There are some diagrams available from the LTA website, which clearly explains the rules regarding Personal Mobility Aids (PMA), such as mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs. Please see relevant link below:
https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/walk-cycle-ride/rules-and-code-of-conduct.html
The first diagram above shows that both motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters are classified as "Personal Mobility Aids (PMA)".
The most IMPORTANT distinction to note is that "mobility scooters" are designed for the elderly and handicapped. However, they are often confused with "electric scooters" or "e-scooters", which generally refer to fast-moving 2-wheeled scooters which can go as fast as 25 km/h.
Regulations applicable to mobility scooters, as shown in the diagram below (also available from LTA link above), are:
- Maximum Device Speed: 10 km/h;
- Has 3 or more wheels and a footboard;
- Is steered by a handlebar or a delta tiller;
- Has only one seat ( (i.e. devices with multiple seats are not considered mobility scooters);
- Is designed to carry only one individual who is unable to walk or has difficulties walking; and
- Is propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle.
Accordingly, some of the regulations applicable to e-scooters DO NOT APPLY to mobility scooters. These include:
- UL2272 Certification: DOES NOT APPLY
- Device registration with LTA: DOES NOT APPLY
For further clarifications, please feel free to contact us or the LTA directly.
[2024 Update]:
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel ("AMAP") submitted a list of recommendations to the Acting Minister for Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat, on 14 December 2023.
These recommendations were accepted by the Ministry of Transport ("MOT") on 5 March 2024 and will be implemented around 2025 after the necessary legislative amendments are made. Here is a summary of the key points.
Certification for the Use of Mobility Scooters
1. The Government accepts AMAP’s recommendation to allow only users certified with relevant medical needs or walking difficulties to use mobility scooters, to ensure continued and sufficient access to public spaces for these users. This requirement will not apply to users of manual and motorised wheelchairs, as feedback on the misuse among able-bodied users is largely linked to mobility scooters. The targeted approach will also minimise the impact on manual and motorised wheelchairs users.
2. To minimise inconvenience to genuine users of mobility scooters, persons with disabilities with mobility scooters subsidised under the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF), and seniors with mobility scooters subsidised under the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) will be recognised as genuine users. They will not be required to obtain additional certification. We are working with the relevant agencies to assess other certifications and identifications for mobility needs that could be recognised, and will provide sufficient time for users to obtain a certificate of medical need, if they do not have one. Further details will be provided in due course. Users do not have to approach healthcare professionals to obtain certification yet.
Reduced Speed Limit of Motorised PMAs from 10km/h to 6km/h
3. The Government also accepts AMAP’s recommendation to reduce the speed limit of motorised PMAs (i.e. mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs) from 10km/h to 6km/h. This is aligned to typical brisk walking speed, in accordance with the principle that PMAs are intended for use as a replacement for walking.
4. As most motorised PMAs currently have a speed limit above 6km/h, sufficient time will be provided for users and retailers to adjust to the new regulations. Retailers should clear their existing stock of devices with maximum speed exceeding 6km/h, before the regulations come into force from next year. Genuine PMA users may also continue to use their existing devices until their devices reach their end of life, so long as they travel within 6km/h. These users may take reference from the walking speed of other path users, or use speedometers.
Dimension Restrictions for PMAs on Public Paths
5. Dimension restrictions for all PMAs used on public paths (footpaths and cycling paths) and public transport will be aligned, to ensure smoother transition for PMA users between public paths and public transport. PMAs are currently restricted to 70cm width, 120cm length, 150cm height, and 300kg laden weight when used on public transport, and PMAs used on public paths will be required to follow suit.
6. Exemptions will be provided for users who have proof of medical need to use PMAs which exceed the allowable dimensions, for usage on public paths.
To view the full press release by Ministry of Transport, please click below:
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