Sam Leong's band of brothers - PMD riders

[Leongsam]

This shows just how versatile and eco friendly PMDs and eBikes are. A whole family can commute efficiently without causing any pollution or any congestion. Hopefully more people realise just how much better life is with an ebike/PMD.

 

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[Leongsam]

Yet another video showing that PMDs/PMAs are far more suitable for commuting in Singapore compared to cars.

 

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Jail for repeat offender who assaulted LTA enforcement officer, causing rib fracture​

Lim Teck Kim pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to the victim and using criminal force on the latter’s colleague. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

Shaffiq Alkhatib
Court Correspondent

Oct 17, 2023

SINGAPORE – A man who has been in and out of jail for offences including assault will be spending more time behind bars after he shoved a Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer, fracturing one of the victim’s ribs.
On Tuesday, Lim Teck Kim, 53, was sentenced to a year’s jail after he pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to the victim and using criminal force on the latter’s colleague.
Lim, then a fitness trainer, was illegally riding an unregistered power-assisted bicycle (PAB) on a public footpath in Ang Mo Kio at around 6.15pm on Dec 16, 2021, when LTA enforcement officer Shaik Shameer Shaik Gulam Ali spotted him.
Lim was at a pedestrian crossing at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 when Mr Shaik’s two colleagues - Mr Zikry Nur Hakmi Zainudin and Ms Dhanie Nur Ilham Mohamed Rahman – approached him.
They told Lim that it was illegal to ride the PAB on a public footpath, and asked him to follow them to a nearby taxi stand as Mr Shaik was waiting for him there.
Mr Shaik told Lim that he wanted to impound the PAB as it was not compliant with regulations.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ariel Tan told the court: “The accused expressed reluctance to hand over his PAB and instead asked for Shaik to exercise some leniency.

“He suggested that he be given a chance to sell off his PAB. This was because, as the accused explained to Shaik, the PAB was a costly purchase for him, and he used it to earn a living.”
However, Mr Shaik insisted on impounding the vehicle and told Ms Dhanie to alert the police when Lim refused to cooperate.
Mr Zikry and Mr Shaik then held onto the handlebar of the PAB to prevent Lim from riding away.

The DPP said: “The accused roughly shoved the PAB forward, causing Zikry’s hand to slip from the right handlebar.
“However, Shaik was still holding on to the left handlebar. Shaik began repeating the words ‘Mr Lim’ and ‘please’ in the hope of calming the accused down.”
Lim used his right palm to shove Mr Zikry’s chest once. Mr Shaik later gripped the left handlebar of the PAB and asked Lim to cooperate with the authorities.

Lim then used his left hand to shove Mr Shaik twice, causing the latter to stumble backwards.
Lim finally stopped resisting when auxiliary police officers arrived at the scene.
Feeling pain in his chest area, Mr Shaik went to Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Dec 17, 2021, and was diagnosed with a fractured left rib.
On Tuesday, DPP Tan urged the court to sentence Lim to between 14 and 16 months’ jail, adding: “Shaik suffered a rib fracture that caused him persistent chest pain for no less than seven weeks.”
Lim was represented by lawyers Christopher Bridges and Pratap Kishan who pleaded for their client to be given three months’ jail.
The lawyers said: “The accused is not a hardened criminal. He has since reflected on his actions and is committed to steer clear of any offences in the future.”
Lim’s bail was set at $15,000 on Tuesday, and he is expected to surrender himself at the State Courts on Oct 31 to begin his sentence.

 

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Motorcyclist and PAB rider taken to hospital after accident in Sengkang​

The police said they were alerted to the accident along Anchorvale Link towards Anchorvale Street in Sengkang at 12.15pm on Saturday. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM SG ROAD VIGILANTE/FACEBOOK
Thian Wen Li

NOV 13, 2023

SINGAPORE – A 36-year-old motorcyclist and a 43-year-old power-assisted bicycle (PAB) rider were taken to the hospital after their vehicles collided on Saturday, said the police.
The police said they were alerted to the accident along Anchorvale Link towards Anchorvale Street in Sengkang at 12.15pm on Saturday.
Both riders were taken to Sengkang General Hospital, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
In a video posted on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group, the PAB rider is seen riding with a black food delivery bag and wearing a helmet while making a turn in a yellow box, before colliding with an incoming motorcyclist wearing a Grab uniform and delivery gear.
The PAB rider’s helmet was flung off his head before he hit the ground. He was seen getting up after the accident. The motorcyclist skidded out of the video’s frame.
According to Chinese news outlet Lianhe Zaobao, the men could both be food delivery riders.
The video has attracted over 91,000 views and over 1,100 reactions since it was posted on Sunday morning.

