If you are using a bicycle, power-assisted bicycle (PAB) or personal mobility device (PMD), ensure your device meets the following device criteria before riding them on public paths:

UL2272 fire safety standard for motorised personal mobility devices

The UL2272 fire safety standard improves the safety against fire and electrical hazards significantly. Motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) that are certified to the UL2272 standard have to pass a stringent set of tests conducted by accredited testing centres under extreme physical conditions. Users who modify a UL2272-certified PMD may render its certificate invalid, posing a fire risk. 

From 1 July 2020, only UL2272 motorised PMDs (PDF, 1.7mb) are allowed on cycling paths. Non-UL2272 e-scooters that have been registered with LTA have been automatically de-registered on that date. Non-UL2272 and modified PMDs are a fire risk, and should be properly and safely disposed of. LTA will continue to maintain records of non-UL2272 PMDs and may contact the owners for further action in future should the need arises. For more details on where to dispose your PMDs, please click here. 

A mandatory inspection regime for registered e-scooters has been introduced from 3 April 2020, and all e-scooters which were earlier registered and self-declared UL2272-certified will be scheduled for inspections (please note these inspections will resume from 4 June 2020 onwards). All new e-scooters will also have to pass inspections for UL2272 certification and width, weight, and device speed before they can be registered with LTA. 

You may face penalties if caught riding a device that does not meet these criteria on public paths.

Why is the adoption of a device safety standard necessary?

The number of fires caused by motorised PMDs have increased in the past few years, with more than 90 fire incidents involving PMDs since 2016. As PMDs only started gaining popularity in recent years, many of the motorised PMDs used do not conform to any reliable safety standards. The adoption of a safety device standard is therefore necessary to ensure the safe use of such devices.

LTA carefully studied the safety standards available and determined that the UL2272 standard is most suitable for the common types of motorised PMDs used in Singapore, such as e-scooters, self-balancing hoverboards and electric unicycles.

Incidents of PMD-related fires over the last few years (photos credit from Singapore Civil Defence Force's Facebook)

Why was UL2272 chosen over other standards?

It is often difficult to determine the exact cause of the fires due to the extent of fire damage to the PMDs involved. However, based on literature reviews and consultations with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), PMD fires may be caused by an electrical anomaly to the electrical circuitry or batteries, which could result from various factors, but not limited to, physical damage to the device, overcharging of rechargeable batteries, use of an unsuitable charger/battery, or manufacturing defects.

UL2272 is assessed to be a suitable safety standard as it evaluates PMDs from a system-level perspective, which better anticipates the full spectrum of usage conditions of the entire PMD, instead of just assessing individual components of a device.

Getting a device certified for UL2272 requires passing a series of electrical, mechanical and environmental tests. Its testing parameters are based on several components like the electrical and mechanical factor for safety, as well as the impact of environmental factors such as exposure to water.

Evaluation tests for UL2272 can be broadly classified into 3 categories as follows:

1. Electrical Tests

Electrical tests typically cover a range of tests:

• Short circuit
• Over-charge
• Over-discharge
• Temperature
• Dielectric voltage
• Isolation resistance
• Imbalanced charging

2. Mechanical Tests

Mechanical tests typically cover a range of tests:

• Vibration
• Shock
• Crush
• Drop
• Mold stress release
• Handle loading
• Strain relief

PMD models that have been awarded the UL2722 certification must also undergo regular factory inspections to verify that device production continues to comply with requirements under the UL2272 standard. Manufacturers who persistently do not demonstrate adherence to the standard and take subsequent actions to ensure that their production line adheres to the standard may have their certification cancelled.

NOTE: While the UL2272 fire and electrical safety standard greatly reduces the risks of fire, PMD users should always practice proper handling and safety tips to prevent PMD fires and avoid exposing devices to extreme conditions or stress.

View these frequently-asked questions (FAQs) (PDF, 219 kb) for more information on UL2272 certified PMDs.

Whether you are walking, cycling or riding a PMD, everyone has a role to play to build a safer and more gracious path sharing culture. 

Rules for cycling and riding PMDs

Familiarise yourself with the rules under the Active Mobility Act before you ride. 

