S’pore to get new regulations to tackle online sale of non-compliant mobility devices
Source: Business Times
Article Date: 06 Mar 2025
Author: Esther Loi
It was reported in March 2024 that the Transport Ministry was reviewing if laws were needed to stop the sale of illegal mobility devices online.
Regulations against online marketplace platforms and retailers selling non-compliant active mobility devices will be introduced here, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng on March 5.
More details will be released later in 2025, Mr Baey said in Parliament in response to a question by Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang) on how the Government can ensure the compliance of mobility devices sold online.
Noting the increase in device-related fires in 2024, Mr Yip asked if the Ministry of Transport (MOT) would put more measures in place to detect non-compliant devices, and whether enforcement officers are adequately trained to detect illegal modifications on devices.
He also asked the ministry if the frequency of spot checks on shops selling devices can be increased, and whether stricter penalties can be imposed.
According to the latest figures from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, there were 67 fires involving active mobility devices in 2024, up 21.8 per cent from 55 such fires in 2023.
Active mobility devices include personal mobility devices, power-assisted bicycles or electric bikes, and personal mobility aids such as mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.
Mr Baey noted that it is challenging for the Government to go after or track what people are selling or buying online.
It was reported in March 2024 that MOT was reviewing if laws were needed to stop the sale of illegal mobility devices online.
Mr Baey added that LTA’s enforcement operations on retailers have increased four-fold in 2024 compared with 2022.
Enforcement officers conduct daily operations to detect non-compliant devices, while the Land Transport Authority (LTA) carries out ambush operations.
Mr Baey added that the Government is working closely with the Singapore Customs and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to curb the import of non-compliant devices into Singapore.
He reiterated that all e-scooters need to be registered and undergo inspections every two years to ensure compliance with regulations.
There are also significant penalties for the illegal modification of such devices, as all offenders, including first-time offenders, will be taken to court.
Individuals who are first-time offenders could be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to 24 months, or both.
Meanwhile, retailers of non-compliant or illegally modified devices who are first-time offenders are liable for fines up to $40,000. Penalties are higher for repeat offenders.
Dr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong GRC) also raised a question on whether MOT will be reviewing how it assigns liability to the retailer or user.
Mr Baey said the retailer will be responsible if he or she sells a non-compliant device or illegally modifies the device, and the user will be responsible if he or she subsequently modifies the device after purchase.
He added that the authorities are looking at how to align regulations on the sale of mobility devices on online platforms and physical stores.
For device-related incidents where investigations can be conducted, he noted that the responsibility will fall on the relevant party.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
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