Nine in 10 PMDs and e-bikes confiscated due to their size, weight or top speed

Close to nine in 10 Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and power-assisted bicycles which have been seized by authorities, are due to their size, weight or speed.

Since the Active Mobility Act took effect on 1^st May, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has confiscated 292 personal mobility devices including electric bicycles and electric scooters. Some 165 are PMDs, such as electric scooters, which did not meet the allowable PMD weight of 20kg, maximum width of 700mm or maximum speed of 25km/h. Another 93 electric bicycles were seized because they were heavier than 20kg and/or exceed the top speed of 25km/h, the speed at which motor power cuts off.

The LTA said that these devices will be scrapped at authorised scrapyards if their users caught using the non-compliant devices on public paths and roads. Besides having to give up their devices, offenders face fines of up to $5,000, or may be jailed for up to three months, or both.

Earlier this month, LTA enforcement officers seized the heaviest e-scooter to date. At 92kg, it was nearly five times the maximum allowable weight of 20kg. Last month, it seized an e-scooter that weighed 64 kg.

The LTA said the other 34 devices seized in May were PMDs which were compliant but their users were found riding the devices on the road. After investigations are completed, the PMDs will be returned to their owners but they will have to pay a fine of at least $300 if found guilty of riding a PMD on the road. In addition, they will also have to pay an impound fee.

A 34-year old housewife, who only wanted to be identified as Ms. Suzy, had her e-scooter confiscated recently and paid $150 when she collected it from the pound. She is also facing a fine as her 14-year old daughter was caught riding it on the road. Ms. Suzy, who also does part-time cleaning services, said she owns a another e-scooter, a Dualtron, which is above the weight limit, and does not know what to do with it. "I have to keep it at home now. I bought the Dualtron to save on my transport costs, and it can go a long distance without charging. Now, I have to fork out $130 every month for public transport," she said.

The Straits Times had reported that there are exporters who buy such PMDs and resell them in neighbouring countries including Indonesia.