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With the more frequent use of
motorised bicycles on the roads, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the
Traffic Police (TP) will introduce a revised set of requirements for motorised
bicycles and riders from 1 January 2005, to enhance the safety of riders and
other road users.
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To ensure that the motorised
bicycles sold in the market meet the approved technical requirements, LTA will
also introduce a type- approval scheme for motorised bicycles from 1 October
2004.
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Revised Requirements
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Technical Requirements
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Motorised bicycles, with a maximum
power output not exceeding 200 watts, are treated like conventional bicycles
and are exempted from registration with the LTA for use on public roads.
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In addition to this condition on
maximum power output, LTA will introduce the following additional
requirements, to take into account the safety and environmental concerns
associated with the use of motorised bicycles:
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1) The construction of a motorised
bicycle must be similar to that of a conventional pedal bicycle;
2) A motorised bicycle can only be
powered by an electric source (e.g. battery), and not be petrol-driven;
3) The motor power of the
motorised bicycle can only cut in when the rider starts to pedal; and
4) The motor power of the
motorised bicycle must be cut off when it reaches 25km/h or when the rider
stops pedaling.
Motorised bicycles, with a power
output greater than 200 watts, are required to meet the technical and
registration requirements of motorcycles, if they are to be used on public
roads.
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Type-approval &
Certification Scheme
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Every new make and model of
motorised bicycle must obtain type-approval from any of the LTA-authorised
inspection centres. Each approved bicycle must also be affixed with a seal by
the inspection centre, before it can be sold or used on public roads in
Singapore.
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Prospective buyers are advised not
to buy any motorised bicycle that is not affixed with a seal, if they wish to
continue to use it on public roads from 1 January 2005.
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Existing owners will need to
obtain a seal for their motorised bicycle from any LTA-authorised inspection
centres to ensure compliance with the new technical requirements.
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Rider Requirements
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For road safety reasons, TP will
require all riders of motorised bicycles to be at least 16 years old, and they
must wear a bicycle helmet when riding the motorised bicycles. These new
requirements will take effect from 1 January 2005. Carrying pillions is also
not allowed.
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Given the higher sustainable speed
of motorised bicycles compared to that of conventional bicycles, riders of
motorised bicycles are required to wear a suitable bicycle helmet so as to
protect against head injuries. TP also see the merit of having motorised
bicycle riders of a certain maturity level as this enhances their interaction
with other road users.
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The age requirement imposed on
such riders is not unique in Singapore. Overseas countries like US, UK and
Germany also impose an age limit on users of motorised bicycles, ranging from
14 to 16 years of age.
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Cyclists are a vulnerable group of
road users. We urge all motorists to help ensure road safety by keeping a
lookout for this group.
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Penalties for Non-compliance
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To ensure the safe usage of
motorised bicycles, penalties will be imposed for the non-compliance of the
new requirements.
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From 1 January 2005, suppliers who
sell motorised bicycles without the type-approval seal will be liable to a
fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term up to three months for the first offence.
For subsequent offences, they are liable to a fine of up to $5,000 or a jail
term of up to six months.
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Owners are advised not to modify
their bicycles after they are type-approved and are affixed with a seal. This
is to ensure that their bicycles remain compliant with the technical
requirements and are safe for use.
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Owners, who made modifications to
their motorised bicycles resulting in them not complying with the technical
requirements, will be liable to a fine of up to $2,000 or a jail term of up to
three months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $5,000 or a jail
term up to six months.
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Riders of motorised bicycles, who
do not comply with the rider requirements on public roads, are liable to a
fine up to $1,000 or a jail term of up to three months.
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Public Information
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Notices, detailing the revised
requirements, will be made available at the LTA-authorised inspection centres.
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Members of
the general public who wish to obtain more information about the technical
requirements can contact the LTA Hotline at 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582) or
visit the ONE.MOTORING website at www.onemotoring.com.sg.
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They can
call Traffic Police at 6547 0000 to inquire about riders' requirements and
general traffic rules pertaining to cycling on public roads. They can also go
online to www.spf.gov.sg
and www.ecitizen.gov.sg
for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
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Source: Land
Transport Authority Media Release 30 Sep 2004
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Enhanced safety requirements for motorised bicycles & riders
