Since the flash ban on personal mobility devices (PMD) on Nov. 5, 2019, hundreds of PMD food delivery riders have voiced their concerns to authorities at various Meet-the People Sessions (MPS) in the last two weeks.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also announced a S$7 million grant on Nov. 8 to help delivery riders to change their mode of transport, in collaboration with food delivery companies in Singapore.

Additional S$100 switch bonus from Grab

According to a spokesperson from Grab, a S$100 switch bonus will be given to GrabFood riders who wish to switch to other vehicle types such as a bicycle, power-assisted bicycle (PAB), motorcycle, or become a walker.

To qualify for the bonus, delivery riders must also complete at least 40 trips in two weeks, from the day the switch is successfully made.

The switch bonus will be applicable until Dec. 31, 2019.

The spokesperson added that the GrabFood team has secured preferential rates for renting and purchasing of bicycles, PABs, and motorcycles for their delivery riders.

GrabFood riders are also eligible for free rental of SGBike bicycles until Dec. 31, 2019, with a refundable deposit of S$100.

This allows delivery riders to test out whether the switch to a bicycle is a viable option for them.

E-Scooter Trade-in Grant (eTG) opens from Nov. 15

The e-scooter trade-in grant (eTG) is open for application since Nov. 15.

The grant provides PMD delivery riders with financial assistance to purchase a new bicycle or PAB, with up to S$1,000 subsidies for PAB and S$600 for bicycles.

To be eligible, one must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be a Grab registered PMD delivery riders as of Nov. 3, 2019 (before the ban announcement)
2. Have completed at least one GrabFood trip between Oct. 9 and Nov. 7, 2019
3. Have an LTA-registered e-scooter that is tied to their GrabFood account to trade-in.

Delivery riders are encouraged to check their eligibility for the scheme before making any purchases.

Top image via Julia Yeo