In Singapore, the rules depend on both the device and the type of path. A normal bicycle may be ridden on ordinary footpaths at up to 10 km/h and on cycling or shared paths at up to 25 km/h. However, a bicycle must not be ridden on a designated Pedestrian-Only Path converted beside a cycling path. A motorised e-scooter is not permitted on footpaths or roads; a compliant registered one is restricted to permitted cycling/shared paths. A Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB) may use cycling/shared paths and applicable roads but not footpaths.
New rules for Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) took effect on 1 June 2026. Motorised PMAs must be ridden at no more than 6 km/h on public paths, and users of mobility scooters generally need a Certificate of Medical Need unless a stated exemption applies, such as being aged 70 or above. New mobility scooters sold by retailers must be registered, while registration of all mobility scooters used on public paths is scheduled to become compulsory by 1 January 2029. These rules are not identical to e-scooter or PAB registration.
Quick summary: Identify whether the device is a bicycle, PAB, motorised/non-motorised PMD or PMA; identify whether your route uses a footpath, Pedestrian-Only Path, cycling path, shared path or road; obey the applicable speed and equipment rules; give way to pedestrians; and follow LTA’s Rules and Code of Conduct. Check current regulations before purchasing, modifying or using a mobility scooter or e-scooter.
Where can each device go? A practical comparison
This table summarises the broad current LTA rules. Some specific devices and sites require additional conditions; road restrictions include expressways and road tunnels, and PMA users have separate maximum speeds.
| Device | Footpath / pedestrian-only | Cycling or shared path | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal bicycle | Ordinary footpath allowed up to 10 km/h; barred from designated Pedestrian-Only Paths | Allowed up to 25 km/h | Allowed where road rules permit; not expressways/tunnels |
| Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB) | Not permitted | Allowed up to path speed limit, with compliant approved PAB | Allowed where rules permit |
| Motorised PMD / e-scooter | Not permitted | Permitted only if compliant and appropriately registered | Not permitted |
| Non-motorised PMD / kick scooter | Ordinary footpath allowed; designated Pedestrian-Only Path barred | Permitted within path rules | Not permitted |
| Mobility scooter / motorised wheelchair (PMA) | Permitted under PMA rules including Pedestrian-Only Paths, max 6 km/h | Permitted under PMA rules, max 6 km/h | Not permitted as road vehicle |
| Pedestrian | Permitted | May be present; use Pedestrian-Only Path where available | Use crossings and follow road rules |
80 cycling, PMD, PAB and mobility-aid vocabulary terms
A similar-looking device may be legally classified in a very different way. Read each row with the type of path, technical standard and intended user in mind. Signage on the ground and current LTA rules remain controlling.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Practical consequence |
|---|---|---|
| LTA | Land Transport Authority | Use the current official active-mobility rules |
| Active mobility | Travel by bicycles, scooters and specified personal mobility devices | Classify the device before choosing a route |
| AMA | Active Mobility Act framework | Defines relevant path-use obligations |
| Active Mobility Enforcement Officer | LTA official enforcing applicable device and path rules | Follow lawful directions |
| Bicycle | Non-motorised pedal-powered cycle | Allowed on some paths and roads |
| E-scooter | Motorised personal mobility scooter | Not permitted on roads or footpaths |
| PMD | Personal Mobility Device | Category with motorised and non-motorised types |
| Motorised PMD | Powered device such as an e-scooter | Use only permitted cycling/shared paths |
| Non-motorised PMD | Human-powered device such as kick scooter | Ordinary footpath rules differ from powered PMDs |
| PAB | Power-Assisted Bicycle | Requires compliant approved design and registration |
| E-bike | Informal term sometimes used for PAB | Confirm formal classification and approval |
| PMA | Personal Mobility Aid | Different purpose and regulations from PMD |
| Mobility scooter | Motorised aid for persons with walking difficulties | Certificate of Medical Need or exemption generally required |
| Motorised wheelchair | Powered mobility aid | Observe 6 km/h public-path limit |
| Manual wheelchair | Human-propelled mobility aid | Do not assume motorised-device restrictions apply identically |
