Man and child on 'huge' PMA take up 'half the cabin' on MRT: 'So dangerous to other commuters'
A Reddit post allegedly showing a man and a child riding on a single personal mobility aid (PMA) inside an MRT cabin has raised safety concerns.
PMAs are legally allowed to carry only one person.
Shared on Nov 22 by Reddit user AmazingMulberry4570, the image shows the man and a child on the PMA, with bags and other items hanging from the front.
The redditor commented: "A single [PMA] this huge takes up half the cabin. What happens if it injures others or explodes?? This is so dangerous to other commuters."
It is unclear when and on which MRT line the photo was taken. Stomp has reached out to the Redditor for clarification.
Under Singapore's Active Mobility Act, PMAs must have only one seat and be used by a person who has difficulty walking.
They may be used on public transport as long as they meet the following requirements:
- Total weight (including user): 300kg
- Length: 120cm
- Width: 70cm
- Height (from floor to top of PMA or user's head when seated, whichever is higher): 150cm
Misuse and abuse?
Some Reddit users questioned whether all PMA riders genuinely required the device to get around.
User Keitaru84 suggested that authorities "should make them present their official medical licence to own PMD". Others echoed this, saying the man in the photo appeared "perfectly ok".
But Redditor alexstonks34 pointed out that "not all disabilities are visually obvious".
Currently, under the "Helping Hand" scheme by the Caring SG Commuters Committee, commuters with hidden or less visible conditions can request a yellow pass.
The pass signals to others that they may need a seat or some assistance during their journey.
Potential fire hazard
There were also worries about safety in the event of a battery malfunction.
User Any_Mechanic7876 commented that they "shudder to think if the battery start self combust".
Such concerns have surfaced to Stomp many times by concerned Stompers. Most recently, Stomp was notified of a PMA fire that broke out at an Ang Mo Kio flat, which resulted in four residents being taken to hospital and 200 others evacuated.
No deliberate damage by PMAs so far
In a written response to a parliamentary question on damage caused by PMA on public transport infrastructure, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said that there have been no reported cases of PMAs causing "deliberate damage" on public transport.
"However, there have been occasional cases of accidental damage," he wrote.
He added that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will step up public education efforts on the amended rules for PMA use, which will be implemented in 2026.
LTA to tighten rules on PMA use from Q1 2026
Earlier this year, the LTA announced upcoming regulations aimed at curbing misuse of PMAs on public paths and public transport.
From Q1 2026, all PMAs must keep to 6km/h on public paths and meet current size limits to be used on public transport.
Retailers will be barred from displaying or selling non-compliant PMAs, and all mobility scooter users will have to undergo an Assessment for Mobility Scooter (AMS) from Q4 2025 to certify that they have mobility problems that necessitate the use of PMAs.
Stomp has reached out to SBS Transit and SMRT for comment.
