Affordable, convenient: Why more people rely on mobility scooters

Proposed changes under ministry review draw mixed reactions from users

- Esther Loi, Leow Wen Xuan and Whitney William

In January 2023, bar musician Mohammed Farhan bought a personal mobility aid (PMA) so that his family can get around more conveniently.

Every weekday, the 36-year-old ferries his daughter, seven, and nephew, 12, to and from Yishun Primary School on his vehicle, which cost him $1,700. The 1km ride each way takes 10 minutes.

Compared with paying $600 monthly for his daughter and nephew who stays with him on weekdays to ride the school bus, the family's sole breadwinner said using the vehicle is considerably cheaper.

Twice-yearly brake maintenance sets him back around $30, and tyre changes every 1/2 years cost about $90.

While the authorities define mobility scooters as having just one seat, checks by The Sunday Times showed many with more than one seat like Mr Farhan's vehicle, which can seat three are sold online as PMAS.

While he has no trouble walking, Mr Farhan said he prefers commuting on the vehicle because it allows him to take the children to school quickly.

PMAS include vehicles such as mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs, and are meant for people with walking difficulties.

The Ministry of Transport is reviewing recommendations proposed by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (Amap) in December 2023, including reducing the speed limit of motorised PMAS from 10kmh to 6kmh, and setting in motion a requirement that only people certified with walking difficulties or medical needs can use mobility scooters.

The panel also proposed applying the same dimension restrictions for PMAs on public transport - 70cm wide, 120cm long, 150cm high, and combined weight of 300kg with the rider on board - to those on public paths. For now, there are no dimension restrictions for PMAs on public paths.

Mobility aids can be used on footpaths and cycling tracks, but not on roads.