| Scooter lookalike | Device resembling a mobility aid but classified otherwise | Check LTA’s classification and diagrams |
| Footpath | Ordinary pedestrian path without specific adjacent conversion | Bicycles and non-motorised PMDs allowed within 10 km/h |
| Pedestrian-Only Path | Marked path next to a dedicated cycling path reserved primarily for pedestrians | Bicycles and PMDs may not ride there |
| Cycling path | Designated path marked for cycling and relevant devices | Observe up to 25 km/h where applicable |
| Shared path | Path designated for pedestrians and active-mobility devices | Observe applicable path rule and give way |
| PCN | Park Connector Network | Check path markings and permitted devices |
| Road | Traffic carriageway subject to road rules | PMDs and PMAs not permitted as vehicles there |
| Expressway | High-speed road with strict entry restrictions | Bicycles and PABs prohibited |
| Road tunnel | Traffic tunnel under specific restrictions | Do not assume bicycle/PAB entry allowed |
| Cyclist logo | Marking identifying cycling path | Use to distinguish adjacent paths |
| Pedestrian-only logo | Marking identifying restricted pedestrian space | Do not ride a bicycle or PMD there |
| Red line marking | Common visual indicator along shared paths | Check sign and path context |
| 10 km/h footpath limit | Ordinary path speed cap for eligible active-mobility devices | Slow down further around people |
| 25 km/h path limit | Speed cap on eligible cycling/shared paths for relevant devices | Not permission for every device to ride there |
| 6 km/h PMA limit | Motorised PMA riding speed cap from June 2026 | Applies even where device can move faster |
| 1 June 2026 | Start date of enhanced PMA rules | New speed and medical-need requirements in force |
| 1 July 2025 | Start of enforcement on newly converted Pedestrian-Only Paths | Do not rely on older maps |
| 1 January 2029 | Date all mobility scooters used on public paths must be registered | Existing devices have separate transition |
| Mid-2027 | Planned start of registration for existing mobility scooters | Check LTA’s later detailed rollout |
| CMN | Certificate of Medical Need | Relevant to mobility scooter users unless exempt |
| AMS | Assessment for Mobility Scooter | Used for relevant medical-need certification |
| Exemption | Regulatory exception for specified users | Age 70+ and other categories can qualify |
| Age 70 exemption | Senior age category exempted from CMN requirement | Age alone does not remove other safety rules |
| SMF | Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund | Certain beneficiaries have CMN exemption |
| ATF | Assistive Technology Fund | Relevant beneficiaries have CMN exemption |
| ADL | Activities of Daily Living | Used in certain functional-assessment exemptions |
| FAR | Functional Assessment Report | Can support eligible disability assessment records |
| SDA | Severe Disability Assessment | Relevant to certain mobility-need exemptions |
| Whitelisting | Approval of mobility scooter model for registration and sale | Check retailer and exact device |
| Device registration | Recording required details with LTA | Different from rider medical certificate |
| Registration mark | Official identifier attached to device | Display as required |
| E-scooter registration | Requirement applying to compliant powered PMDs | Individuals cannot currently register new e-scooters themselves |
| UL2272 | Safety standard required for relevant motorised PMDs | A non-compliant e-scooter cannot be kept under new rules |
| EN15194 | European standard applying to approved PABs | Check genuine approval and seal |
| LTA seal of approval | Official mark for an approved PAB | Do not rely only on seller advertising |
| 250 watts | Maximum continuous motor power for approved PAB | Not an allowance for DIY modification |
| Motor cutoff | Pedal-assist reduction and stop at the stipulated speed | PAB assistance cuts off by 25 km/h |
| 20 kg weight limit | Maximum unladen weight for relevant PMDs | Check actual technical criteria |
| 70 cm device width | Relevant width limit for certain PMDs | Not a universal rule for every mobility aid |
| PMA dimensions | 120 x 70 x 150 cm maximum absent qualifying exception | Check device size and public transport rules |
| PMA laden weight | Weight with rider and load; standard max 300 kg | Check actual capacity and any certified exception |
| Device speed capability | Maximum speed the equipment itself can reach | Not the same as legal path-riding speed |
| Speed limiter | Device mechanism restricting maximum speed | Do not alter illegally |
