Active Mobility Rules in Singapore Are Tightening Again
What changed, who it affects, and what to do now — with clear dates and official sources.
The direction is consistent: pedestrian-first spaces, tighter controls on mobility scooters (PMAs), and stronger enforcement around fire-risk e-scooters (PMDs). The next major milestone is 1 June 2026.
1) The biggest update: new regulations start 1 June 2026
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced a package of tighter active mobility regulations that take effect on 1 June 2026, focused mainly on Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) and strengthened controls for motorised PMDs (e-scooters).
- Certificate of Medical Need (with exemptions like seniors aged 70+ per LTA).
- New mobility scooters must be registered.
- Device criteria are emphasised (including speed and dimensions on LTA’s PMA page).
- Moves beyond “use” — becoming an offence to keep non-UL2272 e-scooters.
- Reinforces compliance expectations across the ecosystem (sellers and users).
This isn’t a minor tweak. It’s a policy signal: PMAs are increasingly treated like controlled assistive devices, while non-compliant e-scooters are pushed out more firmly.
2) A key earlier date: 27 February 2026
Government materials indicate the certification pathway (assessment for mobility scooter need) is intended to be available from 27 February 2026, ahead of the 1 June 2026 effective date.
- Start early if you expect to need medical certification.
- Keep receipts / device specs (registration-related processes often ask for details).
- Follow the official guidance as procedures roll out.
3) POP (Pedestrian-Only Paths) enforcement already began on 1 July 2025
POP changes how people experience paths near cycling infrastructure. On newly converted POP segments, only pedestrians and PMAs are allowed; riding devices like bicycles and PMDs is not permitted.
If you see “Pedestrians-Only” markings, treat it as a strict pedestrian zone. The safe default: dismount and walk.
POP is most likely where there’s a dedicated cycling path next to a footpath — so don’t assume every footpath is rideable.
What to do now (simple checklist)
- Track the 1 Jun 2026 requirements early.
- Watch for certification + registration guidance.
- Confirm your device meets the published criteria.
- Confirm UL2272 compliance.
- Be aware the policy direction now includes “keeping” non-compliant units.
- Use only allowed paths; default to dismounting when unsure.
- Watch for POP markings and don’t ride on POP.
- Use cycling/shared paths where available.
- Slow down early near pedestrians and crossings.
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