SINGAPORE- To curb the misuse of PMAs by able-bodied users, it is recommended by the advisory panel for active mobility that the use of Personal Mobility Aid (PMAs), which include mobility scooters, be restricted to individuals with certified walking disabilities if the set of recommendations is accepted by the Government.
Other recommendations include reducing the speed limit and restricting the size of such devices
The recommendations have been submitted to the Government for its consideration and possible implementation in the future
In a report published on Thursday (Dec 14), the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, that oversees the safe use of active mobility devices, set out five key recommendations to ensure the safe and responsible use of PMAs
PMAs refer to manual wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters, designed and intended to carry an individual with difficulty in walking.
The recommendations were submitted by the panel to the government on Thursday following a series of focused-group discussions with various stakeholders in June and July.
The stakeholders consulted include PMA users, caregivers, representatives from a disability-focused organisation and the National Delivery Champions Association, among others.
The Government will review the recommendations and consider implementation at a later date.
WHY IT MATTERS
The use of PMAs is currently subjected to relatively laxed regulation. Users are not allowed to go on the roads and are subject to a maximum speed limit of 10km/h.
Unlike personal mobility devices like electric scooters, PMAs are allowed on footpaths and at void decks.
The panel said it decided to review on such devices as there have been increasing concerns about the misuse of PMAs, especially mobility scooters, by able-bodied persons.
These include the use of overly large devices and using them in an unsafe manner such as by speeding, said the panel.
“AMAP (Active Mobility Advisory Panel) decided to review the current guidelines in order to preempt a situation where there are a lot of disamenities or accidents happening and that would affect genuine users from continuing the use of PMAs,”
Persons with genuine need for such mobility aid have also found that these issues have “tarnished the reputation of PMA users”, said the panel, which comprises 16 members representatives from LTA, National Parks Board, the Traffic Police and a non-profit organisation focused on people with disabilities.
The panel reviewed practices done in other jurisdictions like in the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia before coming up with the recommendations.
Here are the panel’s five main recommendations
MEDICAL CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
The panel recommended allowing only users who are certified to have medical needs or walking difficulties to use mobility scooters
This can be in the form of a memo from a registered medical professional
However, users who already have existing certification or disability identification will not have to go for additional assessments
The recommendation only applies for mobility scooters, as the feedback of abuse among able-bodied users are typically linked to such devices only
This targeted approach aims to minimise the impact on users with genuine need who are using manual and motorised wheelchairs
The panel said that it did not recommend having a blanket allowance by age, as it may lead to a proliferation of PMA usage
LOWER SPEED LIMIT TO 6KM/H
The panel recommended lowering the maximum device speed for all motorised PMAs to 6km/h from the current 10km/h as this better reflects the intended use of PMAs, to replace walking for users with mobility challenges
Transitionary measures should be put in place to allow genuine users to use their existing PMAs but at a lowered speed
Retailers will be required to sell PMAs with a maximum speed of not more than 6km/h, with reasonable transition time given to them to make necessary changes to their business
RESTRICTIONS ON SIZE OF MOBILITY SCOOTERS
Existing dimension restrictions on PMAs for public transport should apply to devices used on public paths, said the panel
LTA currently imposes a dimension restriction of 70cm by 120 cm by 150 cm with a 300kg laden weight for PMAs on public transport
A small proportion of users who may need to use bigger PMAs for medical reasons will be exempted from this requirement
MORE AWARENESS
The panel recommended that public education efforts be ramped up on who can PMAs, along with the rules and regulations
Users should also be educated on the code of conduct for PMA and other path users
Safe usage of PMAs, fire safety tips and safe charging practices should also be taught
Enforcement should also be stepped up with appropriate penalties to deter sale of non-compliant devices, said the panel
NO LICENSING REGIME FOR PMAs FOR NOW
The active mobility panel recommends not introducing a licensing regime for users, registration of PMA devices or mandatory training at this point in time.
“While some have called for registration and licensing to increase accountability and enforcement against errant PMA users, its effectiveness must be carefully weighed, including the impact on genuine users,” said the panel.
The panel believes that the current set of recommendations will achieve a balance between inclusivity and ensuring safety for all path users, the report added.
Check out Youtube video :Personal mobility aids: 5 recommendations to limit misuse
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