Singapore bill would require online sellers of mobility devices to display safety warnings

Online sellers of active mobility devices in Singapore could soon have to display safety warnings and usage rules directly on their products under a bill tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Land Transport and Related Matters Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Transport, proposes amendments to laws covering active mobility, electric-vehicle charging, road traffic and small motorised vehicles. It would extend restrictions that currently apply to physical retailers to online sales and advertising platforms.

Sellers would be barred from advertising or selling non-compliant devices. The bill would also prohibit false or misleading claims about a device or its components, as well as advertisements for illegal modification services. The ministry said online channels have become an increasingly common way to market and sell mobility devices and their batteries.

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Penalties are doubled for repeat offenders. This aligns with that of similar offences under the Active Mobility Act for illegal modification and sale of non-compliant devices.

The proposed rules would add safeguards against battery-related fires. Battery sellers would have to display specifications, including compatible device models, voltage and capacity. It would become an offence to advertise or sell an incompatible battery for a personal mobility device, power-assisted bicycle or mobility vehicle, or to fit or use such a battery in those devices.

The bill would also increase penalties for illegal imports of non-compliant power-assisted bicycles and motorised personal mobility devices. For individuals, the maximum penalty would rise from a S$5,000 fine or up to six months’ jail, or both, to a fine of up to S$10,000 or up to 12 months’ jail, or both. The maximum fine for non-individuals would increase from S$10,000 to S$40,000. Repeat offenders would face doubled penalties, the ministry said.

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The use of batteries that are not compatible with the devices in which they are fitted may also pose fire safety concerns. These developments underscore the need to strengthen safeguards for online sales and battery compatibility.