about “more stress and damage”.

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Others pointed out that “victims are the ones to suffer”.

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People have “two legs”, so maybe we should walk?

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And let the public “walk with peace”.

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After all, HPB is promoting 10,000 steps a day.

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At the end of the day, e-scooters are faster and more convenient, so others prefer to use them instead of walking.

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Nevertheless, the drama continues.

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Be informed of LTA rules

Whether you like e-scooters or not, you should always stay informed on mobility offences, speed limits and guidelines so that everyone can walk in peace.

You can check LTAs guidelines on PMD device criteria, as well as regulations and rules of conduct on their website.

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Hoping for the best

We’ll stay tuned for updates on the e-scooter drama and Beam’s impending arrival, but we hope that there are no more accidents in the future.

E-scooters are undoubtedly faster and more convenient, but we’d rather walk than harm citizens.

Remember, folks, safety first.

Featured image from Beam