UL2272 Fire Safety Standards for All PMDs
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns fire safety standards for personal mobility devices (PMDs) and power assisted bicycles (PABs) following 74 fire incidents in 2018. Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong inquired if the involved devices met UL2272 standards and what measures are being taken prior to full implementation in 2021. Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan responded that none of the fire-involved devices were certified and detailed the mandatory shift to EN15194 and UL2272 standards. Key policy steps include banning the sale of non-certified PMDs from July 2019 and requiring all devices on public paths to be certified by January 2021. To reduce immediate risks, the government is promoting early adoption of certified devices and educating users on safe charging and maintenance through the Safe Riding Programme.
Transcript
1 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked ask the Minister for Transport (a) whether the electric bicycles and PMDs involved in the 74 fires in 2018 would have passed the UL2272 fire safety standards; and (b) what steps are taken by LTA to reduce the incidence of such fires before the implementation of UL2272 standards for all PMDs by 2021.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: To improve public safety and reduce the risk of fire incidents for power assisted bicycles (PABs) and personal mobility devices (PMDs), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is progressively introducing new standards to improve the fire and electrical safety of these devices. In 2016, we introduced a requirement that only PABs that are compliant with the EN15194 standard can be approved for use and sold in Singapore. From 1 July 2019 onwards, only UL2272-certified motorised PMDs can be sold in Singapore for use on public paths. From 1 January 2021 onwards, all motorised PMDs used on public paths will be required to be certified to the UL2272 standard.
In 2018, there were 22 PAB-related fires and 52 PMD-related fires. Based on information available to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and LTA, none of the PABs or PMDs involved in the fires are known to be certified to the EN15194 or UL2272 standards respectively.
Even before the implementation of the UL2272 standard by 2021, we strongly encourage PMD owners to switch to UL2272 certified devices in order to minimise the risk of fire incidents. When purchasing devices, consumers are advised to buy from reputable sources and look out for fire safety standards. Consumers should also avoid overcharging batteries, modifying their devices or tampering with the electrical components of their devices. We have included such advisory information in the Safe Riding Programme curriculum.