The guidelines and regulations for the safe usage of personal mobility devices (PMD) have been established by the authorities but I find it worrying that PMDs capable of reaching speeds up to 70kmh are being advertised for sale.

Have the Land Transport Authority, National Parks Board, Traffic Police and other relevant authorities approved the sale and distribution of such high-speed PMDs? Such devices are equivalent to motorcycles and scooters but they do not require a Certificate of Entitlement, nor is there a need for a driving licence or compulsory insurance cover.

At such speeds, should these PMDs be allowed on pedestrian walkways, and if so, how do we ensure the safety of people who are on foot?

PMDs that are allowed on park connectors must have a speed limit of 25kmh but buyers of such high-speed PMDs will have little trouble exceeding the limit.

If enforcement is slack, such PMDs will endanger others who use the park connectors.

These PMDs are just too fast for use on paths and park connectors, when carparks have speed limits of 15kmh or 25kmh.

Some roads in Singapore even impose a speed limit of 40kmh or 50kmh for cars.

Sum Kam Weng