Personal mobility aid (PMA) users in Singapore will soon face tighter regulations, with the maximum allowable speed on public paths reduced to six kilometres per hour from June 1, 2026. The new cap, which matches a brisk walking pace, is part of a broader set of measures announced in Parliament aimed at improving public safety and curbing misuse.
The changes were outlined by Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng, who said the updated rules reflect growing public concern over unsafe riding behaviour and oversized mobility devices. The revised speed limit represents a significant reduction from the current 10km/h threshold and will apply to all motorised PMAs used on public paths.
Under the new framework, users who exceed the six km/h speed limit may face fines of up to S$2,000, jail terms of up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders will be subject to heavier penalties. While existing PMAs capable of travelling up to 10km/h will be allowed to remain in use until the end of 2028, users must still adhere to the lower speed limit when travelling on shared paths.
TOUGHER RULES FOR SELLERS AND RIDERS
Enforcement will not be limited to riders alone. From June 1, selling PMAs with speed capabilities above six km/h will become an offence, with penalties reaching S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 24 months, or both. Retailers and advertisers who display or promote non-compliant devices could also face fines of up to S$10,000 and possible jail time.
In addition to speed limits, new size and weight restrictions will be imposed. PMAs must not exceed 120cm in length, 70cm in width and 150cm in height, and must have a maximum laden weight of 300kg to be permitted on public paths and public transport. Devices that exceed these limits will be banned, with offenders facing fines and possible imprisonment.
Authorities said the tighter dimensional controls are intended to align PMA usage with existing public transport safety standards, particularly in crowded areas such as MRT stations, footpaths and town centres.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATION AND EXEMPTIONS
A key change under the new regulations is the requirement for certain users to obtain a valid Certificate of Medical Need before riding mobility scooters on public paths. This applies to mobility scooters and similar devices, including manual wheelchairs fitted with motorised attachments controlled by handlebars.
Users will need to undergo an Assessment for Mobility Scooter, which can be conducted by a regular doctor, general practitioner or occupational therapist. A three-month grace period will be given to obtain the certification once checks begin. Enforcement officers will have the authority to stop riders and verify their eligibility from June 1.
Several groups will be exempt from the certification requirement, including seniors aged 70 and above, recipients of subsidised mobility scooters under specific government schemes, and individuals assessed with mobility or transferring needs under Ministry of Health disability programmes. Eligibility checks can be done via the LTA’s OneMotoring platform from late February.
MANDATORY REGISTRATION AND FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
Mobility scooters will also need to be registered with the Land Transport Authority to ensure only compliant devices are used. New scooters must be registered at the point of sale, with retailers responsible for verifying both device compliance and user eligibility. Existing scooters will be progressively registered from mid-2027, with non-registered devices banned from public paths from 2029.
Separately, fire safety rules for personal mobility devices are being tightened. Registered e-scooters must comply with UL2272 fire safety standards and undergo inspections every two years. Keeping non-compliant or unsafe devices will become an offence, carrying fines of up to S$2,000 or jail terms of up to three months.
The authorities said the measures were supported by genuine PMA users, many of whom have raised concerns over reckless riding and misuse. Officials stressed that the goal is not to restrict mobility, but to ensure safer shared spaces for pedestrians, riders and the wider community.