| Modifications | Physical changes to a compliant device | May invalidate certification or create risk |
| Approved battery | Battery meeting the device’s stated safe specifications | Avoid unsuitable aftermarket changes |
| Charging safety | Safe electricity and battery use | Follow maker guidance and avoid damaged devices |
| Fire hazard | Risk of ignition from batteries or electrical faults | Non-compliant PMDs are a safety concern |
| Helmet | Protective headgear for crash injury mitigation | Required in particular on-road cycling and PAB situations |
| Front light | Lighting for visibility in darkness | Use required lights and maintenance |
| Rear light | Light or reflector helping others see device | Check before evening riding |
| Bell | Audible warning device | Use gently to alert while giving way |
| Brakes | Device components for slowing or stopping | Test before riding |
| Tyre condition | State of wheels and tyres | Inspect for safety |
| Give way | Allow another road or path user priority | Pedestrians deserve priority on shared paths |
| Keep left | Default path positioning except when overtaking | Maintain predictable movement |
| Overtaking | Passing another user | Signal gently and leave safe distance |
| Crossing | Point to move across a road or route | Follow markings and traffic signals |
| Dismount | Get off and walk a bicycle or scooter | Appropriate for crowded or prohibited riding situations |
| Shared bicycle | Rental cycle used through an operator | Return to designated parking zone |
| Parking zone | Designated place for parking devices | Do not block walkways |
| QR parking check | App confirmation at permitted shared-bike parking area | Ensure trip ended properly |
| Liability | Legal responsibility for injury or loss | Risk exists even where device is legal |
| Enforcement | Authorities checking compliance | Penalties differ by specific offence |
| Path code of conduct | Guidance for responsible sharing | Slow down even below legal maximum when needed |
| Pedestrian safety | Measures protecting walkers and vulnerable users | Prioritise at intersections and bus stops |
The path type matters before the vehicle type
LTA distinguishes standalone footpaths from newly marked Pedestrian-Only Paths alongside dedicated cycling paths. From 1 July 2025, cyclists and users of non-motorised PMDs cannot ride on those converted Pedestrian-Only Paths. The initiative did not ban cycling from all ordinary standalone footpaths. Those remain available to bicycles and non-motorised PMDs, subject to the ordinary footpath speed cap and safe riding.
A person seeing a bicycle on a path should therefore ask which kind of path it is before concluding the rider is breaking the rules. Conversely, a footpath with Pedestrian-Only markings beside a cycle lane is not an ordinary shared-use path. Riders should move onto the designated cycle lane or dismount as applicable.
At intersections and crowded places, speed limits are ceilings rather than target speeds. LTA’s code asks users to give way to pedestrians, slow around bus stops and walk devices when a location is crowded.
- Read the ground signs and path markings first.
- Identify whether the device is a bicycle, PAB, PMD or PMA.
- Check whether the device is allowed on that path type.
- Stay below the speed cap and slow further around vulnerable users.
- Dismount or take an alternate route when the intended path cannot be ridden legally or safely.
What changed for mobility scooters on 1 June 2026?
LTA introduced a six-kilometre-per-hour speed cap for all motorised personal mobility aids on public paths from 1 June 2026. Users with older devices capable of up to ten kilometres per hour may have a transition period for equipment compliance until 31 December 2028, but the actual riding speed must still not exceed six kilometres per hour.
Mobility scooters and specified equivalent devices are intended for users with genuine walking difficulty. A Certificate of Medical Need is generally required for users unless a listed exemption applies. Current exemptions include seniors aged seventy and above and certain beneficiaries of subsidised mobility or disability programmes. A person who thinks their earlier disability assessment qualifies should check the actual LTA or related record rather than relying on informal assurances.
New mobility scooters marketed and sold by retailers from June 2026 must meet the registration framework. Registration for existing scooters is planned to begin in mid-2027, with all scooters used on public paths subject to mandatory registration from 1 January 2029. A CMN exemption does not remove speed, size or other safety restrictions.
