PMA or PMD? These large PMA lookalikes are illegal. Trade In Now Before It’s Too Late.

20 February 2025 – In Singapore, Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) like mobility scooters and motorized wheelchairs are designed to assist individuals with mobility challenges. These devices are legal for use on footpaths and do not require registration. However, recent enforcement actions by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have highlighted a growing issue: PMA lookalikes. On 20th February 2025, LTA announced via a Facebook post that such motorised devices with more than one seat are classified as PMDs, meaning both the PMD user and the device will need to comply with PMD regulations.

Here’s a recap on the LTA rules for Motorised Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and E-scooters::
✅ Max Weight: 20kg
✅ Max Width: 70cm
✅ Max Speed: 25km/h
✅ UL2272 Certified = Visible UL Mark
✅ LTA Inspection & Registration = Visible LTA Mark & ID
✅ PMD Theory Test required
✅ Must be 16+ to own a PMD
✅ Riders under 16 need adult supervision
✅ ONLY allowed on cycling paths (PCN) & shared paths

A PMA lookalike is a device that visually resembles a PMA but does not meet LTA’s classification criteria. The key distinction is that PMA lookalikes often have more than one seat, making them fall under the category of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) instead of PMAs.

The classification of a device determines where it can be legally used.

• Legal PMA: Single-seat mobility scooters or motorized wheelchairs are meant for individuals with mobility impairments. These can be used on footpaths, cycling paths and shared paths but not on roads.
• PMA Lookalike (Classified as a PMD): Devices with more than one seat are considered PMDs. These are only allowed on cycling paths and shared paths and must meet LTA’s device criteria, including being UL2272-certified. Non-compliant PMDs are illegal for use on public paths.

With offences involving PMA lookalikes increasing more than fivefold in 2024 compared to 2023, LTA has intensified enforcement. As of February 2025, there are no PMA lookalike models that have UL2272 certification or weigh under 20kg. This means that all PMA lookalikes currently available in the market are illegal. Be cautious when purchasing a mobility device to avoid legal consequences. Offenders using non-compliant devices face fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Retailers selling non-compliant devices also risk penalties.

1. Check the Seating: If your mobility device has more than one seat, it is likely a PMD and must follow PMD regulations.
2. Verify Compliance: PMAs do not require UL2272 certification and a 20kg weight limit, but PMDs do. Ensure your device meets all the necessary safety standards.
3. Use on the Right Paths: PMAs are allowed on footpaths, while PMDs (including PMA lookalikes) can only be used on cycling paths and shared paths.
4. Buy from Reputable Sellers: Ensure the retailer is selling LTA-compliant devices to avoid legal trouble.

If you own a PMA lookalike that does not meet LTA regulations, consider trading it in for a legal PMA, e-bike, e-scooter or even bicycle. Mobot offers a trade-in program where you can get up to $500 trade-in value for your non-compliant device when upgrading to an LTA-compliant mobility scooter and motorized wheelchair, or LTA-approved bicycle, e-bike or e-scooter if you can ride. This ensures that you stay within legal boundaries while maintaining your mobility needs. To know more info, refer to Mobot’s trade-in program.

MOBOT do not sell such PMA lookalikes with more than one seat. All MOBOT PMAs and PMDs comply with the relevant rules set by LTA.

Understanding the difference between a legal PMA and a PMA lookalike can prevent costly fines and ensure safe mobility. If you’re unsure about your device’s classification, refer to LTA’s active mobility rules for the latest regulations. Always purchase compliant mobility devices to stay on the right side of the law. For more information, refer to our guides below.