The police said investigations are ongoing and both riders were conscious when taken to the hospital.
The Straits Times has contacted Grab for comment.

 

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Forum: Ensure proper use of personal mobility aids​

NOV 17, 2023

The proliferation of personal mobility aid (PMA) scooters, accompanied by their increased abuse, has led to public annoyance.
I have seen PMAs on the road, where they are not allowed.
The issue extends further to the haphazard parking of PMAs in public spaces, including shopping malls (Man calls for parking zone for mobility scooters after elderly parents get ‘advisory’ at AMK Hub, Nov 15).
It’s crucial to emphasise that PMAs are for those unable to walk or who have walking difficulties, and they help the elderly and handicapped to achieve independent mobility.
I wonder if their use is being abused by those who don’t need to use them.
The Government was studying the need for PMA users to get a doctor’s certificate to certify that the users are disabled or have a mobility issue (‘Pseudo-motorcycle without COE’: Panel considering new rules for devices like PMAs, cargo bikes, March 15, 2022).
Will these guidelines for PMA usage be implemented?

Chen Wei Yi

 

[Patriotmissile]

LTA can blanket ban all motorised the best! Everyone walks. High time to invent exoskeleton mobility.

 

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PMAs being used for food deliveries​

Dec 1, 2023

I agree with the points raised in the letter “Ensure proper use of personal mobility aids” (Nov 17) that more people are abusing the use of personal mobility aids (PMAs).

I live in the Sembawang area and have noticed PMAs being used by young, able-bodied riders. They ride on the pavements to deliver food or as a means of transportation. Recently, I have also noticed them in malls such as Sembawang Shopping Centre, Northpoint City, Sun Plaza and Causeway Point.

The authorities should clamp down on these riders.

Jason Lai

 

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PMA rider, 69, dies after colliding with motorcycle at Jurong West​

The elderly man was riding a personal mobility aid (PMA) when he collided with a motorcyclist.
PHOTO: Supplied to Shin Min Daily News

PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 08, 2023
By LIM KEWEI

A 69-year-old man riding a personal mobility aid (PMA) died after he was hit by a motorcyclist in Jurong West on Thursday (Dec 7).
The fatal accident occurred along Jurong West Avenue 1 towards Corporation Road at about 8.35pm, reported Shin Min Daily News.
An eyewitness surnamed Xie told the Chinese daily that he was passing by the area when he saw the elderly man lying on the ground, and his wrecked PMA lying on the side of the road.
"The elderly man was likely riding his PMA across the road when he collided with a motorcycle," said the 75-year-old retiree.
"The seat and tyres of the PMA fell off, so the impact [of the collision] must have been quite strong."
Xie said that the young motorcyclist was also flung onto the road.
"He seemed to have injured his legs and neck, and kept groaning in pain."
Some passers-by stepped in to help direct traffic away from the elderly man and motorcyclist, Xie added.
A video he filmed showed three paramedics providing first aid to the elderly man, with one of them performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him.
When Shin Min reporters arrived at the scene, several police cars were present and police officers were collecting evidence.

PHOTO: Shin Min Daily News
The PMA was severely damaged, and parts of the mobility device were strewn around the road.
A bag filled with tissues and a shoe were also seen on the roadside.
A group of motorcyclists were also seen standing around the accident scene. One of them, who identified himself as Nick, said they were friends of the injured motorcyclist.
"He's already been taken to the hospital. His wife informed us about the accident, and we came over since we were nearby to see if we could help," said the 48-year-old.
In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said that a 69-year-old male PMA rider was conveyed unconscious to hospital, where he subsequently died.
A 27-year-old male motorcyclist was conveyed conscious to hospital.
Police investigations are ongoing.
According to the Land Transport Authority, PMAs are allowed on footpaths and cycling paths, but not on roads. It is an offence to ride a device on a path or road which it is prohibited from.

 

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'Life is precious': Youths spotted riding PMDs on the road without helmets prompts alarm​

PHOTO: Stomp
PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 26, 2023
By FARAH DALEY

Youths are taking to the roads on their personal mobility devices (PMDs) despite it being illegal.
A Stomp contributor saw a youth on a PMD with a pillion rider along Punggol Central turning towards Punggol Place on Saturday evening (Oct 21).
Neither of them were wearing helmets.
"Life is precious, kids," he said.
"Not worth putting yourself and other road users at risk of accidents."
Another Stomp contributor alerted Stomp to a video of a group of PMD users posted on @tiagong_sg's Instagram page.
They were seen waiting at a traffic light along Sheares Avenue, near Marina Bay Sands before moving off and making a right turn as a vehicle high-beamed them.


