Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Number of and Reasons for Impounding of PMDs and PMAs

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     over the past year, what is the number of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs) that have been impounded; 

b.     what are the reasons for impoundment; 

c.     what percentage of impounded PMDs and PMAs are subsequently returned; and 

d.     what is the mean and maximum length of time in which the owner is informed that his PMD or PMA will be confiscated or is asked to retrieve them.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:

1.     Over the past year, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) impounded 1,378 personal mobility devices (PMDs) and 3 personal mobility aids (PMAs).

2.     LTA impounds devices when they do not comply with technical standards. For example, they could exceed weight and width limits, which means they cause serious injury if they knock down a pedestrian. The device may also not be UL2272-certified and thus pose a fire risk. We do not return these devices because they pose a danger.

3.     LTA also impounds devices where the offender had displayed egregious behaviour, such as riding on roads or reckless riding. In such cases, impounded devices will generally be returned to owners if they comply with device criteria.

4.     In the past year, about 17% of all impounded devices were compliant and could be returned. For straightforward cases, it generally takes about three weeks before owners are notified if their devices may be returned. For more complex cases, this can take a few months.