Food delivery workers on PMAs expect earnings to halve if speed limit cut from 10km/h to 6km/h

Food delivery workers who rely on personal mobility aids (PMAs) expect earnings to fall by as much as 50 per cent if a proposed law limiting PMA speeds on public paths is passed.

The Land Transport and Related Matters Bill, read for the first time in parliament's January 2026 sitting, proposes to reduce the speed limit for PMAs from 10km/h to 6km/h.

The bill, slated for second reading in the next parliament sitting in February, also proposes to require a certificate of medical need to drive or ride a mobility scooter.

Fewer orders completed

Speaking to 8world, Wu (transliteration), who relies on an electric wheelchair to get around after suffering a stroke, shared that he expects the proposed 6km/h PMA speed limit to affect the number of orders he can complete.

Wu took up the food delivery gig in December 2025 and explained that he typically starts taking orders at 11am, averaging about 20 orders a day.

"Under the new speed limit, even if I do all I can, I'll only be able to complete about six to seven orders," Wu said.

He would have to start his day earlier and extend his working hours to make up for the shortfall under the new rule.

Misa, 37, started out making deliveries on a bicycle five years ago, but switched to a PMA after an accident left her with a left leg fracture.

She expects to complete 20 to 30 per cent fewer orders with the new speed limit and has begun looking for new sources of income.

Unlike Wu, who might be able to compensate by extending working hours, Misa is constrained by the fact that she has to take care of her children in the day.

Another food delivery rider, Zhang (transliteration), said he might quit the gig after the new speed limit takes effect.

"I feel that my number of completed orders will fall by 50 per cent, at minimum," he surmised.

Zhang, being semi-retired and almost 80, also pointed out that the impact will be larger on workers who might have to provide for their families.

Misusers are 'bad apples'

Misa directed her frustrations at those who have misused PMAs.

"Those young people who misuse PMAs have spoiled the market and broken the rules. But it is we, the food delivery riders, who have to deal with the consequences," she lamented, according to 8world.

"They have to think, we're trying to make a living and provide for our families," she continued.

A former food delivery rider, Yu (transliteration), similarly called out the "bad apples", particularly those who have been seen using PMAs on roads or to ferry their families.

"Those with physical disabilities could have made about S$100 using PMAs to make deliveries daily. With the new speed limit, I'm guessing their completed orders will fall by 70 per cent," Yu said.

Lin (transliteration), 60, who has been a food delivery rider for three years, said he will have "no choice" but to switch to a personal mobility device (PMD).

Top image via Grab / Unsplash