Recourse for Victims of Hit-and-run E-scooter Accidents

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the recourse for pedestrians after they are being knocked down by an e-scooter and the rider has fled the scene; and (b) whether LTA will introduce compulsory third-party insurance for e-scooters to protect pedestrians.

Under the Active Mobility Act, a cyclist or rider of a personal mobility device (PMD) involved in an accident on a public path must stop to render assistance and provide his or her name and address to the injured person. Those who fail to do so will be liable, upon conviction for a fine of up to $3,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders would be liable for higher penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the cyclist or PMD rider may also be charged for speeding or reckless behaviour under the Active Mobility Act or for causing hurt to others by a rash act under the Penal Code.

Persons involved in hit-and-run accidents with cyclists and PMD riders should immediately file a Police report. To deter errant cyclists and PMD riders, the Land Transport Authority will also be introducing a mandatory registration regime for e-scooters by early next year. Under this regime, all e-scooter owners will need to provide their personal particulars as part of the registration process and paste the identification stickers prominently on their devices. This will facilitate easy identification and enforcement against hit-and-run accidents.

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel is reviewing the active mobility insurance and compensation framework, including the option of compulsory third-party insurance. The Panel will weigh the need for this against the impact on the large majority of responsible users and also take into account the practices of other jurisdictions. The Panel will complete its review and publish its recommendations by the end of the year.