Helmets and Insurance for Users of Personal Mobility Devices

36 Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider making it mandatory for users of personal mobility devices to (i) put on safety helmets and (ii) have insurance coverage for at least third-party claims.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: We have studied the practices of countries that have longer histories of facilitating the use of bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs). As PMDs are generally safe, most of these countries do not mandate helmets and insurance for cyclists or PMD users. In our case, PMDs are not allowed on roads and have to abide by speed limits of 15 kilometres per hour on footpaths and 25 kilometres per hour on shared and cycling paths. These rules provide further safeguards to pedestrians. We are aware that some cyclists and PMDs voluntarily wear helmets or buy insurance as an added precaution. For now, we have decided not to impose additional costs on everyone by making helmets and insurance compulsory. Let us monitor the situation and keep an open mind on whether a change is warranted in future.

At the same time, we need to educate users and enforce against those who flout the rules. Cyclists and PMD users have to be very mindful of the safety of pedestrians. They should always give way to pedestrians, including children and the frail. This is our consistent message to them: be considerate and gracious, give way to pedestrians for your own safety and that of other path users.