A RVian's Perspective on PMD Safety and Accessibility

Have we all seen this? From 1 June 2026 onwards, those who use personal mobility devices (PMDs) are required to be medically certified, although some groups of people – such as those above 70 years of age – are exempted. This new measure aims to reduce the misuse of PMDs by those who do not have mobility issues, which poses a concern to pedestrians and drivers.

As the number of elderly in Singapore increases, there may be a growing demand for PMDs. There will also be a rising need to ensure that they are used safely and responsibly, given how common it is to see PMD users riding at high speeds on narrow walkways.

The population pyramid for Singapore.

In fact, just the other day, I witnessed how a speeding PMD user almost slammed into a frail elderly man on a narrow pavement. While the PMD user swerved at the last minute, thus avoiding an accident, it is the possibility of such occurrences that worries many of us.

This is because Boon Lay, where our school is located, is home to many elderly people. Those with limited mobility might need to rely on PMDs to travel and could be susceptible to accidents involving PMDs.

As a cycling enthusiast, Kean Hong from 25J10 personally thinks that PMDs are a useful tool for those with mobility issues, especially the elderly. He has very old grandparents and thinks that PMDs will be very helpful for them should they need to use them one day.

A photo of Kean Hong on one of his cycling jaunts

However, the accidents involving collisions with pedestrians – particularly involving the elderly – makes him worried because he is afraid that his grandparents may get into such accidents with reckless delivery riders.

RVians Weigh In

Other RVians have also shared their opinions regarding the usage of PMDs. Lucas from 25J10 discouraged the use of PMDs by those who did not really need it but found it convenient to travel around in one. He finds that PMDs clog up walkways due to their bulky size, which could be dangerous because the risk of collision with pedestrians increases, especially in narrow walkways or confined spaces.

A narrow HDB corridor that PMD users could possibly use. Photo by Lucas.

Ashley from 25J05 shared a similar idea relating to confined spaces. She thinks that certain infrastructure can make it difficult for PMD users to navigate around cramped spaces such as marketplaces. This can obstruct paths and make it harder for them to reach their desired destination.

Mr Rick Yang, a GP teacher, has observed that there has been a fall in the number of PMDs and a decrease in the speed in which they travel nowadays, compared to 2018 when they were zooming around and there were many instances of collisions.

He believes that the new measures should be effective at reducing the misuse of PMDs, since the last few rounds of measures have managed to cut down the number of reckless PMD users on the roads and pavements.

He also finds it interesting that today, PMDs are mainly used by those who require it medically, unlike the past where it was a mode of transport.

Putting ‘Personal’ in PMD

While my interviewees did not have any relatives who needed to use a PMD due to mobility issues, I personally have a family member who needs to use one for this reason. My grandmother got into a car accident in which she fractured her leg.

Her injury was not treated well and some bones jutted in the wrong direction. This caused the bone to pierce her skin whenever she walked. Hence she needs to use a PMD to reduce the pain she feels in her leg.

During the December holidays, I was given an opportunity to use the PMD while staying over at my grandparents’ home in Sengkang. My grandmother accompanied my family on our walk in the Sengkang Riverside Park, and she offered to let me drive her PMD on some parts of the road.

Three chickens in Sengkang Riverside Park. Photo taken by Si Yi.

As a passenger, I found the speed at which she drove extremely fast and rather scary, especially on narrow walkways and when crossing the road. So when it was my turn to drive, I drove at a walking pace which I found safe. I think the pavements would be a safer space for everyone should all PMD riders travel at that speed.

When I first heard about these new measures, without knowledge of what they aimed to achieve, I was worried that my grandmother would not be allowed to use the PMD anymore, which could affect her ability to travel outdoors.

However, after conducting my research for this article, I am at ease knowing that she can still use the PMD, albeit at a slower speed than she usually travels at.

After that experience, I better appreciate my ability to walk because sitting for a long time on the PMD made my back ache.

A photo of Si Yi on the PMD with her brother driving her before the new ruling came into effect.

It is hard for me to imagine how difficult it is for those with mobility issues to have to sit for prolonged periods of time when going out. It is even harder for me to imagine how able-bodied people who misuse the PMD (and are not delivery riders) seem to prefer sitting on one instead of stretching their legs. Even so, I think that PMDs have greatly helped those with mobility issues in travelling distances otherwise considered too strenuous for them.

With the new measures taking effect soon, we can look forward to seeing fewer able-bodied people misusing PMDs and safer public spaces for everyone.