Offences and Accidents Involving E-scooters

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of offences involving e-scooters and the offender profile over the past three years; (b) what is the number of accidents involving e-scooter users over the past three years; (c) what plans does the Ministry have to reduce the risks posed by e-scooters, particularly on the roads; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider making it mandatory for e-scooter users to wear a helmet.

From January to September 2017, there were about 110 accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters. These accidents occurred on public paths or at road junctions when PMD riders were crossing the road, or on roads when PMD riders were riding parallel to vehicle traffic illegally. Over the same period, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Traffic Police issued warnings or summonses to about 330 riders for the offence of riding PMDs on roads. We do not have comprehensive figures for accidents involving PMDs prior to 2017.

LTA has increased its outreach efforts to raise awareness of the danger of riding PMDs on roads. These include installing more than 500 signages at hotspots to warn PMD riders to stay off the roads.

LTA will also be strengthening its penalty regime to deter riding of PMDs on roads. With effect from 15 January 2018, the current composition sum of $100 will be increased to $300 and $500 for offenders who ride on local and major roads respectively. Offenders who ride on the expressways will be charged in Court. Repeat offenders will face stiffer penalties, including Court action. If convicted, offenders face a fine of up to $2,000, or imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

As PMD riders are not allowed on roads and have to abide by speed limits of 15 kilometres per hour (km/h) on footpaths and 25 km/h on shared and cycling paths, we do not require them to wear helmets. However, we encourage PMD riders to take personal responsibility and use the necessary protective gear while riding. LTA will be launching the Safe Riding Programme (SRP) soon in schools, foreign worker dormitories and community centres. It will be compulsory for all cyclists and PMD users who are caught riding recklessly to attend SRP.