If you don’t already know, the Personal Mobility Device (PMD) ban on footpaths in Singapore is in action.
Majority of us were over the moon about the ban. No need to deal with YPs cruising through the neighbourhood and announcing their presence with the manyao songs blasting from their speakers.
However, the ban has also negatively affected a small group of very important people.
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The GrabFood delivery riders.
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Besides the slower delivery time, many of them had voiced out their concerns including the group of riders who gave the MPs a visit during the Meet-The-People session in Yishun.
But when there’s a will there’s a way. The resilient and street smart PMD riders have been constantly finding loopholes in the ban. This includes them riding on grass patches and drain covers.
And now, we have this company offering to modify PMDs into Personal Mobility Aids (PMA) by adding a 3rd wheel and limiting its speed at 10kmh.
A New Loophole?
It’s clear what the facts are. PMDs are banned on footpaths. Riders who choose to ride on grass patches and drain covers have since been warned that they would be slapped with a heavy fine if they do so.
But there’s no rule telling you that you can’t ride a PMA on footpaths even if you don’t need it.
And the gahmen can’t possibly ban PMAs because they are used by the elderly and those with difficulty walking. Imposing a ban on PMAs is just not feasible as an inclusive society.
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The Cost
The company “A.Star.Global” has listed its service to modify a PMD to PMA for a price of $449.
This listing went on Carousell four days after the ban on e-scooters from footpaths began.
Here’s how you can expect your PMD to look like after the conversion.
LTA’s Rules
If you’re blur like me, here’s a list of rules set for PMAs by LTA.
- Maximum Device Speed at 10km/h
- Can be used on Pedestrian-only paths, footpaths and cycling/shared paths.
There are no restrictions on the device’s weight or width.
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So far, this loophole remains in a grey area as the authorities have not yet commented on it.
I can already imagine how it’s going to be like:
“Sir, they want to ride on grass patch and drain covers because those aren’t footpaths.”
“No, they will destroy the grass and the drains. Fine them.”
“Sir… what about this PMD to PMA thing…?”
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“Say what now?”
Well, I guess we can only wait and see.
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