One netizen wrote: "At least they still follow traffic light."
Under the Active Mobility Act, PMDs are not allowed on the road.

PHOTO: LTA

 

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Panel proposes limiting mobility scooters to those certified to have difficulty walking​

The panel said implementation details would be finalised after further discussion with the relevant agencies if the recommendations are accepted. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Esther Loi

Dec 14, 2023

SINGAPORE – Only people who are certified to have walking difficulties or medical needs should be allowed to use mobility scooters, a review panel has proposed.
In its proposal submitted to the Ministry of Transport on Dec 14, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (Amap) said that in recent years, there have been rising concerns that able-bodied people have been misusing personal mobility aids (PMAs), particularly mobility scooters. These include concerns over dangerous riding, speeding and overly large PMAs.
To prevent the misuse of these devices, the 16-member advisory panel also recommended that the Government reduce the speed limit of all motorised PMAs – including motorised wheelchairs – from 10kmh to 6kmh, the typical walking speed.
This is to better reflect their intended use, which is to replace walking for users with mobility challenges, said Amap. Mobility aids can be used on footpaths and cycling tracks but not on roads.
Amap could not provide an estimated number of active mobility aid users or devices in Singapore. These devices do not have to be registered upon purchase.
The panel said it expects the number of such users to increase as Singapore’s population ages.
If the proposal is adopted, current PMA users can use relevant certification or disability identification, such as concession cards for commuters with disabilities, to show they qualify. Those who do not have one should obtain certification of a medical need or a doctor’s memo before using a PMA.

Amap said it has proposed a targeted approach for certification that covers only mobility scooters. This is to minimise the impact on users with genuine needs who are using manual and motorised wheelchairs.
The panel decided against proposing a blanket exemption for seniors above a certain age from providing medical certification to use a mobility aid. That is because this could encourage able-bodied people to walk less and use a mobility aid instead, which will be undesirable for Singapore’s ageing population, it said.
The use of such devices should still be based on a user’s needs, regardless of age, said Amap.

The panel said implementation details would be finalised after further discussion with the relevant agencies if the Government accepts its recommendations.


With regard to the proposed reduction of the speed limit for all motorised mobility aids, Amap conducted a study of overseas jurisdictions and found that several have imposed similar speed limits on paths.
For example, Britain sets a 6.4kmh limit on paths, while Benidorm in Spain has a 4kmh restriction.
Given that many users of existing devices can travel at speeds of up to 10kmh in Singapore, the panel also recommended that the Government put in place transitional measures that allow current users to continue using their existing devices at the proposed limit of 6kmh.
Amap said that as a gauge of how fast they are riding, users can adopt the walking speed of other path users, which will be between 4kmh and 6kmh.

In response to concerns about riding upslope, Amap notes that it is a device’s torque (or rotational force that drives a device forward), rather than speed, that determines its ability to climb slopes. As such, users could check with retailers to ensure that they buy a mobility aid that meets their needs.
Going forward, retailers should also be required to sell mobility aids with a maximum speed of 6kmh, the panel proposed. It said a reasonable transition time should be factored in to enable retailers to clear existing stock and obtain devices that adhere to the proposed speed limit.
With the new limit in place, Amap suggested that mobility aids travelling faster than 6kmh be reclassified as motorised personal mobility devices, which are allowed only on cycling paths.
In addition, the panel recommended applying the same dimension restrictions for mobility aids on public transport to their use on public paths. These dimensions are a width of 70cm, length of 120cm, height of 150cm, and combined weight of 300kg with the rider on board.
This is to allow users of such devices to transit between public paths and public transport more smoothly, said Amap.

For a small proportion of users who may need to use mobility aids that exceed the allowable dimensions for medical reasons, the panel suggested that the Government exempt them from adhering to these restrictions if they have relevant certification.
Amap also recommended that the Government increase public education efforts on the use of mobility aids, including providing safe riding and fire safety tips.
Better enforcement, with appropriate penalties, should also be reinforced, said the panel.
Lastly, Amap proposed that registration of mobility aids should not be introduced as this may deter those with a genuine need from using the devices.


Speaking at a media briefing on Dec 14, Amap chairman and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng said the proposals are intended to promote active mobility among those with walking difficulties and other people, while also maintaining public safety.
He noted that the recommendations will not have an adverse impact on genuine users, since they can continue using their devices with their existing certification from doctors, occupational therapists and disability agency SG Enable.
Asked about the potential implementation schedule for these recommendations, Mr Baey said: “The ministry will need some time to review these recommendations.
“From past experience, when Amap submits its recommendations, the Government takes a few months to look at them and think through how to implement these recommendations, because some of them require legislative amendments.”
In a Facebook post on Dec 14, Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said his ministry will go through the panel’s recommendations before responding with its decision.
Users of PMAs have made the news in recent years, including those who crashed their devices into glass doors at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange and Singapore General Hospital.
There have also been sightings of purportedly able-bodied users riding mobility scooters in public spaces.

