Allow owners to trade in non-compliant PMDs

PMD riders at Tampines Central Shopping Street, on Aug 5, 2019. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

The deadline requiring personal mobility devices (PMDs) to comply with the UL2272 standard has been brought forward (Deadline to certify PMDs safe advanced by 6 months to July 1, Aug 6).

However, getting owners of non-compliant PMDs to voluntarily scrap their devices seems to be a path of resistance that will require enforcement efforts.

To encourage owners of non-compliant PMDs to convert to devices that comply with the UL2272 standard, perhaps the relevant authorities can introduce a trade-in system for a limited time, in which owners of non-compliant PMDs can have their devices inspected and exchanged for a PMD that is certified safe.

This may be a win-win solution that benefits PMD owners, retailers and public safety.

Clara Chua Sieo Peng

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 13, 2019, with the headline Allow owners to trade in non-compliant PMDs. Subscribe