Behind the scenes: LTA raids shop for non-compliant active mobility devices

Key Concepts:

• Non-compliant Active Mobility Devices: Illegally modified Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and e-bikes.
• Land Transport Authority (LTA): The governing body enforcing regulations on PMDs and e-bikes.
• Illegal Modifications: Alterations to PMDs and e-bikes that violate LTA regulations, often involving speed and battery capacity.
• Fire Risk: A significant danger associated with illegally modified batteries.
• Registration Plates: Required for compliant PMDs and e-bikes.
• Notice of Summons: A legal document issued to retailers found selling non-compliant devices.

LTA Enforcement Actions

In the past year, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) seized over a thousand non-compliant active mobility devices from both users and retailers. These devices included illegally modified personal mobility devices (PMDs) and e-bikes. The LTA also reported approximately 20 offenses committed by retailers involving the sale of non-compliant devices during the same period.

Risks of Illegal Modifications

The LTA emphasizes the severe fire risks associated with illegally modifying batteries in PMDs and e-bikes. These modifications can compromise the safety of the devices and pose a danger to users and the public.

LTA Raid Operation

The video showcases an LTA raid on a shop suspected of displaying illegally modified e-bikes. LTA officers meticulously inspect the devices for physical alterations and battery modifications. They also verify the presence and visibility of registration plates, as required by law.

Examples of Non-Compliance

During the raid, officers identified six non-compliant devices within approximately one hour. One specific example highlighted was an e-bike with an illegally modified motor hub. The modified motor hub was identified as a potential fire hazard.

Retailer Penalties

The retailer found to be selling non-compliant devices was issued a notice of summons, and the devices in question were confiscated. First-time offenders who retail non-compliant devices face fines of up to 4,000 Singapore dollars.

LTA's Urging to Riders

The LTA urges riders of such devices to avoid using non-compliant devices, including the use of third-party or non-original parts.

Conclusion

The LTA is actively enforcing regulations on active mobility devices to ensure public safety. Illegal modifications, particularly to batteries and motor hubs, pose significant fire risks. Retailers selling non-compliant devices face substantial fines. The LTA encourages users to avoid using non-compliant devices and parts.