News

1.     The Ministry of Transport has reviewed and accepted recommendations by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) on regulations for personal mobility aids (PMAs).

Background

2.     There are increasing public concerns regarding the misuse of mobility scooters by seemingly able-bodied individuals, as well as speeding and the use of overly large devices. These compromise the safety of other path users, especially seniors and young children. AMAP shared the concerns and had submitted a set of recommendations on 14 Dec 2023 to ensure that paths remain safe for all users, while remaining inclusive to those with genuine mobility needs¹. The Government thanks AMAP for its recommendations.

3.     In reviewing AMAP’s recommendations, the Government had engaged various stakeholders including the National Delivery Champions Association, food delivery platforms, PMA retailers, and social service agencies working with persons with disabilities, as well as seniors. We thank them for their valuable feedback, including on facilitating a smooth transition. We will provide sufficient transition time for users and organisations involved. The recommendations will be implemented around 2025, after the necessary legislative amendments are made.

Certification for the Use of Mobility Scooters  

4.     The Government accepts AMAP’s recommendation to allow only users certified with relevant medical needs or walking difficulties to use mobility scooters, to ensure continued and sufficient access to public spaces for these users. This requirement will not apply to users of manual and motorised wheelchairs, as feedback on the misuse among able-bodied users is largely linked to mobility scooters. The targeted approach will also minimise the impact on manual and motorised wheelchairs users.

5.     To minimise inconvenience to genuine users of mobility scooters, persons with disabilities with mobility scooters subsidised under the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF), and seniors with mobility scooters subsidised under the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) will be recognised as genuine users. They will not be required to obtain additional certification. We are working with the relevant agencies to assess other certifications and identifications for mobility needs that could be recognised, and will provide sufficient time for users to obtain a certificate of medical need, if they do not have one. Further details will be provided in due course. Users do not have to approach healthcare professionals to obtain certification yet.  

Reduced Speed Limit of Motorised PMAs from 10km/h to 6km/h

6.     The Government also accepts AMAP’s recommendation to reduce the speed limit of motorised PMAs (i.e. mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs) from 10km/h to 6km/h. This is aligned to typical brisk walking speed, in accordance with the principle that PMAs are intended for use as a replacement for walking.

7.     As most motorised PMAs currently have a speed limit above 6km/h, sufficient time will be provided for users and retailers to adjust to the new regulations.  Retailers should clear their existing stock of devices with maximum speed exceeding 6km/h, before the regulations come into force from next year. Genuine PMA users may also continue to use their existing devices until their devices reach their end of life, so long as they travel within 6km/h. These users may take reference from the walking speed of other path users, or use speedometers.

Dimension Restrictions for PMAs on Public Paths

8.     Dimension restrictions for all PMAs used on public paths (footpaths and cycling paths) and public transport will be aligned, to ensure smoother transition for PMA users between public paths and public transport. PMAs are currently restricted to 70cm width, 120cm length, 150cm height, and 300kg laden weight when used on public transport, and PMAs used on public paths will be required to follow suit.

9.     Exemptions will be provided for users who have proof of medical need to use PMAs which exceed the allowable dimensions, for usage on public paths. 

10.    The Government will work with stakeholders on the implementation details. We encourage all users to share our paths safely and graciously. We will continue to raise awareness of the upcoming rules for PMAs through public education efforts.