Parliament passed the Land Transport and Related Matters (No. 2) Bill on 7 October 2026, approving restrictions on online sales and advertisements for non-compliant active mobility devices, alongside new battery safety requirements.
Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng said the Government intends to introduce the online sales, advertising and battery rules in the second quarter of 2027, giving sellers and users time to prepare.
What Will Change For Online Buyers?
Rules that currently focus on physical shops will extend to sellers operating through websites and online marketplaces.
Online advertisements for non-compliant devices will be prohibited, as will sales of such devices for use on public paths. Sellers of power-assisted bicycles, e-scooters and mobility scooters will also have to show notices explaining the relevant device and usage requirements.
Sellers cannot mislead buyers about matters such as whether a device meets the rules, where it may legally be used or which batteries are suitable. Advertising services that modify devices in ways that breach the rules will also become an offence.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will gain powers to order sellers to correct or remove offending online content.
However, the rules have geographical limits. They cover listings and advertisements originating in Singapore, or those made by a Singapore-connected person that can be accessed here.
Baey said overseas sellers without a Singapore presence fall outside Singapore’s jurisdiction. Import controls will remain a safeguard against devices entering the country unlawfully.
Battery Sellers And Users Will Have Responsibilities
Baey cited 49 fires involving active mobility devices in 2025, and warned that an incompatible battery can make an otherwise compliant device unsafe.
The new battery rules cover lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries are excluded.
Installing or using an incompatible battery in a power-assisted bicycle, motorised personal mobility device or mobility vehicle will be prohibited. Mobility vehicles include mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.
Battery listings and offers for sale must carry a notice identifying compatible device models, voltage and capacity, plus the battery’s brand and model where applicable.
Sellers must not advertise a battery for an incompatible device, or sell one knowing the buyer plans to install it in such a device.
How Can You Tell Whether A Battery Is Compatible?
For personal mobility devices and power-assisted bicycles, compatibility depends on the battery having been tested with the particular device model against the required safety standards. A replacement of the same battery brand and model also qualifies.
Third-party batteries can qualify if they undergo the required testing with the device. For mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs, the battery must have been installed or endorsed by the manufacturer.
Baey said LTA already lists compatible batteries for approved power-assisted bicycle models. It plans to provide similar references for whitelisted e-scooters and mobility scooters before implementation.
The Government does not plan to fund battery replacements or offer trade-ins. Baey explained that using incompatible batteries already invalidates safety certification for power-assisted bicycles and motorised personal mobility devices.
Higher Penalties For Illegal Imports
Separately, tougher penalties for illegally importing power-assisted bicycles and motorised personal mobility devices are due later in 2026.
For individuals, the maximum punishment will rise to a S$10,000 fine, 12 months’ jail, or both, double the current limits. The maximum fine for companies and other entities will increase from S$10,000 to S$40,000.
