SINGAPORE - Visitors to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens will be able to take a ride into the future when a trial of two driverless buggies begins on Thursday.

Powered by an electric battery, the modified golf buggies have a top speed of 10km/h, can hold up to three people and use sensors to guide them around pre-programmed pathways. Passengers just click on a control panel to set them in motion.

They will be available to hire for free as part of a week-long trial aimed at generating awareness before they are rolled out as a new means of transport.

It is part of the Smart and Connected Jurong Lake District (JLD) Pilots and Trials Initiative, which was launched by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, in collaboration with other government agencies.

The buggies can be booked online at: www.smartnusav.com