Snap, report errant PMD riders via app

Complaints about errant Personal Mobility Device (PMD) users, with relevant photographs, may soon be made through the MyTransport.SG app, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced yesterday as the 1 July deadline to register the devices draws near.

The LTA said it is enhancing the app to make it easier and more convenient for the public to submit a photo or video of irresponsible riding behaviour to facilitate more targeted and effective enforcement.

The authority has been collecting feedback on errant PMD riders through its website, which it said has helped with enforcement efforts.

More than 75,000 e-scooters have been registered with the authority so far.

From next month, it will be illegal for PMD users to ride, or cause or allow another person to ride, an unregistered electric scooter on public paths. Those registering must be at least 16 years old and will have to declare that their e-scooters do not exceed 20kg in weight and 70cm in maximum width. The e-scooters' maximum motorised device speed should also be capped at 25km/h.

The LTA said the registration scheme is aimed at deterring reckless riding and facilitating enforcement efforts against errant riders, in order to improve public safety for all path users. Those found riding unregistered e-scooters on public paths face fines of up to $2,000 and up to three months' jail for the first offence.

About 85% of the registrants so far are Singaporeans, and fewer than 5% of all who have registered are aged between 16 and 20, said the authority. It added that about 73% are aged between 21 and 50, while 22% are above 51 years old.

"This highlights the diverse groups of people who have found such devices to be beneficial and convenient, especially for short journeys and first-and last-mile connectivity to our public transport nodes and amenities," said the LTA.

In its statement, it also reminded PMD retailers and users that the devices have to be UL2272 certified. It said the certification would help to improve public safety and minimise the risk of fire incidents. From 2021, all motorised PMDs on public paths must have that certification.

Existing owners of non-certified devices bought before the end of this month can still register and use the devices until 31 December next year, after which they will be automatically deregistered.

But from next month, the LTA will no longer accept registration and/or the transfer of registration for non-UL2272-certified devices.

It will also be illegal for retailers to sell and lease non-certified devices for use on public paths. First-time offenders can be fined up to $5,000 and jailed for up to three months.

"Public safety remains the LTA's top priority as we encourage active mobility as a choice of commute in Singapore," said the authority.

In a Facebook post yesterday reminding PMD users and retailers of the upcoming deadline, Senior Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min said, "As more people take up the use of PMDs in Singapore, let us all be more mindful of how we can make our living environment safer for everyone."

Mr. Denis Koh, an Active Mobility Advisory Panel Member and Chairman of PMD enthusiast group Big Wheel Scooters Singapore, said many e-scooter owners have already registered their devices. He encouraged those who have not done so to do it before the end of the month.

Noting that the majority of PMD users do practise safe riding, Mr. Koh said, "We should not let the actions of a few irresponsible ones tar the image of the broader community. Enhancements to make it easier for the public to report errant riders would also be very much welcomed."