The recent rise in number of Personal Mobility Device (PMD) accidents is a cause for concern among many Singaporeans.
In a bid to further regulate PMD usage, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has decided to enforce stricter ownership rules.
Effective immediately, individuals below 16 years old can no longer buy e-scooters from several retailers, unless they do so with an accompanying adult. This is according to a report by CNA.
E-scooter riders range across different age groups, and reckless riding doesn’t apply to any one in particular.
The concern that younger riders, especially those with less knowledge about handling motorised vehicles, won’t be responsible enough is a valid one.
Therefore, to prevent any risk of accidents, only riders aged 16 and above will be able to register their e-scooters with LTA.
All PMD owners have to declare that their e-scooters meet device criteria under the Active Mobility Act, according to LTA.
The PMD Retailers Association of Singapore released a statement announcing that 27 PMD retailers have agreed with the existing regulations. They will not sell PMDs to those under 16, who are unaccompanied by an adult.
In light of recent events, they also agreed not to make any modifications that affect the electrical system of the PMDs.
The new regulation comes after calls for a complete ban on PMDs in Singapore.
In September, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel suggested to restrict the usage of PMDs for those under 16. They also proposed that people would have to pass a theory test before riding PMDs, in a report by CNA.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Janil Puthucheary has said that a ban would take place if PMD users’ behaviours don’t improve, but acknowledged that it would be “a loss“.
There is a high price to pay for errant usage of e-scooters and PMDs. PMD accidents have resulted in injuries and even death.
If you’re under 16 and interested in a PMD, ask a trusted adult to accompany you to a reliant PMD shop and ask the owner for advice on how to ride safely too.
Despite all the bad rep for PMDs, if you follow the rules, riding a PMD will be completely safe.
If not, just stick to this:
Featured image adapted from Vulcan Post.
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