5. Stop and look out for incoming traffic before riding across the road

6. Dismount and walk your device when you see a "No Riding" sign.

7. Stop, offer help, exchange particulars, and make a police report if you are involved in an accident.

8. Those under 16 years of age cannot ride PABs on cycling paths even if supervised by an adult.

9. Those under 16 years of age cannot be carried as a passenger on a PAB on cycling paths.

From 1 August 2020, individuals under the age of 16 are not allowed to ride e-scooters, unless supervised by an adult who is at least 21 years old. If you intend to supervise an individual below the age of 16 to ride an e-scooter, please familiarise yourself with the guidelines of a supervisor (PDF,177kb). 

Guidelines for walking, cycling and riding your PMDs

Being gracious keeps you and others safe. If you ride a bicycle or PMD, always give way to more vulnerable users on the paths. If you are walking, remain alert and keep to footpaths. 

Cyclists and PMD riders

1. Always give way to pedestrians.
2. Watch your speed and go slow around others.
3. Slow down when approaching bus stops and/or intersections of public paths.
   
4. Walk your device in crowded areas.
5. Gently alert others before overtaking. 
6. Keep left on paths unless overtaking. 
7. Ride on cycling paths and bicycle crossings when available.
   
8. Keep a safe distance from other path users, especially when overtaking to avoid a collision.
   
9. Avoid shining your lights onto the face of other path users. 
10. Check that your lights, brakes and tyres are in good working condition before setting off.
11. Check the height of your handlebars and seat on the bicycle to ensure that you have full control of the device when coming to a sudden stop in an emergency.
12. Keep both hands on the handlebars. Signal your intention to change course or make a turn ahead of time.
13. Park your devices at designated parking places such as bicycle racks and yellow boxes. Be sure to securely lock your devices (PDF, 388kb) to prevent it from being stolen.

Pedestrians

1. Keep left unless overtaking.
2. Keep to footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
3. Stay alert when on public paths. Using a mobile phone or listening to music could prevent you from detecting danger or obstacles.

Read the full code of conduct for public path users (PDF, 93kb) under the Active Mobility Act.

Rules for cycling 

Road safety is a shared responsibility. Keep a firm grip on these on-road cycling rules if you use a bicycle or power-assisted bicycle (PAB) on roads. 

1. Obey all traffic signals and travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. 
2. Wear a helmet when cycling on roads.
3. Cycle in a single file on single-lane roads and during bus lane operational hours².
4. Switch on front white and rear red light³ in the dark.
5. Do not use a mobile communication device while riding. 
6. Those under 16 years of age may not ride PABs on roads. 
7. Those under 16 years of age may not be carried as a passenger on PABs on roads. 

²Otherwise, cycling two abreast is allowed.
³Rear red reflectors can be used on bicycles and power-assisted bicycles (PABs). 

Guidelines for cycling

Cyclists and PAB riders are encouraged to adopt the following practices to safeguard themselves and share the roads safely with motorists.

1. Always ride as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of roads, and allow traffic to overtake you safely. Keep a straight course, do not weave through traffic and avoid sudden swerves. 
   
2. Always use bicycle lanes when available. 
   
3. Keep a safe distance behind moving vehicles. Do not hold on to the back or side of motor vehicles and maintain awareness of traffic when riding.
   
4. Do not squeeze between the kerb and a bus that has stopped at a bus stop, or a turning vehicle and a kerb.
   
5. Slow down and look out for other road users when approaching bends, junctions, bus stops and pedestrian crossings or when passing a parked car.
   
6. If the hill is too steep, get off and walk with the bicycle. Keep your cycling speed under control when riding on downhill roads.
   
7. Wear bright-coloured clothing to increase your visibility to other vehicles and pedestrians.
   
8. Plan ahead and pick the safest route, and keep out of heavy traffic as much as possible. 
   
9. Do not carry anything in your arms that may interfere with the proper control of your bicycle.
   
10. Check the height of your handlebars and seat on the bicycle to ensure that you have full control of the device.
    
11. Keep both hands on the handlebars. When signalling your intention to change course or make a turn, do so ahead of time and return your hand to the handlebars before you turn.
    
    

Read the full code of conduct for cycling on roads under the Highway Code.

Own an e-scooter or a power-assisted bicycle (PAB)? Do note that there is mandatory registration for these devices.