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Here are the five recommendations from Amap:​

• Allow only users with certified mobility issues to use mobility scooters
• Reduce the speed limit of motorised mobility aids from 10kmh to 6kmh
• Standardise mobility-aid dimension restrictions for public paths and public transport
• Step up education and enforcement efforts
• Do not mandate registration or licensing of mobility aids

 

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[Leongsam]

Cheap, efficient, clean and green. Everyone should be riding one instead of relying on cars to get around.

 

[glockman]

What?! None of those chao ah bengs were taken out by other traffic! Dammit!

 

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Personal mobility aid sellers could take months to adjust speed limits, sell off old stock​

Food delivery platforms say they support riders using PMAs, and will work closely with authorities should proposals to regulate the electric devices be implemented.

A delivery rider on a personal mobility aid (PMA). (File photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)

Koh Wan Ting​

20 Dec 2023

SINGAPORE: Most personal mobility aids (PMAs) currently being sold in Singapore will not meet proposed requirements to cut their maximum speeds, according to retailers.
They told CNA that more time would be needed to sell off or reprogramme existing stock, following the release of a report on Thursday (Dec 14) aimed at regulating PMA use.
Authored by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel and submitted to the Ministry of Transport, the report's recommendations also included allowing only users with certified medical needs or walking difficulties to use mobility scooters.
PMAs include mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.
The report comes after focus groups raised concerns over the misuse of PMAs by those who appear able-bodied, and the lack of regulations on the purchase and safe use of the devices.
The panel thus suggested reducing the speed limit of all motorised PMAs from 10kmh to 6kmh, to better reflect the typical walking speed of path users, which is between 4kmh and 6kmh.
It also proposed that retailers be required to sell PMAs with a maximum device speed of 6kmh, with a transitionary period to clear existing stock and obtain devices that adhere to the speed limit.
The government will study the recommendations before taking any next steps.
In response to CNA's queries, the Land Transport Authority said there were eight accidents involving PMAs that occurred off the roads, from January to June.
PMA distributor Falcon Mobility's managing director Warren Chew said the recommendations were "long overdue".
"On the pavements, there are already many three-wheeled e-scooters that travel faster than 10kmh (and are) sold under the guise of PMAs," he said.
He added that these devices go as fast as 25kmh to 30kmh, which is illegal and poses serious threats to pedestrians.
"However ... rules are useless if they are not enforced," said Mr Chew. "If the new recommendations become law, enforcement must be stringent for the rules to be effective."

​

Mr Chew told CNA that Falcon Mobility would need six months to comply with a reduced speed limit for PMAs.
About 20 per cent of their electric wheelchairs and 75 per cent of mobility scooters are above the threshold and have maximum speeds of up to 10kmh, he said.
Depending on the device, Falcon Mobility will charge between S$30 and S$90 to reprogramme its speed limit - a service which may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, according to Mr Chew.
He expects "thousands" of customers asking for their devices to be reprogrammed, and was concerned his company would be unable to cope with a "tsunami" of requests.
DNR Wheels' sales and business development manager Jackson Teo said all of the disability equipment provider's mobility scooters would be affected by a reduced speed limit.
While staff would be able to reprogramme them, the company will also need up to half a year to discuss with its manufacturer the production of PMAs with a default maximum speed of 6kmh.
Retailer Mobot's brand manager Bobby Lai said his company might not be able to clear inventory accumulated for the holiday season. It would take up to four months to sell existing stock, he added.

POPULAR WITH FOOD DELIVERY RIDERS​

In an Instagram poll by CNA, respondents said they often saw families using PMAs as a form of transport around neighbourhoods and more commonly, food delivery riders on PMAs and speeding on paths.
"One even livestreams his delivery and honks at pedestrians (while) speeding on the pavement," said an Instagram user by the name of Joshua Tan.
Mirroring observations by the mobility panel's focus groups, other poll respondents said the PMA riders appeared to be able-bodied, and that some were abusing the devices for their own entertainment.
Food delivery companies told CNA they would support riders should the proposed recommendations come to pass. They did not share how they would ensure riders complied with the requirements.
A Deliveroo spokesperson said that as part of supporting the diverse needs of riders, including those with disabilities, the company was "open" to them using vehicles that comply with local regulations, including PMAs, to fulfil their deliveries.
"The wellbeing and safety of our riders are always our top priorities, and we will continue to establish an inclusive environment for riders and the wider community."
The Grab platform said a "small percentage" of delivery riders use PMAs currently.
"We will work closely with the government and do our best to support our delivery-partners through any transition if the recommendations are accepted," a spokesperson said.

