Oral Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on e-scooters Accidents

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     if he can provide an update on the number of e-scooter accidents and near-misses in 2017, involving pedestrians on footpaths and walkways;

b.     what avenues for redress or compensation are available for pedestrians injured in e-scooter accidents; and

c.     how awareness of the relevant laws can be enhanced among e-scooter and electric bicycle users of 

     i.   local and 

     ii.  foreign origin.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what are the current measures taken by LTA and Traffic Police to

     i.   ensure that e-scooters are not used on roads and expressways, and electric bicycles are not used on expressways and
 
     ii.  address unsafe and inconsiderate usage of e-scooters on footpaths and walkways; and

b.     whether more measures will be taken to 

     i.   abate such occurrences and
   
     ii.  enhance public awareness of the laws governing the usage of e-scooters and electric bicycles.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     There were about 30 reported accidents involving pedestrians and personal mobility devices (PMDs), including e-scooters, on public paths from January to September last year. We do not have statistics on near-misses. 

2.     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will step up efforts to prevent accidents through enforcement and education. Last year, LTA issued more than 1,700 advisories for unsafe riding behaviours. Offenders will also face fines once the Active Mobility Act comes into force soon. LTA is working with 800 Active Mobility Patrol volunteers to conduct regular patrols in their communities and also to share safe riding practices.

3.     LTA will soon be conducting a campaign to raise awareness of the active mobility rules and penalties. The Safe Riding Programme will also be launched in schools, foreign worker dormitories and community centres. It will be compulsory for all cyclists and PMD users who are caught riding recklessly.

4.     In the event of an accident, the victim should file a police report, and the Police will investigate. If the offender is convicted in court for committing an offence, the court will consider if compensation to the victim should be paid. The victim can also seek compensation through civil lawsuits, mediation or private settlement.

5.     All types of bicycles, including power-assisted bicycles (or e-bikes), are not allowed to be used on expressways. Offenders can face prosecution and if convicted, face a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both.

6.     The use of PMDs on all public roads is also prohibited. In response to the growing use of PMDs, the composition sum of $100 will be increased to $300 and $500 for offenders who ride on local and major roads respectively, from next week, 15 January 2018. Repeat offenders will face stiffer penalties, including court action. If convicted, offenders face a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both.