SINGAPORE — An e-scooter rider suspected to have voluntarily caused hurt by dangerous means will be charged in court on Tuesday (Feb 11).

In a press statement on Monday, the police said investigations revealed that the 33-year-old man was riding his personal mobility device (PMD) on a footpath on Nov 29 last year when he got into a verbal dispute with a 72-year-old man.

He used his belt buckle to hit the older man, causing cuts to his forehead.

The older man was taken to the hospital while conscious. The statement did not indicate where the incident occurred.

If convicted of the offence, the rider may be jailed up to three years, or fined up to S$5,000 or both.

The police added that they have observed more cases of fights and harassment between PMD riders and pedestrians since the authorities banned the use of PMDs on footpaths on Nov 5 last year.

In one case, five PMD riders on a footpath shouted vulgarities at an individual who was filming them and also pushed him from the back, causing him to sustain minor injuries.

In another case, a PMD rider on a footpath rang his bell for a pedestrian to give way but the pedestrian did not oblige. Instead, he started recording a video of the rider. When the rider stopped him from doing that, he punched the rider.

“The police would like to advise pedestrians and PMD riders to keep the peace and refrain from confrontations. PMD riders are also reminded to adhere to the Land Transport Authority's regulations and not ride on unauthorised areas,” they said.

The police also said that it will investigate all reports and take action against those who intentionally harass or cause hurt to others.