Debated in Parliament on 9 Jul 2018.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for Transport from October 2017 to May 2018 (a) how many accidents involving electric scooters or electric-powered PMDs have there been; (b) how many involved serious injuries to pedestrians which required hospitalisation; and (c) whether there are plans to further regulate the use of electric scooters or electric-powered PMDs, especially the allowable speeds and usage, testing, licensing and age requirements of the riders.
Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of errant PMD users caught and taken to task since the commencement of the Active Mobility Act; (b) what is the profile of these errant users; and (c) what other efforts will be undertaken by the Government to improve awareness of the Act to better safeguard public safety.
In 2017, there was a total of 128 reported accidents on public paths involving personal mobility devices (PMDs). Unfortunately, nine of these resulted in major injuries.
The Active Mobility Act (AMA) empowers the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enforce against active mobility offences. LTA’s Active Mobility Enforcement Officers have stepped up efforts to strictly enforce against active mobility offences, such as the riding of non-compliant devices, reckless riding and speeding. Since the AMA commenced on 1 May 2018, 297 errant PMD users between the ages of 14 and 80 have been caught for active mobility-related offences. Those who are found guilty of active mobility offences are liable for fines and/or imprisonment. Those caught riding non-compliant devices may also have their devices seized and forfeited.
LTA will introduce a mandatory registration regime for e-scooters from early next year. This will help deter reckless behaviour and facilitate members of the public and our enforcement officers in identifying and tracking down errant users.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) is also reviewing the active mobility regulations, including the speed limit on footpaths, the behaviour of active mobility users at road crossings, the usage of helmets by active mobility device users, and the insurance and compensation framework. AMAP will release its recommendations by the end of this year.
LTA has also stepped up efforts to further improve awareness of the rules and code of conduct governing active mobility usage, including launching publicity campaigns in different languages, leveraging Active Mobility Patrol volunteers to engage the public on safe and gracious path-sharing behaviours, and launching the Safe Riding Programme.
I urge all cyclists and PMD users to show respect and consideration for their fellow path users. This will go a long way in ensuring that Singaporeans can continue to share our paths safely and harmoniously.
PAPERCUTS