Two-seater PMA sparks debate on road safety and regulations
Akira Heng shared the photo on Thursday (July 3) in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group. It showed a man, wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the Grab logo, riding the PMA with a female passenger seated behind him.
The post quickly gained traction, with many netizens raising concerns about the vehicle's legality on public roads. Some also questioned the safety of its battery, fearing the potential risk of a fire or an explosion.
The photo appeared to have originated from Facebook user Patrick Ang, who had earlier shared it with the caption, "Why do I even buy a car?".
Heng noted that he had found an identical-looking PMA on Taobao priced at $880, excluding delivery fees. He expressed curiosity about how much shipping would cost, and whether such an item would clear customs checks, given its size and questionable legality.
PMAs restricted to single seat: LTA
Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations state that PMAs are limited to a single seat and are intended solely for individuals who are unable to walk or face difficulty walking.
From 2026, PMAs will be subject to additional regulations, including a maximum speed of 6kmh. They will also be restricted in size: they must not exceed 70cm in width, 120cm in length, 150cm in height, and 300kg in weight.
In May, Shin Min Daily News reported that similar PMAs, resembling Thailand's tuk-tuks, were seen parked near the Muslim cemetery in Lim Chu Kang. Some were being used to carry materials within the cemetery grounds.
Cemetery worker Rosli (transliterated), 66, said these PMAs were typically used for transporting construction materials on-site.
Another worker, Saleh (transliterated), 60, said he had purchased his PMA for $3,800 from a bicycle shop in Bukit Batok that helped him import it from China.
In response to Shin Min's queries, LTA stated that enforcement action had been taken, and the vehicles were seized for investigation.
"These vehicles are not approved for use and are currently impounded. All vehicles must be approved before being allowed on public roads."
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