Parliament debates new rules for PMAs on Singapore roads from June 2026

Key Concepts

• Mobility Vehicles: Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) including mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
• Device Speed Limit: The maximum speed a mobility vehicle can achieve.
• Certificate of Medical Need: Documentation required to operate a mobility scooter on public paths, verifying a legitimate medical requirement.
• Laden Weight: The weight of the mobility vehicle with a user and any carried items.
• PMA Dimensions: Restrictions on width, length, height, and weight of PMAs.

New Regulations for Mobility Vehicle Usage on Public Paths

This outlines significant changes to regulations governing the use of mobility vehicles – specifically Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) – on public paths in Singapore, effective June 1st, 2026, with phased implementation. The changes address speed, size, and appropriate usage, aiming to enhance safety for all path users.

Speed Restrictions & Transition Period

The core change involves a reduction in the permissible device speed limit. From June 1st, 2026, the sale of any mobility vehicle capable of exceeding 6 km/h will be illegal, incurring penalties of up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 24 months. Higher penalties apply to corporations and repeat offenders. Advertising or displaying non-compliant devices will also be penalized, with fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months.

Riders exceeding the 6 km/h speed limit on public paths will face fines up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.

A transition period is provided. Existing PMAs with a device speed limit of up to 10 km/h can continue to be used on public paths until December 31st, 2028, provided they adhere to the 6 km/h speed limit and all other existing regulations. However, from January 1st, 2029, all PMAs used on public paths must have a device speed limit of 6 km/h or below.

Device Dimension Restrictions

To address concerns about large PMAs obstructing and endangering other path users, dimension restrictions will be implemented, aligning with existing standards for public transport. Effective June 1st, 2026, PMAs must adhere to the following limits:

• Width: 70 cm
• Length: 120 cm
• Height: 150 cm
• Laden Weight: 300 kg

Selling PMAs exceeding these dimensions will be an offense, subject to penalties mirroring those for exceeding the speed limit – up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 24 months, with increased penalties for corporations and repeat offenders. “Laden weight” specifically refers to the weight of the device including the user and any items being carried.

Restriction Based on Medical Need – Mobility Scooters

A key change focuses on restricting the use of mobility scooters to individuals with genuine medical needs. From June 1st, 2026, users will be required to possess a “Certificate of Medical Need” to legally operate a mobility scooter on public paths. This measure directly targets the issue of able-bodied individuals misusing devices intended for those with mobility impairments. The rationale, as stated, is to address “the core problem of able-bodied users misusing devices meant for those with mobility needs.”

Conclusion

These new regulations represent a significant shift in the management of PMAs on public paths. The combined focus on speed, size, and medical necessity aims to create a safer and more equitable environment for all path users. The phased implementation and transition period are intended to allow individuals and retailers time to adjust to the new requirements. The penalties associated with non-compliance are substantial, emphasizing the seriousness of these changes.