Three retailers have been charged under the Road Traffic Act, for selling and supplying non-compliant power-assisted bicycles (PABs) that had been modified illegally.

2.  These cases came to light following regular checks on retailers selling PABs by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Based on LTA’s investigations, the PABs sold were illegally modified with throttles which enabled the PABs to reach speeds exceeding 35km/h without the rider pedalling. Under current PAB regulations, the electric motor of PABs is only allowed to kick in and provide assistance to the rider when he/she is pedalling. The motor assistance must cut off when the rider stops pedalling, or when the PAB reaches a speed of 25km/h.

3.  Following the charges mentioned in court, all three cases have been adjourned for further mention on 10 November 2016.

Penalties

4.  LTA takes a serious view of the sale of non-compliant PABs by retailers. This is because retailers play an important role in educating the public on the use of PABs. LTA will continue our enforcement efforts and also tighten legislation to take tougher measures against the sale of non-compliant PABs.

5.  With effect from 1 February 2016, PABs need to comply with requirements that are aligned with European Standard EN15194 and weigh no more than 20kg, in order to be approved and sealed with the orange seal. Please refer to Annex A and LTA’s One.Motoring website at Buying / Vehicle Types and Registration / Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB)  for more details on the approved technical requirements for PABs.

6.  Under the Road Traffic Act, for selling a non-compliant PAB, or illegally modifying it for use, the offender could be charged in court and may be fined up to $2,000 or jailed up to 3 months upon conviction for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the offender may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to 6 months upon conviction.

7.  Members of the public who spot illegally modified PABs may alert LTA via 1800-CALL-LTA or feedback@lta.gov.sg


 

Annex A: Details of Technical Requirements