SINGAPORE: On 30 May 2025, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced via Facebook that it had taken enforcement action against a retailer for selling non-compliant active mobility devices (AMDs).
As part of the operation, LTA impounded five non-compliant AMDs and one unregistered vehicle.
A photo shared by LTA showed that the unregistered vehicle resembled an auto-rickshaw, commonly referred to as a “tuk-tuk”.
According to LTA, eight offences were detected in total. These included displaying non-compliant power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and personal mobility devices (PMDs), as well as failing to display required warning notices.
The agency cited Section 34(1) of the Active Mobility Act 2017, under which selling non-compliant AMDs is an offence. Individuals found guilty may face penalties of up to S$20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months. Companies may be fined up to S$40,000.
Additionally, keeping or using an unregistered vehicle contravenes Section 10(1) of the Road Traffic Act. First-time offenders face fines of up to S$2,000 and/or up to three months’ imprisonment.
For repeat offences, penalties may rise to S$5,000, up to six months’ jail, or both.
LTA stressed that all AMDs and vehicles must meet approval and registration requirements before being used on public roads and shared paths.
This latest enforcement follows an earlier operation in Old Choa Chu Kang, where nine unregistered vehicles were seized.
The agency reaffirmed that it will continue to take firm action against any party flouting the regulations.
Public questions LTA’s enforcement after ‘tuk-tuks’ seized at Lim Chu Kang cemetery
Last week, LTA also seized several unregistered auto-rickshaws, commonly referred to as “tuk-tuks”, near Lim Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery.
According to a report by Shin Min Daily News, the vehicles lacked number plates and were allegedly used by cemetery workers such as tombstone craftsmen and groundskeepers.
The report stated that these workers had turned to tuk-tuks as an affordable alternative to trucks, which are more costly to acquire and maintain.
Some of the solar-powered tuk-tuks, imported from China, have reportedly been in use since around 2020.
One user with a leg injury told reporters he relied on the vehicle to transport heavy tools within the cemetery grounds.
LTA confirmed enforcement action in the area, reiterating that all motor vehicles must comply with safety and registration rules regardless of their use or location.
Following the seizures, some members of the public questioned perceived inconsistencies in enforcement.
Some asked whether electric buggies used by town council staff for rubbish collection in Housing Board estates should also be subject to the same regulations, givetuk tukn their lack of visible registration plates.
Although these comparisons have sparked debate, LTA has previously taken action against various devices found in breach of the law.
In 2024, for instance, the authority impounded four personal mobility aids (PMAs) after 10 users were caught riding them on public roads.
More recently, 78 AMDs were impounded in an islandwide operation targeting public and residential areas.
The move forms part of LTA’s broader effort to reduce fire risks associated with non-compliant devices, particularly in housing estates.
Under current regulations, PMDs must not exceed a weight of 20 kilograms, a width of 70 centimetres, or a top motorised speed of 25 kilometres per hour.
Use of non-compliant or unapproved devices can result in fines of up to S$10,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
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