Mobility scooter users in Singapore will soon need to secure a formal medical certification before riding on public paths, as authorities tighten rules around personal mobility aids ahead of new enforcement measures.
From late February, eligible users can apply for a certificate of medical need at more than 200 clinics islandwide. The requirement will be enforced from June 1, 2026, giving riders a three-month transition period to obtain the necessary documentation.
The move follows a structured assessment framework developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health (MOH), aimed at ensuring that mobility scooters are used by individuals with genuine medical needs rather than for convenience.
Over 200 Clinics Offering Certification at Modest Fees
Certification can be obtained from a wide network of healthcare providers, including general practitioners, family doctors and occupational therapists. Fees are expected to range between S$20 and S$25, making the process relatively accessible for those who require assistance devices for daily mobility.
The new rules apply not only to electric mobility scooters but also to equivalent devices such as manual wheelchairs fitted with detachable motorised attachments that are steered using handlebars. These devices fall under the broader category of personal mobility aids (PMAs).
In addition to the certification requirement, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will lower the speed limit for PMAs from 10kmh to 6kmh starting June 2026. The change is intended to enhance pedestrian safety on shared paths, particularly in densely populated housing estates and town centres.
Who Is Exempted From the New Requirement?
Not all users will need to apply for the certificate. Seniors aged 70 and above are automatically exempted from the medical certification requirement.
Individuals who received subsidised mobility scooters through the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) before the cut-off date in February 2026 are also exempt. Similarly, all existing and future beneficiaries of the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF), as well as applicants under MOH disability schemes assessed with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs in either “Mobility” or “Transferring”, will not need to obtain separate certification.
Apart from seniors aged 70 and above, other users can verify their exemption status through LTA’s OneMotoring portal using their NRIC details.
Penalties for Non-Compliance From June 2026
Once enforcement begins, officers will be deployed to conduct checks and verify users’ eligibility. Individuals found riding mobility scooters on public paths without a valid certificate of medical need may face penalties of up to S$2,000 in fines, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Businesses are also not spared. Employers who allow staff to operate mobility scooters on public paths during work without valid certification could be subject to similar penalties under the revised regulations.
Importantly, motorised wheelchairs are not affected by these new rules. Authorities clarified that such devices have not presented the same concerns over misuse.
The upcoming changes mark a significant shift in Singapore’s approach to regulating mobility devices, balancing accessibility for those with genuine medical needs against growing concerns over safety and responsible usage in shared public spaces.