PMDs Can Carry Passengers in Singapore — Don't Confuse Them With PMAs!

Aug 4, 2026

🛵 PMA vs PMD: The Difference Most People Still Get Wrong

Can a PMD Carry Passengers?
Yes. Certified PMDs can legally carry passengers in Singapore if they are designed to do so. This is one of the most misunderstood active mobility rules today, with many people mistakenly applying PMA rules to PMDs.

According to Section 1.2.2 of the E-Scooter Handbook on LTA's website, it mentioned that under-aged riders can ride as passengers on an e-scooter as long as they are under the supervision of an adult who passed the e-scooter theory test.

If you've ever wondered:

Is a PMD the same as a PMA? No.
Why can some electric scooters carry children?
Are "2-seater" devices legal? PMA or PMD?
What exactly is a PMA lookalike?

This guide explains everything.
👉🏻 Watch this video to understand more.

📌 Key Differences in Rules

PMA = Personal Mobility Aid
Designed to carry an individual who is unable to walk or has walking difficulties.

PMD = Personal Mobility Devices
Designed for general commuters and leisure riders, allowing under-aged passengers as long as the rider is ≥21 and certified with the E-Scooter Theory Test.

🤔 Why Everyone Is Confused About PMAs and PMDs

Ever since Singapore introduced the latest PMA regulations involving the 6km/h max speed limit and one-rider requirement, many Singaporeans have become confused about the difference between a PMA and a PMD, and the term "PMA Lookalike" does not point out the fact that they are non-compliant and and cannot be used. This has led to the common misconception that all PMDs are not allowed to carry passengers.

Let us clear up the difference.

❓ Comparison of the Regulations: PMD vs PMA

Category	PMD	PMA
Example
Who is it for	Commuters, leisure riders and delivery riders	Individuals with walking difficulties, elderlies, people with disability
Rider & Pillion Rules	Rider ≥16 and obtained theory test Under-aged passengers allowed only with adult ≥21 supervision (adult must be certified)	Strictly no pillion passenger
Max device speed	25 km/h	6 km/h
Where it can be ridden	Cycling paths, Park Connector Networks/ PCNs	Footpaths, shared paths and cycling paths
Safety certification	UL2272-Certified	Different PMA requirements apply

👫 So... Can a PMD Carry Passengers? Yes.

This surprises many Singaporeans.

Many people assume "No passengers allowed" applies to every electric mobility device.

It does not.

The rule about no passengers specifically applies to PMAs because they are intended for one mobility-impaired user.

A PMD, on the other hand, may carry passengers if the device is designed to do so and complies with Singapore's regulations.

In fact, the LTA Official Handbook for the Mandatory Theory Test explains that devices should only carry the number of persons they are designed for, rather than imposing a blanket prohibition on passengers.

Think of it this way.

A PMD is much closer in purpose to:

a bicycle
an electric bicycle (PAB)
a motorcycle

These are transport devices.

If the vehicle is designed to carry another person and complies with the relevant regulations, carrying a passenger is not automatically illegal.

👦🏻 Can a PMD Carry Children?

Again, yes, provided the device is specifically designed to carry an additional passenger and all applicable active mobility rules are followed.

Many parents naturally compare this to carrying a child on:

a bicycle
a cargo bicycle
an e-bike
a motorcycle

The key question is whether the vehicle was designed and approved for that purpose, not simply whether it has two seats.

As always, riders should ensure children are transported safely and in accordance with Singapore's active mobility rules.

🙅🏽 Then Which Are 2-Seater Devices Are Illegal?

This is where most confusion begins.

When Singapore introduced stricter PMA rules, authorities repeatedly reminded the public that a PMA is for one person only.

Unfortunately when people thought a PMA is the same as PMD, they then assumed:

❌ "Any electric mobility device carrying two people must be illegal."

That conclusion is incorrect. Here is the fact:

✅ PMDs or E-Scooters can have more than 1 seat
✅ PMAs or Mobility Scooters can have 1 seat ONLY

In fact, those PMDs are deemed illegal as they did not satisfy the following:

❌ No UL2272 Certification
❌ Exceed 20kg Weight Limit
❌ Did not register with LTA
❌ No Licence Plate

LTA classifies any other non-pedal-assisted motorised mobility devices with more than 1 seat to be a PMD. If the device is classified as a PMD, it must comply with the PMD rules to be allowed for use.

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Final Takeaway

Understanding the difference helps everyone:

Families buy mobility aids for elderly parents
Parents choose e-scooters to send kids to school
Riders stay compliant and ride on allowed paths

At MOBOT, we want to protect compliant PMA and PMD users from being unfairly judged due to widespread public misconceptions. As the leader in personal mobility, MOBOT reassures the community that all our devices strictly comply with the latest regulations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and certification.

Information is accurate as of August 2026. Active mobility regulations may change. Please refer to the LTA E-Scooter page and LTA PMA regulations for the latest requirements.