SINGAPORE — Since the ban on riding electric scooters on footpaths was strictly enforced at the start of this year, 27 riders have been caught flouting it and could face the brunt of the law.

Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Transport, told Parliament on Monday (Jan 6) that during the grace period, from Nov 5 — when the ban kicked in — to Dec 31 last year, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) issued 6,000 or so advisories to remind riders of the regulations.

The agency also meted out more than 300 summonses against reckless riders during the same period. Those caught for reckless riding could be fined up to S$5,000, jailed up to six months, or both.

During this two-month window, the Government gave riders some leeway by issuing advisories, but began enforcing the ban strictly from Jan 1.

Since the ban took effect, e-scooter accidents along public paths have fallen by about 30 per cent, Dr Lam said.

Now that the advisory period is over, offenders caught riding on footpaths could be fined up to S$2,000 or jailed for up to three months, or both.

Under the rules, e-scooters are allowed only on bicycle paths and park connectors. Other motorised mobility vehicles, such as electric hoverboards and unicycles, will be banned from footpaths progressively by March.

MORE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

As enforcement gathers pace, the LTA has also enlarged its enforcement team — which includes auxiliary police officers — from 100 to 182 officers, Dr Lam said.

More officers are being recruited and the aim is to have 200 officers “soon”, Dr Lam added, without providing a schedule.

In a Facebook update on Sunday, LTA said it carried out plainclothes operations in the Bukit Panjang and Jurong towns last Friday night and Saturday morning.

Besides enforcing the ban on footpaths, its enforcement officers also ensured that e-scooter users complied with other rules, such as those limiting the weight of the vehicles.

All e-scooters in the city-state must not weigh more than 20kg, measure over 70cm in width, or be able to go faster than 25kmh.  

One rider was caught riding a 29.54kg e-scooter on a footpath. Another rider used a 20.62kg vehicle, LTA said.