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Bills passed in Singapore to improve safety and connectivity of active mobility

Posted: 28 May 2020 |

The Bills introduce new legislation for mobility device compliance and extends the scope of the public path system.

Singapore passes bills to improve safety and connectivity of active mobility

The Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Bill (SMV Bill) and Active Mobility (Amendment No. 2) Bill (AM Bill) have been passed by Parliament in Singapore, in a bid to strengthen active mobility regulations and stem the inflow of non-compliant devices.

Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Bill (SMV Bill) for Path and Fire Safety

The SMV Bill introduces new import control measures for small motorised vehicles to improve public path and fire safety. From 1Q 2021, all persons who import motorised Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs) will be required to obtain an import approval from LTA before they can bring in these devices. This will also apply to individuals bringing in motorised PMDs/PABs for personal use.

An individual who imports motorised PMDs and PABs without valid approval from LTA can be fined up to $5,000 and/or face a jail term of up to six months, if convicted for the first offence. Businesses can be fined up to $10,000 for the first offence.

This measure is said to reinforce Singapore’s Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) existing efforts to promote mobility safety. LTA regulates the display, advertisement, sale, alteration and use of non-compliant active mobility devices, and requires all registered e-scooters to undergo mandatory inspection.

Active Mobility (Amendment) Bill for Safety and Connectivity

The AM Bill reportedly enables LTA to immediately forfeit non-compliant devices posing fire hazards and dispose of them once the 30-day notice period to make an objection has lapsed.

The Bill also extends the scope of the public path system under the Active Mobility Act 2017 by including path-connected open spaces, which will be designated as footpaths later this year. Open spaces include courtyards, community/town plazas and squares, which are commonly used as thoroughfares by pedestrians and active mobility device users. In so doing, the Bill aims to improve clarity of rules and facilitate connectivity for users on public paths.

Active mobility users will be required to comply with the regulations in these spaces, such as the speed limits for active mobility device users, and the prohibition of use of motorised PMDs on footpaths.