It is actually quite impressive how much controversy and contempt Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs) have generated in Singapore in the past few years.
Also known as e-bikes, they definitely are among the most controversial acronyms we have, alongside NS and GST.
One accident that took place on 11 July at 7:27 pm only added to the controversy.
PAB Crashes Into Pedestrians, Including Person in Wheelchair
Uploaded to the Facebook group SG Road Vigilante (SGRV), the dashcam footage showed the junction of Commonwealth Avenue and Vista Exchange Green, near The Star Vista shopping mall.
Despite the red light, a PAB drove across the intersection at a relatively high speed.
The PAB rider then noticed pedestrians crossing and hit the brakes, causing the PAB to turn and skid.
Unable to stop in time, the vehicle crashed into the pedestrians, knocking them down like bowling pins.
On a closer inspection, it appears the PAB rider collided with a pedestrian, their white dog, and someone in a Personal Mobility Aid (PMA), or motorised wheelchair.
Quite possibly some of the worst targets to hit in an accident.
The ensuing crash violently sent all parties involved down to the ground. The PMA could be seen toppling over, while the black bag carried by the e-bike was tossed aside.
A figure appearing to be the e-bike rider got to his feet quickly and checked on one of the pedestrians, while others around rushed over to help out.
As this happens, another PAB slowly passes by in front of the dashcam, rider glancing at the accident as if thinking, “Glad I didn’t do that.”
The traffic light turned green, and the pedestrians moved what they could off of the road, including the PAB. Either the pedestrian walking the dog or the one formerly in the wheelchair is seen still lying on the road, presumably injured.
Not wanting to move them just in case, one pedestrian stands in front of them to help block traffic.
The SCDF told Goody Feed that they were alerted to the accident at 7:30 pm. They conveyed two injured to the National University Hospital.
Netizens Call for E-Bike Ban After Accident
The shocking accident attracted much attention online, with most netizens furious at the e-bike rider.
According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) rules, PAB riders on the road must obey all traffic signals, meaning no running red lights like they’re an ambulance.
Furthermore, the post alleged that the PAB had been illegally modified.
As per usual, many voices advocated the banning of all e-bikes due to their perceived danger to pedestrians.
Statistically, this is surprisingly quite difficult to confirm as there are few or no sources detailing accidents caused by PABs specifically.
If anything, they seem to pose more of a lethal danger by bursting into flames while charging than by being on the road. Not that that’s a good thing at all.
The SCDF Annual Statistics 2023 saw 32 fires involving PABs, an increase from 21 in 2022.
In 2021, an e-bike even managed to catch on fire while not charging.
Regardless, we certainly hope the pedestrians involved in this PAB accident are okay.
Other netizens also wondered about the safety of the white dog involved in the accident, as it vanished from view after the crash.
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