PMD in Singapore | Important Certifications & LTA Rules You Need To Know for Electric Scooters

E-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) used to be extremely popular in Singapore during the pre-2019 period. There was a huge, unregulated boom in PMDs, culminating in fatal accidents on footpaths and a series of highly publicized fires caused by uncertified batteries in HDB flats.

As a result, the rules today are far more stringent. Many low-priced models sold on overseas marketplaces or by unverified sellers may look attractive, but most of them:

• Do not meet UL2272 fire-safety standards — which are mandatory in Singapore.
  
• Do not comply with LTA device limits for width, weight, and speed.
  
• Come from non-reputable sources with no service support or warranty.
  
• May be illegal the moment they arrive, making them unusable on public paths.
  
• Carry significant fire and electrical risks due to uncertified batteries and chargers.

While the lower price might be tempting, buying these PMDs can lead to costly consequences — from customs seizure to safety hazards and even fines.

Before you buy, here’s what you need to know about Singapore’s PMD rules and the essential certifications that protect your safety and compliance.

⁉️What are PMDs?

Many people often mistake mobility scooters and electric bicycles as PMDs. Simply put, a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) is classified as a device propelled by an electric motor and has a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Moreover, PMDs are differentiated from e-bikes by having a throttle, which only PMDs are allowed to have.

Mobility aids, otherwise known as PMAs, can only go up to 6 km/h, while e-bikes, known as PABs, cannot have a throttle and must be pedal activated.

📜 Understanding LTA Rules for PMDs

In Singapore, LTA classifies e-scooters and similar devices as Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs).

Key rules:

• Max width: 70 cm
• Max unladen weight: 20 kg
• Max device speed: 25 km/h
• Must be UL2272-certified
• Cannot be modified in any way (speed, weight, power, battery)

Usage rules:

• Must be registered with LTA
• Rider must be 16 years old and above
• Rider must have taken the Online Theory Test for Electric-Scooter
• A pillion can be of any age
• Allowed only on cycling paths, shared paths, and park connectors
• Allowed on public transport, but only if it can fold into a size of 120 cm by 70 cm by 40 cm and below. PMDs that are unable to fold, and/or are larger than this size, are not allowed. 
• Not allowed on roads, footpaths, or pedestrian-only paths
• Helmets are not required, but are recommended
  
• For use with food delivery work, third-party liability insurance is mandatory.
• For standard daily use, third-party liability insurance is not required, but recommended.

Note: A rider under the age of 16 does not need to take the Online Theory Test, but must be supervised by an individual over the age of 21 who has taken the test.

If a PMD fails these criteria, it cannot be legally used on public paths — regardless of where it was purchased.

📝 Registration and Inspection

Before you ride, you must make sure your device is registered with LTA. You can check this on the official LTA portal.

If your device is not registered, you must first ensure your device is in compliance with the key rules above, such as size limitations and UL2272 certification. Then, you can follow this official LTA document on how to register the device.

When purchasing second-hand, you must ensure the seller officially transfers the ownership to you via the LTA portal. If you buy a device that is still registered to the previous owner, you could be held liable for all their fines.

When you purchase a PMD from MOBOT, you can skip this step entirely as all our devices are already registered under LTA, and the transfer of ownership will be done before you receive your E-Scooter.

It is also the owner's responsibility to ensure the PMD undergoes a mandatory inspection every 2 years at an LTA-authorised inspection centre. 

📋 Why Certifications Matter

Certified PMDs are tested for fire safety, electrical safety, and compliance. They ensure your device is safe to charge, operate, and legal for use.

Safety Mark for Chargers

• Issued by Enterprise Singapore to ensure electrical products meet local safety standards, this standard prevents risks like overheating, short-circuiting, and fire hazards.
• ✅ All MOBOT PMDs come with Safety Mark-certified chargers, so you can charge your PMD safely at home.

UL2272 Standard

• UL2272 is the fire-safety standard required for all PMDs in Singapore. It evaluates the entire electrical system, including the battery, wiring, controller, and charging behaviour.
• This test has been determined by LTA to be the most accurate in testing real-world environments, as the UL2272 standard tests the device as a whole, instead of each part on its own.
• Any device without the UL2272 certification will be considered non-compliant.
• ✅ All MOBOT PMDs have achieved UL2272 Certification, showing they meet rigorous internal safety and performance standards.

 

⚠️ The Risks of Cheap, Unverified PMDs

When you buy an uncertified or non-compliant PMD online, you risk:

• Fire or electrical hazards from unsafe batteries or chargers.
• Mechanical failure such as sudden brake malfunction or power loss.
• No local warranty or support, making repairs expensive or impossible.
• Customs seizure if the product doesn’t meet LTA standards.
• Fines or enforcement if used on public paths illegally.

🚩 List of Legal Consequences

Thinking about breaking a rule? Think again! These are just some of the charges you may face if you choose to break the law.

• For riding without having taken the online theory test, a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail may be handed out.
• For riding dangerously, even on designated areas, a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail may be issued.
• For using a mobile device while riding, you may face up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to 3 months in jail.
• For riding on non-designated areas, such as pedestrian-only paths, a fine of $2,000 and/or up to 3 months in jail for first time offenders. Repeat offenders can face fines of up to $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail.
• For riding on a minor road, you may face fines of $300 for the first offence, and $800 for subsequent offences. 
• For riding on a major road, you may face fines of $500 for the first offence, and $1,000 for subsequent offences.
• For riding on an expressway, you can face up to $2,000 in fines, and/or 3 months in jail.
• For using a non-compliant device, you can face up to $10,000 in fines, and/or 6 months in jail for first time offenders. Repeat offenders can face fines of up to $20,000 and/or 12 months in jail, including device seizure.
  
• For modifying your own or others' PMD, you can face a fine of up to $20,000 and/or 2 years in jail, including device seizure.

All of the above laws are referenced under the Active Mobility Act.

👍🏼 How to Buy a Safe, Compliant PMD in Singapore

1. Buy from an authorised local retailer — they handle compliance, warranty, and after-sales support.
2. Ask for proof of certification — UL2272 reports, Safety Mark Charger.
3. Test the device before purchase — check for comfort, control, and stability.
4. Confirm LTA compliance — size, weight, and speed must be within legal limits.

📌Conclusion

PMDs like E-Scooters are a fun way to get around, but only when you abide by the rules and restrictions set in place by LTA to ensure the safety of yourself and of those around you. 

Buying an uncertified, cheap PMD may save money upfront, but the risks to your safety, legal standing, and mobility far outweigh the savings.

Before purchasing, we also recommend you look up the LTA's cycling path map to see if you can realistically travel from your home to your desired destinations while remaining on designated paths.

All MOBOT PMDs come with Safety Mark-certified chargers, ensuring safe and reliable charging at home. All of MOBOT's PMDs are also UL2272-certified, which guarantees performance, stability, and durability under rigorous international testing. MOBOT handles registration and compliance at the point of sale. However, it is up to the owner to ensure the device remains compliant and safe to use.