Lifestyle

10 Facts About PMD That You’ve Got to Know Now

2018-01-08 , 10:56 am

Every year, on the 26th of December, most stores in Singapore will start to ‘become one’ by uniformly taking down Christmas decorations and replacing them with all kinds of red to prepare for CNY.

That’s when it hits you that the new year is arriving soon.

It’s time to think of how badly you’ve done for the year and come up with a list of new year resolutions that you’ll never get to accomplishing.

On the other hand, it also means lots of good food during house visits and of course, not forgetting the ang paos.

Not sure what to spend on?

Well, in case you forgot, there were quite a few cases of MRT breakdowns last year….wouldn’t an investment in a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) be a good idea?

Think about all the morning crowds you can avoid! Grumpy office workers, uncles reading newspaper, aunties talking loudly…

Before you start to indulge in your own research, here’s ten facts on the handy devices you need to know.

#1 What are PMDs

There are many (or is it just me?) who are confused as to what are considered PMDS.

According to The Straits Times, PMDs include kick-scooter, electric scooter, hoverboards and unicycles.

It does not include electric bicycles, which are a whole category on their own.

#2 Where can you use them?

PMDs are allowed on footpaths, cycling and shared paths, like Park Connectors.

They are not allowed on the roads.

#3 Are they legal?

According to ScootSafe.SG, there is no need for e-scooters to be registered, unlike the case for e-bikes.

Hence, as long as you practise safe riding, there should be no problems with your PMDs.

#4 Size

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) recommends that all PMDs should be kept below a width of 70cm to ensure there is enough space for everyone.

Pretty relatable huh? Like how some people like to walk in the middle of the pavement and you have to spend five minutes thinking whether to overtake by the left or right side.

#5 Weight

PMDs have to weigh 20kg or under.

This is not some random number that AMAP came up with, but is a safe number that minimizes serious injuries if a collision were to happen.

#6 Speed

Common sense tells us that the key to safe riding is a safe speed.

The AMAP also set a maximum speed for PMD users.

On footpaths, the speed limit is 15km/h (running or leisurely cycling speed).

On cycling/shared paths, it will be raised to 25km/h (normal cycling speed).

#7 Rules for PMD

The device has to be equipped with white light in front and red light behind.

The lights have to be switched on when dark.

If you are unable to install the lights on your device, then please ‘light up yourself’ instead by wearing a luminous vest and fixing lights onto your helmet.

Safety comes first.

#8 Can they be brought on trains and buses?

Seen this anywhere?

From 1 Dec 2017, PMD users are allowed to bring their devices onboard trains and buses as part of a six-months trial, according to Channel News Asia.

However, they will have to ensure that their devices comply with the 120cmx70cmx40cm requirement.

#9 Where to buy them?

Since there is no need to register PMDs, you can get your devices anywhere you want, even from Taobao.

But then again, since you’ll be using your device heavily for transport purposes, I would suggest everyone to go down to a store and test out the device personally for safety purposes.

You can check out The Wheelies, as they claim to be “Singapore’s leading retailer for electric unicycles scooters”.

#10 Available for rent

If you’re still undecided, skateline.sg is offering their PMDs for rent at $36/24hr.

Interested buyers can test out their devices first before deciding on whether to buy it.

Now that you’re 10 facts wiser, you’re all set to go!

Since you’re here, why not watch a video about a guy who lodged a Police report here in Singapore because he was friendzoned? Seriously. Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com