As announced at the 2016 Committee of Supply Debate, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will require the registration of power-assisted bicycles, or e-bikes, for more effective enforcement, in particular, against illegal modification on them ("Time to consider licensing motorised bikes" by Mr Anthony Dass; July 15).
This is part of a set of recommendations submitted to the Government by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel to promote the safe and gracious sharing of paths.
The registration will enhance the LTA's enforcement against the use of non-compliant and illegally modified e-bikes.
The LTA will announce more details by the end of this year.
Under the panel's recommendations, the use of e-bikes will be allowed only on shared and cycling paths, as they are generally wider as compared to footpaths.
Users of e-bikes must also adhere to a speed limit of 25kmh, as well as practise safe riding habits, such as giving way to pedestrians, when they are on shared and cycling paths.
E-bikes can also be used on the roads.
Currently, only low-powered EN15194-compliant models of e-bikes approved by the LTA and affixed with an LTA seal are allowed for use.
The electric motor can cut in only when the rider starts to pedal, and it must be progressively reduced and finally cut off if the rider stops pedalling or when the e-bike reaches 25kmh.
Helen Lim (Ms)
Group Director, Corporate Communications Group
Land Transport Authority
