From the first quarter of 2021, importers of motorised personal mobility devices (PMD) and power assisted bicycles (PAB) will need to obtain an import approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) prior to importing the devices.
This also applies to individuals who import PMDs and PABs for personal use.
Small Motorised Vehicle Act
This is part of the Small Motorised Vehicle Act which was passed by Parliament today (May 26).
Individuals who import PMDs and PABs without valid approval from LTA will be fined up to S$5,000 and/or face a jail term of up to six months.
Businesses can be fined up to S$10,000.
Speaking in Parliament, Lam Pin Min (Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport) said that the government had made efforts to tackle the supply of non-compliant devices, for example, through prohibiting the sale of such devices and mandating e-scooter inspections.
However, non-compliant devices are still being used on public paths, and fires involving non-compliant devices continue to occur.
"In view of these continuing challenges, we need to go upstream to stem the inflow of non-compliant devices at the point of import," said Lam.
LTA to grant import approval if devices will not be used on public paths
For those who need to import non-compliant devices for legitimate reasons (such as for research, re-export, or commercial use exclusively on private land), LTA is able to grant import approval after ascertaining that these devices will not be used on public paths.
ICA officers will be appointed to work with LTA to carry out random inspections at the checkpoints.
More information on this import control measure will be announced later.
Path-connected open spaces considered public paths
Separately, the Active Mobility Act has expanded to include path-connected open spaces under its definition of public path network.
This means that these open spaces below such as courtyards, plazas, squares and atriums are considered public paths; motorised personal mobility devices cannot be ridden on them.
Via LTA
Via LTA
Via LTA
Via LTA
Via LTA
Making this distinction clear, said Lam, will be useful to all path users.
Top image by Ng Kah Hwee.