Ensuring Personal Mobility Devices Sold Online Comply with Safety Regulations

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the current measures taken against the online sale of personal mobility devices are effective in ensuring that such devices comply with safety regulations; and (b) if not, whether the Government will consider taking additional steps to ensure greater compliance by online sellers of such devices.

Existing regulations make it illegal for retailers to display, advertise and sell non-compliant devices. In addition, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been working with online platforms, including Carousell, Shopee and Lazada, to rectify or take down listings of non-compliant devices, and the platforms have been cooperative in doing so. The regulatory regime was further tightened in June 2021 to require all importers of motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) to obtain approval from LTA before importing these devices into Singapore.

After e-scooters are imported into Singapore, they are required to undergo inspections before registration. LTA will take enforcement action against owners of unregistered e-scooters, if caught riding on public paths. E-scooters are also required to undergo inspections every two years to ensure their continued compliance with regulations.

These regulations, together with enforcement and public education efforts, have resulted in a safer active mobility landscape. The average monthly number of non-compliant PMDs detected on public paths fell from about 70 in 2020 to 20 in 2022, while the total number of fires involving non-compliant PMDs fell from 42 in 2020, to 12 from January to October 2022. These numbers would include PMDs which have been modified illegally by the users.

PMD businesses and users both have a role to play in ensuring their devices comply with regulations. All users must use their devices safely and responsibly. LTA will continue to monitor the PMD landscape and consider further safeguards if necessary.