New Mobility Scooter Regulations in Singapore: What You Need to Know
As of June 1, Singapore is set to implement new regulations aimed at ensuring responsible use of mobility scooters among its citizens. These measures, announced by Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng, are designed to limit misuse by individuals who do not have genuine mobility issues.
Certificate of Medical Need
One significant change will be the requirement for mobility scooter users to possess a Certificate of Medical Need. This requirement is a step aimed at curbing misuse and safeguarding the interests of individuals who truly depend on such devices. However, seniors aged 70 and above will be exempt from this requirement, alongside beneficiaries of several assistance funds and individuals under the Health Ministry’s disability schemes.
Eligible users can start undergoing medical assessments for the Certificate as early as February 27. These evaluations will be conducted by general practitioners or occupational therapists.
Assessment Process
The Assessment for Mobility Scooter will focus on three primary areas: determining if an individual has a medical need for a scooter, whether that need is temporary or long-term, and if the individual requires a device that exceeds specific size limits. A list of clinics offering this assessment will be published by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) starting February 4. Assessment fees are expected to range from $20 to $150, making them relatively modest compared to the cost of mobility scooters, which can range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Enforcement and Penalties
Starting June 1, users who fail to carry a Certificate of Medical Need while riding a mobility scooter in public can face fines up to $2,000, jail time up to six months, or both. LTA officers will focus on users who appear able-bodied and might be misusing scooters. The enforcement aims to achieve a balance, ensuring genuine users are not unduly inconvenienced.
Moreover, businesses that allow individuals to use mobility scooters on public paths for work—without confirming valid certification—will also face penalties.
Additional Regulations
The new regulations go beyond just the medical certification. Starting June 1, all new mobility scooters sold will need to be registered. Additionally, the speed limit for Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) will be reduced from 10 km/h to 6 km/h on public paths. This speed reduction aims to ensure safety for all path users, especially seniors and pedestrians.
Oversized PMAs, defined as devices exceeding specific dimensions or weighing more than 300 kg, will be banned from public paths to minimize risks and inconveniences.
Fire Safety Standards
In light of recent fire incidents involving personal mobility devices, the new legislation also tightens fire safety regulations. From June 1, it will be illegal to own PMDs that do not comply with the UL2272 fire safety standard. Owners of non-compliant devices face hefty fines, and businesses allowing the use of such devices will be subject to even higher penalties.
Concerns Raised by MPs
The new regulations have sparked discussions among Members of Parliament (MPs) about enforcement and inclusivity. Concerns were raised regarding individuals who may require scooters for mobility issues but do not qualify under the new criteria. There are fears about potential stigmatization of users who might look able-bodied but have legitimate mobility challenges.
Some MPs highlighted the implications for delivery riders who may rely on PMAs but lack formal medical diagnoses. Questions were posed about how occupational factors, like the physical demands of their roles, could be considered in the certification process.
The Role of Delivery Platforms
The new regulations also call on delivery platforms to take more responsibility for the safety of their riders using PMAs. MPs expressed the need for these companies to ensure that their workers possess valid Certificates of Medical Need, suggesting that the certification process should integrate digital systems for easy verification.
In addition, there’s a recognized need for platforms to create a safer environment for workers operating under the pressures of time constraints and performance targets.
Transition Timeline
For existing mobility scooters, registration will commence mid-2027, with full enforcement of these regulations expected by January 1, 2029. By then, all mobility devices must comply with the new registration and speed limits.
These steps reflect Singapore’s efforts to navigate the challenges posed by a growing aging population while ensuring public safety in an evolving urban landscape.
