Commuter asks whether you think this PMA is too big to be on bus
When is a personal mobility aid (PMA) too large for the bus?
That is what Stomper Ngow wants to know.
He shared photos of a man on a PMA in the wheelchair bay on a public bus at Jalan Jurong Kechil on Aug 13.
"Don't you think this PMA is too big for the bus, given the size governed by the existing law?" asked the Stomper.
The PMA sported a green Grab box and the logo of PMA seller Mobot.
The Mobot website states: "With a wide range of personal mobility devices (PMDs) like bicycles and electric bicycles and personal mobility aids (PMAs) like electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs, we cater to people from all walks of life, and all of our products are made LTA-compliant so that our consumers can always purchase with an ease of mind."
According to Land Transport Authority (LTA), PMAs on public transport should not exceed 120cm in length, 70cm in width and 150cm in height.
The total weight of the PMA together with the user should not exceed 300kg.
In a proposal submitted to the Ministry of Transport on Dec 14, 2023, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel said that in recent years, there have been rising concerns that able-bodied people have been misusing PMAs, particularly mobility scooters. These include concerns over dangerous riding, speeding and overly large PMAs.
The 16-member advisory panel recommended that only people who are certified to have walking difficulties or medical needs should be allowed to use mobility scooters and the Government reduce the speed limit of all PMAs from 10kmh to 6kmh, the typical walking speed.
The panel also recommended applying the same dimension restrictions for mobility aids on public transport to their use on public paths. This is to allow users of such devices to transit between public paths and public transport more smoothly.
The Government accepted the panel's recommendation in March. The new rules will come into effect around 2025.
