SINGAPORE - For selling illegally modified electric bicycles, two retailers have been fined $1,000 each, the Land Transport Authority said on Thursday (June 22).
The retailers - Lim Geok Kay from Teck Bee Brothers Company at No. 220 Syed Alwi Road and Chia Thuang Chiew from CPP Trading at Block 731 Yishun Street 72 - were found selling e-bikes with throttles that could reach speeds higher than 35kmh without pedalling.
E-bikes are allowed to be used on public roads and must meet a number of regulations, including a weight limit of 20kg and a maximum speed of 25kmh.
However, modifying them with throttles is not allowed, as this means the e-bike functions like a motorcycle. Motorcycle riders need to have licences, unlike cyclists.
Having a throttle also means the e-bike can go faster than 25kmh without the rider having to pedal, which is a safety hazard both to the e-bike rider and other road users.
LTA said in its statement that the Road Traffic Act was amended earlier this year "given the severity of such offences".
For selling a non-compliant power-assisted bicycle or illegally modifying it, a person can be charged in court, under the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2017.
If convicted, first-time offenders can be jailed up to three months and/or fined up to $5,000.
Repeat offenders face double the penalties.
Just last October, three e-bike retailers were charged for selling and supplying illegally modified motorised bicycles.
As for those who ride a non-compliant power-assisted bicycle, they can be fined up to $300 for the first offence, and up to $500 for the second. Repeat offenders can be charged in Court and have their vehicles seized.
