Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on UL2272 Fire Safety Standards for All PMDs

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked ask the Minister for Transport

a.     whether the electric bicycles and PMDs involved in the 74 fires in 2018 would have passed the UL2272 fire safety standards; and

b.     what steps are taken by LTA to reduce the incidence of such fires before the implementation of UL2272 standards for all PMDs by 2021.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     To improve public safety and reduce the risk of fire incidents for power assisted bicycles (PABs) and personal mobility devices (PMDs), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is progressively introducing new standards to improve the fire and electrical safety of these devices. In 2016, we introduced a requirement that only PABs that are compliant with the EN15194 standard can be approved for use and sold in Singapore. From 1 July 2019 onwards, only UL2272-certified motorised PMDs can be sold in Singapore for use on public paths. From 1 January 2021 onwards, all motorised PMDs used on public paths will be required to be certified to the UL2272 standard.

2.     In 2018, there were 22 PAB-related fires and 52 PMD-related fires. Based on information available to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and LTA, none of the PABs or PMDs involved in the fires are known to be certified to the EN15194 or UL2272 standards respectively.

3.     Even before the implementation of the UL2272 standard by 2021, we strongly encourage PMD owners to switch to UL2272 certified devices in order to minimise the risk of fire incidents. When purchasing devices, consumers are advised to buy from reputable sources and look out for fire safety standards. Consumers should also avoid overcharging batteries, modifying their devices or tampering with the electrical components of their devices. We have included such advisory information in the Safe Riding Programme curriculum.