We thank Mr Sum Kam Weng for his letter “PMDs with speeds of 70km/h a hazard to others” published in the Straits Times (30 March 2017) and wish to assure him that the necessary measures are in place to safeguard the safety of all users on public paths. 

Under the new Active Mobility Act, personal mobility devices (PMDs) used on public paths must not have a device speed exceeding 25km/h, weigh more than 20kg or be wider than 70cm. Users must also ensure that they travel below the speed limit of 15km/h on footpaths, and 25km/h on shared and cycling paths. The Act also empowers the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to ban the display, advertisement, and sale of non-compliant devices at retail premises for use on public paths. 

The Government will take strict enforcement action against users and retailers who flout these rules. Riders found using non-compliant PMDs on public paths or retailers found selling non-compliant PMDs for use on public paths can be fined up to $5,000, or imprisoned for up to three months, or both, for the first offence. Repeat offenders can face a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. In addition, offenders found riding recklessly can face a fine up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. These offenders will also have to attend LTA’s Safe Riding Programme.

In May last year, a team of Active Mobility Enforcement Officers was formed as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement against errant PMD users on public paths, in addition to enforcement efforts by the National Parks Board and Traffic Police.

Besides enforcement, LTA has intensified public education efforts to raise awareness of the rules and norms under the new Act. In July 2017, we will be rolling out the Safe Riding Programme targeting at the general public, students and migrant workers to inculcate safety habits and skills when riding devices on public paths. We have also been engaging retailers to bring in only compliant devices. Through the more than 700 community volunteers who have signed up under the Voluntary Patrol Scheme, we have also extended coverage of advisories and public education efforts to many heartland areas.

We strongly encourage all cyclists and PMD users to ride safely on our paths, and observe the new rules and code of conduct.

Tan Li Yen (Ms)
Deputy Director, Active Mobility
Land Transport Authority