The recent incident of six e-scooter riders travelling at high speeds along West Coast Highway towards Clementi Road has raised concerns about the safety and regulations of e-scooters in Singapore.
The video footage, which was taken at around 1am on May 19, shows the group of riders occupying all three lanes of the highway and easily overtaking a truck and a vehicle. The riders did not appear to be wearing helmets and were travelling at speeds of more than 70kmh, which is well above the speed limit for cycling paths.
Current regulations in Singapore require riders to pass online theory tests before using e-bikes or e-scooters, and both devices must be registered with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). E-scooters are only allowed to be used on cycling paths, and a speed limit of 25kmh is imposed. Riders must also be at least 16 years of age and must meet the UL2272 fire safety standard certification.
However, the recent incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement and regulations to ensure the safety of e-scooter riders and other road users. The LTA has already taken steps to address the issue, such as reducing the speed limit for e-scooters to 10kmh in certain areas and implementing a mandatory inspection scheme for e-scooters.
But more needs to be done to ensure that riders comply with the regulations and prioritize safety. This includes increasing public education and awareness about the dangers of high-speed riding and the importance of wearing helmets. The LTA should also consider implementing stricter penalties for those who violate the regulations, such as fines or suspension of e-scooter licenses.
In addition, the government should consider investing in infrastructure to better accommodate e-scooters and other personal mobility devices. This includes building more dedicated cycling paths and implementing measures to improve the safety of shared paths.
The incident on West Coast Highway serves as a reminder of the dangers of high-speed e-scooter riding and the need for stricter regulations and enforcement. By prioritizing safety and taking a proactive approach, we can ensure that e-scooters continue to be a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation in Singapore.