Why a PMA is not simply a slow PMD
A PMA is intended to support a person who cannot walk or has difficulty walking. A motorised PMD, such as an e-scooter, is an active mobility product with different design, registration and permitted-route rules. A scooter-like device advertised as a ‘mobility scooter’ can still fall into another legal classification if its design does not meet the PMA definition.
LTA publishes examples contrasting mobility scooters with lookalikes. Buyers should check the formal model, retailer registration and intended use before paying. Do not rely on a seller who says a PMD can bypass path bans merely by adding a seat or changing a product label.
Private modifications can also create battery, stability or regulatory risks. Ask an authorised supplier about genuine compliant options rather than attempting to modify the device to fit an exemption.
E-scooters must meet equipment rules and use permitted paths
LTA says e-scooters used on public cycling paths must be properly registered, display the required marks, comply with the relevant maximum weight, width and speed standards, and meet the UL2272 safety standard. Motorised e-scooters are prohibited on ordinary footpaths and roads, and they cannot be ridden on newly designated Pedestrian-Only Paths.
From 1 June 2026, keeping a non-UL2272-compliant e-scooter is itself prohibited under the enhanced fire-safety framework. This is broader than simply forbidding riding it on public paths. A non-compliant device should be disposed of safely through appropriate directions rather than stored and charged at home.
Individual registration of new e-scooters is no longer generally available through LTA; current compliant e-scooters supplied by authorised businesses follow inspection and registration rules. Check the registration and identifying marks before buying second-hand equipment.
Power-Assisted Bicycles have their own approval rules
A PAB is a cycle with electric assistance that engages through pedalling and reduces or cuts off by twenty-five kilometres per hour. LTA’s requirements include EN15194 compliance, a maximum continuous motor output of 250 watts, an approval mark, and registration. Riders must be at least sixteen and comply with applicable safety and helmet rules.
PABs are allowed on cycling/shared paths and suitable roads but not footpaths. They cannot use expressways or road tunnels. A PAB with a powerful throttle or modified motor that no longer satisfies the approved design must not be treated as legal merely because it resembles a bicycle.
Check the actual LTA product requirements and registered ownership when buying used. A low price on a second-hand advertisement is irrelevant if the equipment cannot legally be ridden.
Speed limits are not a universal 25 km/h rule
On ordinary footpaths, relevant bicycles and non-motorised PMDs must observe the ten-kilometre-per-hour limit. On cycling/shared paths, the applicable general maximum is twenty-five kilometres per hour. However, motorised PMAs are restricted to six kilometres per hour from June 2026 even when the path has a higher general limit. Device capability and legal riding speed are different numbers.
When a path is crowded, LTA’s code recommends going slowly and even walking the device. A rider travelling below a legal maximum can still behave dangerously if passing pedestrians too closely or failing to give way. Safe use involves distance, visibility, warning and anticipation, not just watching a speed display.
Footpaths, park connectors and roads are not interchangeable
Some park connectors are shared paths and others contain marked cycling areas or constraints; follow the installed signs and site rules. Riding on a road introduces separate road-traffic obligations and exposure to larger vehicles. Bicycles and compliant PABs may use appropriate roads, but PMDs and PMAs are not allowed on public roads as vehicles under these rules.
Pedestrians are encouraged to use Pedestrian-Only Paths where available. A pedestrian crossing a cycle lane to reach a bus stop must still be given safe space by riders. Do not assume that painted colour alone settles every path status; review path symbols and signs together.
How to use a shared bicycle responsibly
Shared bicycle operators use apps to locate bicycles and confirm permitted parking after a trip. LTA advises ending a shared-bike trip at designated parking zones using the operator’s QR confirmation where applicable. Leaving a rented bicycle across a narrow footpath can obstruct wheelchair users, people with strollers and emergency access.
Check the bicycle’s brakes, tyres and lights before riding. Use appropriate signalling and slow down at crossings. A rental confirmation or map route does not exempt anyone from active-mobility speed and path restrictions.
