20 mobility devices impounded in LTA sting operation
Among the items seized include a PMD that weighed almost 50kg, and a PAB that weighed over 36kg.
SINGAPORE — A total of 18 Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and two Power-assisted Bicycles (PABs) were impounded by the authorities after an island-wide sting operation on 18 errant retailers.
In a press release on Tuesday (Aug 14), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that the sting operation was conducted from July 17 to Aug 2.
Among the items seized include a PMD that weighed almost 50kg, and a PAB that weighed over 36kg.
The enforcement raids against the errant retailers will help “tackle the issue of non-compliant devices upstream”, said LTA.
It added: “Under the Active Mobility Act (AMA) and the Road Traffic Act (RTA), only devices that comply with prescribed device criteria for PMDs and PABs can be used on public paths and roads.”
PMDs that exceed 20kg in unladen weight, 70cm in width and 25km/h in device speed are considered non-compliant.
To fulfil the required PAB technical requirements, the construction of the device must be similar to that of a conventional bicycle and it must also not exceed 20kg in weight, among other requirements.
The LTA also found that five of the retailers had displayed or advertised their non-compliant devices.
Under the AMA and RTA, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$1,000 and/or face imprisonment of up to three months.
Retailers are also prohibited from selling non-compliant devices or modify any devices belonging to customers to a non-compliant state for use on public paths and roads.
Those found doing so can be fined up to $5,000 and/or face imprisonment of up to three months for first-time offenders.
In addition, five retailers who failed to display the LTA’s prescribed warning notice in their shops were caught.
“Retailers of PMDs and PABs are required to display warning notices on their premises stating, among other things, the technical criteria for different devices and where they are allowed to be used,’ said LTA, adding that it will continue to actively enforce against errant retailers.
“Members of the public are also advised to exercise caution and ensure they only purchase compliant devices if they wish to use the devices on public paths or roads.”
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