Mobility scooter users in S'pore have to produce medical proof starting from Q1 2026

New rules regarding Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) devices will be implemented in the first quarter of 2026, after legislation has been passed, to reduce the misuse of such devices and to improve path safety.

This was announced at the Ministry of Transport (MOT) Committee of Supply debate on Mar. 5.

The rules are designed to curb misuse by able-bodied users and reserve the use of mobility scooters for users with mobility challenges.

According to a joint statement by MOT, LTA, the Digital Platforms Industry Association (DPIA), and the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), able-bodied users have alternatives such as bicycles or power-assisted bicycles.

What will the rules entail?

The rules will include restricting the speed limit for PMAs to 6 km/h (down from 10 km/h) and a requirement for all mobility scooter users to have a certification of medical need.

All mobility scooter users will therefore be required to undergo an Assessment of Mobility Scooter (AMS) except for those who were prescribed a government-subsidised scooter before the commencement of the AMS.

The Ministry of Transport added that users of mobility scooters can approach their regular doctor or occupational therapist for an AMS as part of their routine checkup or appointment, starting from the last quarter of 2025.

More details will be released closer to this period.

Speed limit regulations set to kick in around end-2025

Restricting the use of mobility scooters to users with medical needs was one of the recommendations put out by an advisory panel in 2024, citing "prevalent feedback" of abuse of mobility scooters by able-bodied people.

Another recommendation by the panel was to limit the speed limit of PMAs from 10km/h to 6km/h.

According to MOT, the speed limit of motorised PMAs will also be reduced to 6 km/h, and all PMAs used on public paths must adhere to the same dimensions as what is allowed on public transport.

The regulations are set to kick in from the first quarter of 2026, according to Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng.

How will food-delivery riders be affected?

According to the joint statement, these new rules will apply to all PMA users, including a portion of delivery riders who currently use such devices for their work.

Both MOT and LTA have sought feedback from DPIA - which counts delivery platforms Deliveroo, foodpanda and Grab as its members - and NDCA.

"All parties are committed to enhancing safety on paths and ensuring that delivery riders can perform their duties safely and efficiently," the statement said.

The delivery platforms will also continue to be "inclusive" in allocating jobs and providing earning opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with mobility challenges who rely on PMAs for their delivery work.

"We are also committed to managing customer expectations regarding delivery times, for example by sharing with them information about the type of device used and the expected waiting period," the statement added.

Active Mobility Advisory Panel to consult the public to understand considerations on safety and mobility needs

MOT also noted that while there are regulations in place to mitigate the risk of motorised Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs) catching fire, there has been an increase in the number of fire incidents stemming from such devices in the past three years.

The ministry noted that commuters have raised concerns on the risk of motorised PMDs and PABs catching fire on crowded public transportation, which could have catastrophic consequences.

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) will therefore be consulting the public to understand potential considerations on the safety and mobility needs of commuters before sharing its findings with the government.

Top image via Oleksandra Troian