PMA REGULATION

There are mainly three types of PMA: manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Among these, mobility scooters are under the spotlight due to growing concern over their increasing misuse by able-bodied people, as observed by the Active Mobility Advisory Committee in 2023.

New Department of Transportation rules, which took effect in 2025, require people wanting to use mobility scooters to be certified by doctors as having health or physical conditions requiring their use.

Responding to parliamentary questions on September 10, 2024, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said authorities had worked with healthcare providers, government agencies and social groups to streamline the medical certification process for scooter users. mobility. The aim is to make the system more user-friendly for those who actually need mobility aids, while avoiding unnecessary strain on healthcare facilities.

Safety is also reinforced, with the maximum authorized speed of PMAs being lowered from the current 10 km/h to 6 km/h. This figure refers to normal walking speeds and will still allow PMA users to cross roads safely, just as pedestrians do.

Size restrictions for PMAs used on public roads will also be aligned with existing dimensional limits for PMAs in public transport (width 70 cm, length 120 cm, height 150 cm, weight limit 300 kg), with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis for users with certified medical needs.

ARE WE DOING ENOUGH?

In addition to the new regulations, it is worth considering whether enforcement against those who use PMAs without legitimate need or against reckless users of PMAs should also be strengthened in terms of frequency and visibility. More regular patrols and radars could be put in place, particularly in areas with high PMA traffic such as neighborhood centers, parks and shopping districts.

Closed-circuit cameras deployed in these hotspots can leverage video analytics to automatically detect and report violations. Well-publicized crackdown campaigns would send an unequivocal dissuasive message.

Rigorous upstream import controls and inspections of retailers (physical and online) are also essential to stifle non-compliant supplies, supported by tougher sanctions such as license revocation for the sale of mobility scooters to people not disabled. Tracking devices and systems enabling remote monitoring and mandatory speed limiters could greatly facilitate enforcement. Such trackers could be installed during the initial registration process of PMAs with the Land Transport Authority.

Public education is also essential. Many users may be unaware that their use of PMA is inappropriate or puts others at risk. Food delivery companies, for example, need to proactively encourage able-bodied delivery workers to make food deliveries by bicycle instead.