Singapore to cap PMA speed at 6 km/h from 1 June 2026 under new LTA rules

At its second reading in Parliament on 3 February 2026, legislation to tighten regulations on personal mobility aids (PMAs) and mobility scooters was debated and advanced. The proposed changes include a lower speed cap and mandatory user certification.

Announced by Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng, the measures form part of a broader effort to enhance public safety and curb misuse of mobility devices.

As is standard in Singapore’s legislative process, the bill is expected to pass its third reading shortly, with the People’s Action Party (PAP) holding a parliamentary majority.

Speed limit to be cut to 6 km/h

If enacted, the maximum allowable speed for motorised PMAs on public paths will be reduced from 10 km/h to 6 km/h — approximately brisk walking pace — from 1 June 2026.

Users exceeding the proposed limit could face fines of up to S$2,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders would be liable for harsher penalties.

Sales of mobility devices capable of exceeding this speed could attract fines of up to S$20,000 and jail terms of up to 24 months, with increased penalties for companies or repeat violations. Advertising or displaying non-compliant devices would also be penalised.

Existing users with PMAs limited to 10 km/h would be allowed to continue using their devices until 31 December 2028, but only if operated within the 6 km/h limit on public paths.

Proposed limits on size and weight

The bill also proposes new physical limits for PMAs used on public transport and public paths. From 1 June 2026, these devices must not exceed:

• Length: 120 cm

• Width: 70 cm

• Height: 150 cm

• Laden weight: 300 kg

Using or selling non-compliant PMAs would carry penalties similar to the speed limit violations, with fines of up to S$20,000 and jail terms of up to 24 months for the most serious cases.

Medical certificate to be required for most users

Another key component of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a Certificate of Medical Need for users of mobility scooters and equivalent devices, such as motorised attachments to manual wheelchairs.

From 27 February 2026, users would need to obtain the certificate through the Assessment for Mobility Scooter (AMS), conducted by a general practitioner, occupational therapist, or a user's regular doctor.

If the law is passed, users will be given a three-month window to obtain the certificate. Enforcement officers may begin checking for compliance from 1 June 2026.

Those found riding mobility scooters on public paths without valid certification may be fined up to S$2,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. Businesses that allow uncertified users to operate such devices during work may face the same penalties.

Exemptions from medical certification

Several groups would be exempt from the certification requirement, including:

• Seniors aged 70 and above

• Beneficiaries of subsidised mobility scooters under the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) before 27 February 2026

• Existing and future recipients under the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF)

• Applicants to Ministry of Health disability schemes assessed as having mobility or transferring difficulties under Activities of Daily Living (ADL) criteria

Other users will be able to check their exemption status from 27 February 2026 using their NRIC and date of birth via the LTA’s OneMotoring website.

Mandatory registration and retailer compliance

A mandatory registration scheme for mobility scooters is also included in the proposed law. It would be rolled out in two phases:

Phase 1 (from 1 June 2026):

• Only registered mobility scooters can be sold, advertised, or displayed.

• LTA-appointed vendors will ensure devices meet technical requirements.

• Retailers must verify buyer eligibility through OneMotoring.

• Importers and manufacturers must have a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Class A medical device licence and list products on the HSA database.

Phase 2 (from mid-2027):

• Community-based roving registration stations will help register existing devices.

• Only registered scooters will be allowed on public paths from 1 January 2029.

Retailers, not individual owners, will be responsible for registering new devices from 2029 onwards.

Proposed fire safety and inspection requirements

In response to past incidents, the bill would also mandate that all registered electric scooters be certified to the UL2272 fire safety standard. These scooters would undergo inspection every two years.

From 1 June 2026, keeping a non-UL2272 certified e-scooter — even without riding it — would be a punishable offence. Penalties could include fines up to S$2,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both. Repeat offenders and non-individuals may face stiffer punishments.

PMD-related fires have largely involved uncertified or illegally modified devices, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

User feedback and final remarks

Minister Baey stated that genuine PMA users, including seniors and persons with disabilities, were consulted during the drafting of the bill and broadly welcomed the changes.

Many had raised concerns over unsafe usage and the increasing misuse of mobility devices.

He added that motorised wheelchairs will remain exempt from these rules, as they have not been linked to safety issues or misuse.