SINGAPORE: A retailer in Yishun is now under investigation after being caught allegedly modifying personal mobility devices (PMDs) by adding extra batteries — a practice banned due to the serious fire risks it poses.
In a Facebook update, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) shared that its Active Mobility Enforcement Officers (AMEOs) conducted an operation on the premises yesterday. During the raid, three non-compliant PMDs were seized. Presently, investigations are still ongoing.
LTA said it will continue taking firm action against retailers and individuals found offering illegal modification services, stressing that such changes endanger not only the rider but also the wider public.
Authorities have long warned against illegal tampering with e-scooters or e-bikes, especially adding extra batteries to increase speed or range. These unauthorised modifications have been linked to fires and severe injuries in the past.
Read related: Over 600 non-compliant active mobility devices seized; LTA step up enforcement against errant retailers
“Fire risk that burns and kills”
Online, many Singaporeans reacted strongly to the news, with a mix of frustration and relief that action is finally being taken. One commenter called the raid a “great score,” adding that such modifications are “the fire starter part that burns and kills,” referencing the many PMD-related fires reported in recent years.
Another netizen urged for harsher penalties, saying, “This calls for a deterrent sentence to send a message to those who are also doing it.” Others argued that enforcement had come too late, with one frustrated user commenting, “Always, always not one step but many steps behind. Should have done this long ago. After the horses have escaped, then you think of closing the gates.”
Another suggested holding retailers fully accountable: “Impound all assets! Fire risk liability should also be transferred to them.”
Why it matters
In recent years, PMDs have become a common sight in Singapore — used by food delivery riders, students, and commuters alike. That’s why authorities have tightened regulations around PMDs, including banning non-compliant devices, setting strict weight and speed limits, and introducing fire safety standards for batteries.
The latest case in Yishun serves as a reminder that even one illegal modification can have dangerous consequences. It’s not just about breaking the law — it’s about putting lives at risk.
For more information on the rules and code of conduct on active mobility devices, you may check out the LTA rules online. They have emphasised to the public that all users should “cycle, scoot, and ride considerately”.
Staying safe on the paths
LTA is urging the public to buy only from trusted retailers and to check second-hand devices carefully before purchase. Riders should make sure their devices comply with all active mobility regulations and haven’t been tampered with.
Members of the public who spot illegal modifications or reckless path users can report them through LTA’s feedback portal.
As one commenter put it bluntly, these modifications aren’t just about speeding up — they can cost lives. This latest operation sends a clear message: safety always comes first.
Read also: ICA officers intercept undeclared Brunei currency worth nearly S$200,000 at Woodlands Checkpoint
