According to a report by Channel NewsAsia, Singapore will introduce updated regulations for Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) from June 1, aiming to improve safety on public paths and reduce the misuse of mobility devices.
The new rules include stricter speed limits, size restrictions, and medical certification requirements for mobility scooter users. These changes come after growing public concerns about oversized devices, speeding, and able-bodied individuals misusing PMAs on pedestrian pathways.
Key Changes to PMA Rules
Under the updated regulations:
- PMAs used on public paths must not exceed:
- 1.2m in length
- 0.7m in width
- 1.5m in height
- Total combined weight of the device and user must not exceed 300kg.
- The maximum speed limit for motorised PMAs will be reduced from 10km/h to 6km/h.
- Users of mobility scooters below the age of 70 must obtain a certificate of medical need from a Singapore-registered doctor or occupational therapist.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) stated that these measures are intended to ensure PMAs remain safe and accessible for users with genuine mobility challenges.
Industry Adjustments and Rising Costs
The new framework also affects PMA retailers. From June onward, retailers may only sell and advertise LTA-approved and registered mobility scooters. Businesses are also required to verify a customer’s eligibility before completing a sale.
According to Warren Chew, founder of ELFIGO, the company began preparing for these changes as early as 2024 by sourcing smaller, regulation-compliant PMAs.
He shared that while the industry understands the importance of safer pathways, the long transition period created uncertainty among consumers.
“There was a lot of uncertainty, and buyers were not sure what to buy,” he said, adding that prolonged uncertainty affected purchasing decisions across the market.
ELFIGO also noted that registration and compliance requirements have increased operational costs, contributing to higher overall product costs within the industry.
Balancing Safety and Accessibility
The updated regulations have sparked mixed reactions among PMA users. While many support efforts to improve safety on public walkways, some users — especially delivery riders and elderly couples — expressed concerns about reduced speeds and stricter usage requirements.
Some food delivery riders shared that the lower speed limit may affect their daily income due to slower delivery times. Others worry about the affordability of replacing existing devices with compliant models.
At the same time, healthcare professionals and mobility industry stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of ensuring PMAs remain available for individuals with genuine mobility needs.
Moving Forward
As Singapore adapts to the updated PMA framework, retailers, users, and authorities will continue adjusting to the new requirements. The focus remains on creating safer shared spaces while ensuring individuals with mobility challenges can continue to travel independently and confidently.
For users considering a new PMA or mobility scooter, it is increasingly important to ensure the device complies with the latest LTA regulations before purchase.
Read more at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/pma-personal-mobility-aid-rules-medical-certificate-6147121