This article is an informational reference. Regulations are subject to change — always verify current rules directly with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) before operating any active mobility device on Singapore's public paths.
Device Categories Under the Active Mobility Act
Singapore's Active Mobility Act (AMA), passed in January 2017 and enforced from May 2018, creates three distinct device categories, each with different path access rights and technical requirements:
| Category | Description | Road Access | Cycling Path | PCN | Footpath |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle (non-motorised) | Standard pedal bicycles | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| PAB (Power-Assisted Bicycle) | Pedal bike with electric assist, LTA-registered | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| PMD — non-motorised | Kick scooters, rollerblades | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| PMD — motorised (e-scooter) | Electric scooters, UL2272-certified | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| PMA (Personal Mobility Aid) | Mobility scooters for users with medical need | No | No | No | Yes (6 km/h max) |
Speed Limits by Path Type
Speed limits under the AMA are set by path classification, not by device type. Riders exceeding these limits face fines; enforcement was stepped up significantly after 2020 following a series of pedestrian injury incidents.
- Footpaths — 15 km/h for non-motorised PMDs (bicycles and motorised PMDs are banned outright)
- Cycling paths — 25 km/h maximum for all permitted devices
- Park connectors — 25 km/h maximum
- Shared paths — 15 km/h, with a requirement to give way to pedestrians
What Changed on 1 July 2025
The most consequential update to Singapore's active mobility rules in recent years took effect on 1 July 2025: footpaths running alongside dedicated cycling paths were reclassified as Pedestrian-Only Paths.
Practical effect: If a cycling path runs parallel to a footpath along the same corridor, that footpath is now off-limits to all active mobility devices — bicycles, PABs, and PMDs included. Riders must use the adjacent cycling path. Pedestrians who walk on cycling paths are not penalised. Riders who use Pedestrian-Only Paths face fines of up to S$2,000 or three months' imprisonment, or both.
The physical change is marked on the ground: converted footpaths carry "Pedestrians Only" text and pedestrian pictograms. The MyTransport.SG app was updated to reflect the new classifications, though mapping coverage was not complete island-wide on the day of conversion.
E-Scooter Registration and UL2272 Certification
Motorised PMDs operating on public paths must carry an LTA-issued registration label. The technical prerequisite for registration is UL2272 certification — a fire safety standard covering the battery, charger, and frame. Devices without this certification have been banned from public paths since 2020, following a period of warehouse and residential fires linked to non-compliant battery packs.
Riders under 16 are barred from using motorised PMDs on public paths unless accompanied by an adult. All motorised PMD riders — including experienced users — must hold an active online theory certification issued by LTA before riding on any public path.
PAB Registration Requirements
Power-Assisted Bicycles have a separate registration track. A PAB must:
- Weigh no more than 20 kg with the battery installed
- Have a maximum assisted speed of 25 km/h
- Be fitted with a functioning bell and front and rear lights
- Bear an LTA-issued registration plate at the rear
Riders 16 and over may use a registered PAB on roads (excluding expressways), cycling paths, shared paths, and park connectors. Unlike e-scooters, PABs are permitted on public roads — a significant practical difference for cross-town commuting.
Personal Mobility Aids: 2026 Regulatory Changes
A separate category — Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs, i.e., mobility scooters for people with medical conditions) — faces new requirements that were announced in 2025 and take effect in mid-2026.
From mid-2026, users of mobility scooters on public paths must hold a Certification of Medical Need, obtained through an Assessment of Mobility Scooter (AMS) conducted by a doctor or occupational therapist. Exemptions apply for those who previously received a subsidised scooter through the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund or the Assistive Technology Fund.
A second phase takes effect from 2029: all PMAs used on public paths must be incapable of speeds exceeding 6 km/h. Owners of existing higher-speed devices may continue using them until the end of 2028, but must stay within the 6 km/h limit.
Where to Check Current Rules
- LTA Active Mobility page — authoritative source for PMD and PAB regulations
- Ministry of Transport: Active Mobility — infrastructure and policy updates
- MyTransport.SG app — cycling route planner with current path classifications