Singapore pedestrians can finally say goodbye to the chances of getting hit by an e-scooter while they’re walking on foot.
E-scooters and e-bicycles will officially be banned from footpaths starting 5 November 2019.
This limits them to only cycling paths, which span about 440km islandwide.
The decision was announced by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min in Parliament on 4 November 2019.
This consideration had previously been mentioned by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Janil Puthucheary, who said there may be “no choice but to ban” the usage of personal mobility devices (PMDs) if users do not improve their behaviour.
“Despite significant efforts, we continue to encounter errant riders who use non-compliant devices and ride dangerously,” said Dr Lam.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) catches about 370 errant users of e-scooters and e-bikes each month.
When the ban kicks in, it will start with an advisory period till 31 December 2019 to give riders enough time to adjust.
During this time, people caught riding the devices on footpaths will only be given a warning.
From Jan 1, 2020, we will carry out strict enforcement, and those caught riding an e-scooter on footpaths will be liable for a fine up to S$2,000 and/or jail up to three months.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min
Dr Lam noted that this is not a complete ban on e-scooters and e-bikes, as people can still own registered devices and ride them on cycling paths.
The government is working to extend the network of cycling paths in Singapore, with projects on the way in areas like Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Choa Chu Kang, Tampines and Woodlands.
This will triple the collective length of our cycling paths by 2030.
Who Will This Affect?
While the ban comes into effect for e-scooters and e-bikes beginning 5 November, it will be extended to other electric mobility devices such as hoverboards and electric unicycles by Q1 2020.
Conventional bicycles and personal mobility aids like motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters will continue to be allowed on footpaths.
Along with this, LTA also will not be awarding any new licenses to allow firms to provide PMD-sharing services in Singapore. It will be turning down all applicants in its current exercise.
To help food delivery riders who use e-scooters to do their jobs, LTA intends to work with the food delivery companies to help their riders to switch to either motorcycles or conventional bicycles.
For people who still own PMDs that are non-compliant with safety standards, the government is extending its early disposal incentive scheme, which was supposed to end on 30 November.
Now, those who apply on www.onemotoring.com.sg to dispose of their devices by the end of the year will still be eligible to receive the $100 incentive.