In a statement, foodpanda said it gave delivery riders the "freedom to sustain their livelihoods and pursue their goals".
"Foodpanda maintains its commitment to making platform work safe, inclusive and accessible to all delivery partners. The safety and welfare of our delivery partners, regardless of delivery mode, and the wider community continues to be our number one priority," a spokesperson said.
Foodpanda also said it hoped that government policies would consider the impact on the livelihoods of delivery riders.
"We stand ready to work closely with authorities towards improving guidelines around the use of PMAs and an implementation that is fair to all stakeholders," it added.

 

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Forum: Teenagers seen riding mobility scooters​

DEC 25, 2023

I refer to the article, “Panel proposes limiting mobility scooters to those certified to have difficulty walking” (Dec 14).
While I was surprised by the proposal, I support the recommendation of allowing only people who have disabilities to buy mobility scooters.
I have seen teenagers riding mobility scooters on walkways and blasting music.
I have also seen riders speeding on walkways and colliding into pedestrians when they are unable to stop in time. This has caused many to suffer severe injuries.
I think students should be educated about the dangers of riding mobility scooters.

Adrian Than Jun He, 14
Secondary 2

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Why registration of mobility aids is a good idea​

DEC 30, 2023

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (Amap) submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Transport on Dec 14 that only people who are certified to have walking difficulties or medical needs should be allowed to use mobility scooters (Panel proposes limiting mobility scooters to those certified to have difficulty walking, Dec 15).
The panel, however, proposed that registration of mobility aids should not be introduced as this might deter those with a genuine need from using the devices.
I disagree. People who have a genuine need would not be discouraged, as long as the registration process is streamlined and smooth.
Because the scooters can be misused, either by ineligible users or those who speed, I propose that a registry for mobility scooters be created, licence numbers be issued, and prominent number plates be required to be displayed.
Lately, more people have also been seen riding their mobility scooters into MRT trains. In June 2021, a personal mobility device (PMD) caught fire in a lift, resulting in the death of the rider (‘It was too late’: Residents rushed to douse flames on man who died after PMD caught fire in lift, June 5, 2021). Although this was a rare case, if a similar fire were to occur in an illegally modified mobility scooter in an MRT train, there might be many casualties.
Requiring mobility scooters to be registered would discourage users from purchasing theirs from dubious sources without good safety requirements, and also discourage them from illegally modifying the devices. Registration would also enhance speed-limit enforcement.

Candice Yeo Chay Hoon

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

'Very dangerous': Family of 4 spotted riding PMA on road in Yishun​

Four people were spotted riding a PMA along a road in Yishun.
PHOTO: Supplied to Shin Min Daily News

PUBLISHED ON MARCH 03, 2024

Some motorists in Yishun recently did a double-take after spotting four people riding a personal mobility aid (PMA) along a relatively busy road.
A woman surnamed Guo told Shin Min Daily News that she and her family were driving past Junction 9 at around 9pm on Thursday (Feb 28) when they chanced upon the startling sight.
"I saw a man riding a PMA and a woman sharing the seat with him. He was gripping the steering handle in one hand and holding a girl in the other," said the 69-year-old woman.
"The girl's body was actually outside the PMA, and she was also holding onto her schoolbag. It was a worrying sight."
Guo added that there was another boy standing in the small space between the scooter's seat and steering handle. She believes that the riders are a family of four.
If the man were to relax his hold, the girl would fall from the PMA, according to Shin Min. There were also quite a number of vehicles on the road.
"I think this is very dangerous, if a child falls on the road and gets run over by a car, there will be unimaginable consequences," said Guo.
"And if an accident happens, not only will they themselves be injured, but other road users as well."
The woman told Shin Min that the family of four were riding on the road for at least 10 minutes.
"I have seen two or three people riding a PMA together, but this is the first time I saw four people riding one together.
"I hope the authorities can deal with offenders to prevent tragedies from occurring," she said.
According to the Land Transport Authority, PMAs are not allowed to travel on roads, and PMA users cannot carry passengers.
Last December, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel proposed to only allow people with certified walking difficulties to use PMAs.
This comes after rising worries in recent years that able-bodied people have been misusing mobility aids, particularly mobility scooters. These include concerns over dangerous riding, speeding and overly large mobility aids.