ST forum letter: PMD rider, 94, often blocked by pedestrians, son says there's 'lack of civic grace'

There are many opinions on the use of personal mobility devices (PMD) in Singapore, including that of a concerned son of an elderly father who relies on one to get around.

In a Straits Times forum letter published on Dec. 31, Michael Loh Toon Seng questioned if there are enough measures to protect "legitimate, elderly" PMD riders from harassment.

He said that while he applauds the regulations to curb PMD riders who "treat their devices like COE-free motorbikes", he also stressed that there are legitimate users who depend on them.

Elderly PMD rider

Loh wrote that his 94-year-old father uses a PMD as he suffers from knee osteoarthritis, limiting his mobility.

Therefore, he described the PMD as a "godsend" and not a "luxury or shortcut" for the elderly man.

However, there have been some bumps.

Loh said that his father rides at a "walking pace" and typically encounters pedestrians on the path who are oblivious to other pedestrians behind them.

"He is often forced to 'tail' pedestrians who stroll, converse or stop to window-shop."

When he "gently" sounds his bell, however, pedestrians often react with "provocation rather than courtesy".

Loh said some pedestrians have even glared and scolded him.

Calling it an issue of "growing lack of civil grace", he expressed that it's a sad irony that, amidst an ageing society, his father is treated as an intruder for "simply trying to move".

Give way to vulnerable users: LTA

According to LTA, personal mobility aids like mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are allowed on footpaths, pedestrian-only paths, cycling paths and shared paths.

Meanwhile, PMDs like e-scooters are only allowed on cycling paths and shared paths.

Maximum speed ranges between 10km/h and 25 km/h, depending on the different paths.

Path users should always give way to more vulnerable users, according to LTA.

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Top image from LTA and ST.