Two retailers have been fined $1,000 each for selling illegally modified power-assisted bicycles (PABs). Lim Geok Kay of Teck Bee Brothers Company (No.220 Syed Alwi Road) and Chia Thuang Chiew of CPP Trading (Blk 731 Yishun St. 72) were found to have sold PABs that were illegally modified with throttles which enabled the PABs to reach speeds exceeding 35km/h without the rider having to pedal.

2.  PABs are currently allowed to be used on public roads. Modifying PABs with throttles, are not allowed as the throttle feature allows the PAB to function like a motorcycle, which requires the rider to have a licence, unlike bicycles. The throttle feature can also be misused to allow the PAB to travel faster than 25 km/h without pedalling. This poses a safety hazard to PAB users and other road users.

Penalties

3.  Given the severity of such offences, the Road Traffic Act was amended earlier this year. Under the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2017, a person could be charged in court for selling a non-compliant PAB, or illegally modifying it for use. He may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to 3 months or both upon conviction for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the offender may be fined up to $10,000 or jailed up to 6 months or both upon conviction.

4.  Recognising that PAB retailers play an important role in educating the public on the responsible use of PABs, LTA has been engaging the retailers as well as distributing educational materials on what to look out for when selling PABs. Please refer to the annex for poster on technical requirements for PABs.  LTA will continue our enforcement efforts and also tighten legislation to take tougher measures against the sale of non-compliant PABs.

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



Annex: Poster on technical requirements for PABs