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With the more
frequent use of motorised bicycles on the roads, the Land
Transport Authority (LTA) and the Traffic Police (TP) will
introduce a revised set of requirements for motorised
bicycles and riders from 1 January 2005, to enhance the
safety of riders and other road users. |
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To ensure that
the motorised bicycles sold in the market meet the
approved technical requirements, LTA will also introduce a
type- approval scheme for motorised bicycles from 1
October 2004. |
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Revised
Requirements |
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Technical
Requirements |
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Motorised
bicycles, with a maximum power output not exceeding 200
watts, are treated like conventional bicycles and are
exempted from registration with the LTA for use on public
roads. |
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In addition to
this condition on maximum power output, LTA will introduce
the following additional requirements, to take into
account the safety and environmental concerns associated
with the use of motorised bicycles: |
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1) The
construction of a motorised bicycle must be similar to
that of a conventional pedal bicycle;
2) A motorised
bicycle can only be powered by an electric source (e.g.
battery), and not be petrol-driven;
3) The motor
power of the motorised bicycle can only cut in when the
rider starts to pedal; and
4) The motor
power of the motorised bicycle must be cut off when it
reaches 25km/h or when the rider stops pedaling.
Motorised
bicycles, with a power output greater than 200 watts, are
required to meet the technical and registration
requirements of motorcycles, if they are to be used on
public roads. |
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Type-approval
& Certification Scheme |
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Every new make
and model of motorised bicycle must obtain type-approval
from any of the LTA-authorised inspection centres. Each
approved bicycle must also be affixed with a seal by the
inspection centre, before it can be sold or used on public
roads in Singapore. |
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Prospective
buyers are advised not to buy any motorised bicycle that
is not affixed with a seal, if they wish to continue to
use it on public roads from 1 January 2005. |
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Existing
owners will need to obtain a seal for their motorised
bicycle from any LTA-authorised inspection centres to
ensure compliance with the new technical requirements. |
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Rider
Requirements |
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For road
safety reasons, TP will require all riders of motorised
bicycles to be at least 16 years old, and they must wear a
bicycle helmet when riding the motorised bicycles. These
new requirements will take effect from 1 January 2005.
Carrying pillions is also not allowed. |
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Given the
higher sustainable speed of motorised bicycles compared to
that of conventional bicycles, riders of motorised
bicycles are required to wear a suitable bicycle helmet so
as to protect against head injuries. TP also see the merit
of having motorised bicycle riders of a certain maturity
level as this enhances their interaction with other road
users. |
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The age
requirement imposed on such riders is not unique in
Singapore. Overseas countries like US, UK and Germany also
impose an age limit on users of motorised bicycles,
ranging from 14 to 16 years of age. |
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Cyclists are a
vulnerable group of road users. We urge all motorists to
help ensure road safety by keeping a lookout for this
group. |
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Penalties
for Non-compliance |
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To ensure the
safe usage of motorised bicycles, penalties will be
imposed for the non-compliance of the new requirements. |
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From 1 January
2005, suppliers who sell motorised bicycles without the
type-approval seal will be liable to a fine of up to
$2,000, or a jail term up to three months for the first
offence. For subsequent offences, they are liable to a
fine of up to $5,000 or a jail term of up to six months. |
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Owners are
advised not to modify their bicycles after they are
type-approved and are affixed with a seal. This is to
ensure that their bicycles remain compliant with the
technical requirements and are safe for use. |
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Owners, who
made modifications to their motorised bicycles resulting
in them not complying with the technical requirements,
will be liable to a fine of up to $2,000 or a jail term of
up to three months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine
of up to $5,000 or a jail term up to six months. |
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Riders of
motorised bicycles, who do not comply with the rider
requirements on public roads, are liable to a fine up to
$1,000 or a jail term of up to three months. |
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Public
Information |
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Notices,
detailing the revised requirements, will be made available
at the LTA-authorised inspection centres. |
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Members
of the general public who wish to obtain more information
about the technical requirements can contact the LTA
Hotline at 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582) or visit the
ONE.MOTORING website at www.onemotoring.com.sg. |
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They
can call Traffic Police at 6547 0000 to inquire about
riders' requirements and general traffic rules pertaining
to cycling on public roads. They can also go online to www.spf.gov.sg
and www.ecitizen.gov.sg
for a list of Frequently Asked Questions. |
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Source:
Land Transport Authority
Media Release 30 Sep 2004 |
Motorised Bicycles & Riders
All rights reserved
