Singapore is set to tighten its regulations on personal mobility aids (PMAs), with new rules taking effect from June 1, 2026. In a recent reminder issued by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), users and retailers were urged to prepare ahead of the deadline, as enforcement measures will soon be stepped up across the island.
These enhanced regulations are part of broader efforts to improve public path safety, reduce misuse of mobility scooters by able-bodied individuals, and address fire hazards linked to non-compliant devices. With just weeks remaining before implementation, authorities are emphasising the importance of compliance to avoid penalties.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing number of PMAs being used improperly, particularly in busy areas such as HDB estates and pedestrian walkways. Officials have highlighted that these rules aim to strike a balance between accessibility for those in genuine need and safety for the wider public.
Medical Certification Now Mandatory for PMA Users
Under the new framework, users of mobility scooters and similar PMAs must possess a valid certificate of medical need, unless they fall under specific exemption categories. This requirement is designed to ensure that only individuals with legitimate mobility challenges utilise such devices.
To obtain certification, users can undergo an Assessment for Mobility Scooter (AMS) through a general practitioner, occupational therapist, or their regular doctor. Once completed, the assessment must be submitted to the Land Transport Authority before the June deadline.
Enforcement officers will begin conducting checks on public paths, focusing especially on individuals who appear able-bodied. Authorities will verify whether users are certified or exempted, reinforcing the crackdown on misuse.
However, not all users are affected. Seniors aged 70 and above, along with beneficiaries of schemes such as the Assistive Technology Fund and Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, will automatically be exempted from this requirement.
Stricter Rules on Device Speed, Size and Retail Sales
Beyond user certification, new technical limits will also apply to PMAs. All motorised PMAs on public paths must not exceed a speed of 6km/h, aligning with pedestrian safety standards in Singapore.
Additionally, devices exceeding 120cm in length, 70cm in width, or 50cm in height — or weighing more than 300kg when loaded — will be banned from public paths unless special exemptions are granted. These measures aim to prevent oversized devices from posing risks in crowded areas.
Retailers will also face tighter controls. From June 1, only LTA-approved mobility scooters can be advertised, displayed, or sold. Businesses must ensure that their products are registered and comply with safety standards, reinforcing consumer protection and regulatory oversight in Singapore’s mobility market.
Tougher Penalties for Non-Compliant E-Scooters
In a related move, the authorities will also criminalise the possession of non-UL2272 certified e-scooters. Previously, such devices were already banned from use on public paths, but the new rule goes further by making ownership itself an offence.
First-time offenders may face fines of up to S$5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Companies found guilty could be fined up to S$10,000, reflecting a stricter stance on fire safety risks linked to uncertified batteries and devices.
To support compliance, owners are encouraged to dispose of non-compliant devices through authorised e-waste recyclers or nationwide collection drives. The Land Transport Authority has worked closely with agencies such as customs and border authorities to curb illegal imports and ensure safer mobility solutions across the country.
As the deadline approaches, both users and retailers are advised to act early to avoid disruptions. With stricter enforcement on the horizon, Singapore’s active mobility landscape is set to become safer, more regulated, and better aligned with public needs.