askST: What are the fire safety rules for PMDs?
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PMDs typically use lithium-ion batteries and can short-circuit if they do not meet safety standards.
PHOTO: SCDF/FACEBOOK
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SINGAPORE – The number of fires involving personal mobility devices (PMDs) has been creeping back up in the last three years.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there have already been 20 such fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period in 2024.
SCDF said the Bukit Merah fire that killed two on Aug 13
PMD fires hit a high in 2019,
This fell sharply to 42 cases in 2020 following changes to the law to control the import of non-compliant PMDs.
The number of cases had continued to fall, to just 14 cases in 2022.
But such fires have increased since then, climbing to 18 cases in 2023 and 25 in 2024
These numbers are specifically for PMDs and do not include fires involving power-assisted bicycles and personal mobility aids.
Q: What are the dangers of PMD fires?
A: PMDs typically use lithium-ion batteries, which are generally safe and widely used in other devices.
But if these batteries do not meet safety standards, they can short-circuit
A poorly made battery may become damaged due to vibrations from a moving PMD. Subsequently, it could quickly overheat and explode, burning at more than 200 deg C and releasing toxic gases.
Investigations by SCDF and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have found that many of the PMD fires originated from the charging of devices with non-original parts, including modified batteries.
In 2021, a PMD that was modified with a high-powered battery pack exploded in a lift
He was taken to hospital and died the next day.
Q: What are the regulations for PMDs?
A: PMDs in Singapore must be registered with LTA and UL2272-certified.
The UL2272 certification specifies a set of safety requirements covering the electrical drive train system, including the battery system and electrical components of motorised PMDs.
To be registered, the PMD must be a model approved by LTA, with a maximum width of 70cm, maximum weight of 20kg, and maximum speed of 25kmh.
It must be fitted with an LTA plate and undergo inspection every two years.
Riders are also required to undergo a theory test and obtain a passing score of 80 per cent to obtain a digital certificate.
Q: What are the penalties for non-compliance?
A: PMDs which are not approved by LTA will be seized and forfeited.
Those caught using such devices can be jailed for up to six months and fined $10,000.
If a previously approved PMD is found to be modified and used on a public path, the offender can be jailed for up to two years and fined $20,000.
The penalties are doubled for repeat offenders.
PMD riders caught without the required digital certificate can be jailed for up to six months and fined $2,000.
Q: What are safe charging practices for PMDs?
A: PMD users should regularly examine batteries for any damage or deformities and dispose of them promptly if such defects are found.
They should not tamper with, modify or attempt to repair the batteries or device on their own.
PMD batteries should be charged using only compatible chargers with the safety mark.
The charging should be done on a hard, flat surface to allow optimal heat dissipation.
PMDs and their batteries should not be charged in places with high humidity or heat, near combustible materials, in confined and poorly ventilated spaces, or on escape paths.
Users are advised to unplug the charger if they are away for long periods.
Batteries should also not be overcharged, charged overnight, or charged immediately after use.
Children and pets should be kept away from the charger.
