From 1 January 2022, power-assisted bicycle (PAB) and e-scooter riders in Singapore must pass a mandatory online theory test from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) before they can ride on cycling paths and roads (applicable to PABs only). The online test will improve awareness of active mobility rules, code of conduct and safe riding practices, in support of a safe and sustainable active mobility landscape.
E-scooters (which are a type of personal mobility device, or PMD) has recently been growing in popularity in Singapore. These devices can be especially helpful for those who have reduced mobility, or who need to move between several relatively nearby locations multiple times a day, or who simply appreciate the added convenience of having another transportation option.
There are separate tests for users of these two types of motorised devices and they will be available on Singapore Polytechnic’s (SP) Professional and Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy’s website from 30 June 2021 in four languages (English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil)/. To help riders prepare for the tests, e-handbooks in these languages have been made available at the agency’s website.
Riders who wish to take the test must register for an account on the theory test portal using their SingPass accounts at least a day before taking the test. Given the minimum age required for using these active mobility devices, those registering for the tests must be at least 16 years old. E-scooter riders below the age of 16 can only ride under adult supervision, and the supervising adult will need to have passed the test.
Registration for the tests will begin on 30 June 2021. Those who register for the test from 30 June to 30 September 2021 will enjoy a discounted fee of S$5 per test, with a free reattempt should they fail on their first try. Riders who register to take the theory test after 30 September will pay S$10 per test attempt. Registration and payment can be made online via credit cards or eNETS via PACE’s website.
Citizens who want to register in person can do so at SP’s One Stop Centre and pay via NETS while those who want to take the test in person should contact the LTA and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The theory test will be comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions for the e-scooter test and 40 for the PAB test. Those sitting for the e-scooter test and PAB test will have 30 minutes and 40 minutes respectively to complete the tests. A digital certificate, with no expiry date, will be issued to those who pass. The passing score is 80%.
A transition period of 6 months from 30 June to 31 December 2021 will be provided for riders to prepare, take and complete the test before enforcement kicks in. From 1 January 2022, riders will be required to show their digital certificate when requested by enforcement officers. The agency encourages riders to register and obtain the test certificates as soon as possible once the test is made available on 30 June 2021.
Also, the use of e-scooters on public paths in Singapore is governed by the Active Mobility Act (AMA), which fully came into effect on 1 May 2018. E-scooters and other PMDs can be useful, viable options for last-mile transportation to and from MRT stations and bus stops, as well as a good way to carry out simple errands around the neighbourhood without having to use a car or public transport. However, riders of e-scooters and PMDs should know their rights and obligations under the AMA to avoid being fined, jailed or even having their e-scooters/PMDs seized.
