The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that three retailers have been charged under the Road Traffic Act for selling and supplying non-compliant power-assisted bicycles (PABs) that had been modified illegally.
LTA said that these cases came to light following regular checks on retailers selling PABs .
Based on LTA’s investigations, the PABs sold were illegally modified with throttles which enabled the PABs to reach speeds exceeding 35km/h without the rider pedalling.
Under current PAB regulations, the electric motor of PABs is only allowed to kick in and provide assistance to the rider when he/she is pedalling. The motor assistance must cut off when the rider stops pedalling, or when the PAB reaches a speed of 25km/h.
Following the charges mentioned in court, all three cases have been adjourned for further mention on 10 November 2016.
LTA states that it takes a serious view of the sale of non-compliant PABs by retailers. This is because retailers play an important role in educating the public on the use of PABs. LTA will continue enforcement efforts and also tighten legislation to take tougher measures against the sale of non-compliant PABs.
Under the Road Traffic Act, for selling a non-compliant PAB, or illegally modifying it for use, the offender could be charged in court and may be fined up to $2,000 or jailed up to 3 months upon conviction for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the offender may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to 6 months upon conviction.
With effect from 1 February 2016, PABs need to comply with requirements that are aligned with European Standard EN15194 and weigh no more than 20kg, in order to be approved and sealed with the orange seal.
Details of Technical Requirements:
Approved seal after 1 February 2016
A guide for members of the public who are thinking to buy new vehicles:
Under the Road Traffic Act, penalties for riding non-compliant PAB, first offender will be fined composition sum of $300, while repeat offender will be fined composition sum of $500.
Members of the public who spot illegally modified PABs may alert LTA via 1800-CALL-LTA or [email protected]ov.sg