From April 2020, do check that any new e-scooters you purchase is already registered with LTA by the retailer. Retailers are required to send all e-scooters to be inspected and certified at an LTA designated E-scooter Inspection Centre before they can be advertised, displayed and/or sold for use on cycling paths (including letting for hire). It is an offence to ride an unregistered e-scooter on cycling paths. 

Power-assisted bicycles (PABs) must be sealed with the LTA approval seal, registered and affixed with a rear registration number plate. View this list (PDF, 1.14mb) to find out the type-approved PAB models. For details on how to register your PAB, visit www.onemotoring.com.sg/PAB.
 

From April 2020 onwards, LTA will introduce a mandatory inspection requirement for registered e-scooters, to ensure that these devices comply with the device criteria for use on public paths (please note these inspections are currently on-going).

The e-scooter inspection regime will affect two key groups:

1) Owners of e-scooters registered before 1 April 2020 and declared to be compliant with the device criteria of weight, width, speed and UL2272 certification;

2) Retailers of e-scooters and persons letting e-scooters for lease and/or hire

For Existing Registered E-Scooters

LTA will schedule mandatory inspections for e-scooters registered before 1 April 2020 and were declared as compliant to the device criteria of no more than 20kg, 70cm and 25km/h device speed, as well as UL2272-certified. This first-time inspection will be at no cost to these owners. Owners of these devices will receive a notice from LTA informing them to bring their devices in for inspection at any of the nine E-scooter Inspection Centres (EICs) island-wide. Click here (PDF, 114kb) to see a list of the locations of the inspection centres.

Those who fail to send their devices for inspection by the stipulated deadline stated in the notice could have their devices deregistered and face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or jailed up to three months, if convicted.

All e-scooters delcared to be non UL2272-certified, including those found to be erroneously declared as certified to the UL2272 standard, will be automatically deregistered on 1 July 2020, which is the deadline for compliance for use on cycling paths. E-scooters that are certified to the UL2272 standard but do not comply with either of the weight, width and device speed requirements during inspection will have their registration cancelled by LTA.

Registered e-scooters will be called up for inspections every two years to ensure that the device remain compliant and are not illegally modified. 

For E-scooters to be Registered On or After 1 April 2020

From April 2020, all new e-scooters will be required to pass through inspection at one of the nine EICs before they can be registered for use on cycling paths. Retailers/businesses will only be able to display, advertise, sell or let for hire e-scooters that are inspected and certified.

It is an offence to ride an unregistered e-scooter on cycling path. First-time offenders can be subject to a fine of $2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months.

It is also an offence to use non-compliant e-scooters on public paths and first-time offenders may face a fine $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months.

For more information on inspection and registration of new device(s), please refer to the comprehensive guide here.

Help keep our streets neat and free of obstruction by following these steps when you end your trip on a shared bicycle.

1.  Park your shared bicycle at designated parking zones such as yellow boxes and bicycle racks. To find designated parking zones nearest to your location, use your bicycle sharing app.

2.  Look out for the QR code located near the parking area and scan it to end your trip.

You may be charged an additional $5 fee by the bicycle sharing company for failing to park properly and scan the QR-code. After 3 failures, you will face a one-month ban from using all shared bicycle services. The ban period will increase with every subsequent ban. For more details on the user ban process, read this guide (PDF, 261kb).

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel commissioned in July 2015, is led by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, and comprises representatives from key stakeholder groups including seniors, youths, cyclists, users of PMDs, motorists and grassroots leaders. On 17 March 2016, the Panel recommended a set of rules and code of conduct for cycling and use of PMDs which were accepted in full by the Government and incorporated into the Active Mobility Act.

The Panel commenced a second review of the active mobility regulations in 2018 with a focus on improving safety on public paths. The Government accepted the Panel’s recommendations on 4 September 2018 and have implemented them on 1 February 2019.

The Panel continued to monitor the situation in 2019 and made additional recommendations to enhance safety on public paths. The Government accepted the Panel’s recommendations with an expanded scope on 4 December 2019.

The devices listed in this notification (PDF, 222kb) have been impounded by the Land Transport Authority. 

For enquiries/requests:

• Contact us through our online portal at www.lta.gov.sg/feedback
• Email to feedback@lta.gov.sg

If we do not receive any request within 14 days after publishing the notification, in accordance with the law, we will prepare for the disposal of these devices.

We will then proceed to dispose of the devices in this Gazette (PDF, 156kb) 1 month after its publication.