Panel recommends cutting speed limit of personal mobility aids

SINGAPORE: Lowering the speed limit of personal mobility aids (PMAs) and having a “certification of medical need” as a requirement to use mobility scooters were some of the proposals put forth by a review panel on Thursday (Dec 14).

In a report submitted to the Ministry of Transport (MOT), the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) also recommended against licensing of PMA users at this point in time.

The report comes after three focus group discussions in June and July involving PMA users, occupational therapists and pedestrians among others.

Participants raised concerns over the misuse of PMAs by “seemingly able-bodied individuals” and behaviour that compromised the safety of other path users, said AMAP.

There were also concerns about the lack of regulations on the purchase and safe use of PMAs, as well as the lack of awareness of the difference between mobility scooters and motorised Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs).

The panel was set up in 2015 to guide the safe use of active mobility devices, which include bicycles, electric bicycles, PMDs and PMAs.

In 2018, it recommended a "light-touch" approach to PMA regulations, given the challenges faced by people with mobility challenges. It suggested a 10kmh speed limit on PMAs - aligned with the speed limit on footpaths. This became a regulation and still stands today.

FOR THOSE WITH "MEDICAL NEEDS"

One of the report’s latest recommendations was to allow only users with certified medical needs or walking difficulties to use mobility scooters.

However, this requirement is proposed only for mobility scooters, and not manual and motorised wheelchairs. This is in light of “prevalent feedback” of abuse among people using mobility scooters, AMAP added.

The panel recommended recognising existing relevant certification or disability identification so that genuine users do not need to go for additional assessment or to obtain a separate memo.

It said that implementation details would be finalised after further discussions with "relevant agencies".

“This is a targeted approach, to minimise impact on users with genuine needs who are using manual and motorised wheelchairs,” said the panel.

Given the potential “burden” on genuine users to obtain such certification, sufficient time should be given to them before enforcement commences, said AMAP.

"We are suggesting to (the) government to tap on any existing certification whether by doctors, whether by occupational therapists, by SG Enable so that it is as easy as possible for genuine users to continue using their devices," AMAP chairman Baey Yam Keng told reporters on Monday.

Mr Baey, who is also the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, said the government could take a few months to look through the recommendations before deciding on their adoption.

Another recommendation was to reduce the device speed limit of all motorised PMAs from 10kmh to 6kmh.

Given that typical walking speeds are between 4kmh and 6 kmh, this better reflects the intended use of PMAs, which is to replace walking for users with mobility challenges, the AMAP said.

The panel proposed that the government put in place "transitionary measures" to allow genuine users to continue using their existing PMAs, but to travel within the lowered 6kmh speed limit.

Retailers should similarly be required to sell PMAs with a maximum device speed of no more than 6kmh, said AMAP.

Reasonable transition time could be catered for retailers to make the necessary adjustments, including clearing their existing stock, and obtaining or importing devices that adhere to the 6kmh device speed limit, it said.

DIMENSION RESTRICTIONS FOR PMAs

The panel also proposed applying the dimension restrictions for PMAs used on public transport, to their use on public paths.

Currently, LTA imposes dimension restrictions (70cm width, 120cm length, 150cm height, 300kg laden weight) for the use of PMAs on public transport.

“Applying a consistent set of criteria also allows PMA users to transit between public paths and public transport more smoothly,” said the panel.

Given that there is a “small proportion” of users who may need to use PMAs that exceed the allowable dimensions for medical reasons, the panel recommended that the government put in place measures to ensure such genuine users still have access to PMAs.

AMAP also recommended that the government step up public education efforts in several areas.

These include rules and requirements for PMAs and users, who can use PMAs, as well as a code of conduct for PMAs and other path users.

Enforcement should also be stepped up, with “appropriate penalties”, and accompanied by more stringent measures to deter physical and online sales of non-compliant devices, said the panel.

At the same time, the panel recommended against introducing licensing of PMA users, registration of PMAs or mandatory training at this juncture.

“While some have called for registration and licensing to increase accountability and enforcement against errant PMA users, its effectiveness must be carefully weighed, including the impact on genuine users,” it said in its report.

“AMAP believes that the set of recommendations in this report will achieve the intended balance between inclusivity and ensuring path safety for all, in our current context.”