SINGAPORE - NTUC Income has launched a first-of-its-kind insurance plan that provides coverage to users of bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMD) such as electric scooters and hoverboards.

The plan, called the Personal Mobility Guard, covers accidental death, permanent disability, medical expenses against injuries and third-party liability after an accident when riding, mounting or dismounting a PMD or bicycle in Singapore, the insurer said in a press release on Wednesday (April 20).

Priced at $96 a year, policyholders will get up to $1 million coverage for paying damages against third parties due to accidental injuries or damage of property.

"This paves the way for a liability framework which benefits users of PMDs, cyclists and pedestrians," NTUC Income said.

The insurer cited the rise of PMD and bicycle usage in Singapore, which is in tandem with the trend of an increasing number of accidents involving such devices, for its decision to launch the plan.

According to Ms Annie Chua, NTUC Income's vice-president for Personal Lines, the Personal Mobility Guard was designed to give protection to PMD and bicycle users so they can have "peace of mind" as they engage in leisure activities.

"We hope the third-party liability coverage further promotes responsible cycling and riding in the community, and will go towards preventing hit-and-run incidences should an accident occur," she added.

NTUC Income's new plan comes on the back of the Government's decision to fully accept an expert panel's recommendations to boost active mobility in Singapore.

Among the recommendations included allowing bicycles and PMDs on pavements from as early as end of this year.

The panel had also last month released a set of rules and guidelines, such as imposing a speed limit and maximum weight on a device, to govern the use of PMDs.

The Personal Mobility Guard will be made available for purchase on www.income.com.sg/PMG from April 25.