Around 90 accidents involving PMDs, e-bikes in first half of the year: Khaw
Personal mobility, electric bikes on pavement in Ang Mo Kio. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — There were about 90 accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMDs) and electric bicycles in the first half of the year, which caused four deaths and about 90 injuries, the Ministry of Transport said on Monday (Oct 2).
The majority of the accidents took place on roads, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in a written parliamentary reply to Member of Parliament (Potong Pasir) Sitoh Yih Pin.
Asked by Non-Constituency MP Dennis Tan what percentage of accidents involved illegally modified electric bicycles, Mr Khaw said the authorities currently do not track the number of accidents involving non-compliant bicycles. But the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is working towards it as part of enforcement against errant power-assisted bicycle users, he said.
In January this year, Parliament passed laws to regulate the use of electric bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs).
The Active Mobility Act — which will come into effect by the end of the year — will impose penalties for offences such as riding e-bikes or PMDs on paths meant only for pedestrians, or using PMDs recklessly. In the meantime, the LTA has issued 1,400 advisories for unsafe riding, as part of enforcement efforts. Under the new laws, a person cannot ride a bicycle, an e-bike or PMD on pedestrian-only paths.
Only those riding bicycles and PMDs are permitted on footpaths — subject to speed limits — while shared paths, like cycling paths and park connectors, can be used by those riding bicycles, PMDs and e-bikes.
In August, the LTA also commenced registration of e-bikes. Users have up to Jan 31, 2018 to register their e-bikes and install number plates.
On Monday, Mr Khaw stressed that there will be “stiff penalties” for reckless riding.
Those who flout the rules on safe riding -- — such as speeding on public paths or riding on pedestrian-only paths — can be fined up to S$1,000, or jailed up to three months or both.
Meanwhile, users of non-compliant or illegally modified e-bikes may be fined up to S$5,000, and/or jailed up to three months, for the first offence.
For subsequent offences, he/she may be fined up to S$10,000, or jailed up to six months, or both.