Reporting a dangerous device or unsafe route
LTA provides an official feedback route for unsafe active-mobility conduct and non-compliant equipment. Describe the location, date, path type, observed behaviour and any photographs taken safely. Do not confront another user physically or publish someone’s personal details based on an unverified assumption about their eligibility.
If a charging battery emits smoke, heat or other danger signs, prioritise moving people away and contacting emergency assistance rather than handling the battery yourself. Fire safety and path-use enforcement are related public concerns but involve different response channels.
A helpful report might say: ‘At the shared path beside the bus stop, a motorised device travelled quickly through a crowded queue at 7:40 am.’ That gives authorities more usable information than describing every scooter as illegal.
A parent-and-child guide to everyday path signs
Teach children the difference between pedestrian, cyclist, shared-path and crossing logos through normal walks. Ask what each marking permits, who is more vulnerable nearby, and why the same bicycle can be permitted on one path but not an adjacent marked Pedestrian-Only Path.
Focus on the words give way, slow, stop, cross, visibility and dismount. These expressions are more valuable than memorising technical penalties because they turn written rules into consistent behaviour. Adults can model this by choosing appropriate routes and correcting unsafe habits even when enforcement officers are not present.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cycle on Singapore footpaths in 2026?
Ordinary standalone footpaths can still be used by bicycles at up to 10 km/h. Bicycles may not ride on marked Pedestrian-Only Paths converted next to cycling paths.
What is the speed limit on a cycling path?
The general applicable limit for relevant bicycles and PMDs is up to 25 km/h, but motorised PMAs have a separate 6 km/h public-path limit.
Can an e-scooter go on the road?
No. LTA restricts compliant registered motorised PMDs such as e-scooters to permitted cycling/shared paths, not roads or footpaths.
What changed for mobility scooters in June 2026?
A 6 km/h riding limit, medical-need certification for non-exempt users, and new retailer registration requirements, with further registration phases announced.
Does a mobility scooter user aged 70 need a CMN?
LTA lists people aged 70 or above among those exempted from the Certificate of Medical Need requirement, although other operating rules still apply.
When do all mobility scooters need registration?
LTA states 1 January 2029 for all mobility scooters used on public paths, with registration of existing devices beginning from mid-2027.
Are e-bikes and e-scooters the same?
No. A compliant Power-Assisted Bicycle and a motorised PMD have different technical standards and permitted road use.
What is UL2272?
A required fire/electrical safety standard for relevant motorised PMDs. LTA prohibits possession or use of non-compliant e-scooters under the enhanced rules.
Can a PAB use ordinary footpaths?
No. LTA allows compliant PABs on cycling/shared paths and permitted roads, not footpaths.
Can bicycles ride through designated Pedestrian-Only Paths?
No. The July 2025 conversion introduced restrictions on riding bicycles and PMDs there, with limited crossings handled cautiously under LTA’s code.
How fast can a PMA be ridden on a shared path?
Motorised PMAs must be ridden at no more than 6 km/h on public paths under the June 2026 rule.
Where can I check a specific device before buying?
Use LTA’s official active-mobility device and mobility-scooter guidance; confirm exact model classification, compliance, certification and registration.
Related eduKateSG guides
- Singapore Vocabulary: EV Charging, Type 2 and CCS2
- Singapore Vocabulary: Driving Licence and Demerit Points
- Singapore Vocabulary: SCDF Home Fire Safety
- Singapore Vocabulary: MyTransport.SG and Accessible Travel
- Vocabulary Articles & Knowledge Hub
Official LTA sources
- LTA: Rules and Code of Conduct — device rules, path types, courtesy and Pedestrian-Only Paths
- LTA: Where devices are allowed — official path-by-device comparison
- LTA: Enhanced Mobility Rules from 1 June 2026 — CMN, speed, dimensions and registration
- LTA: Regulations for PMAs — mobility scooter definitions and transition
- LTA OneMotoring: E-scooters — UL2272, registration and footpath/road bans
- LTA OneMotoring: Power-Assisted Bicycles — PAB motor, age and route requirements
- LTA: Enforcement after enhanced rules — 2026 implementation and enforcement
Reviewed 4 November 2026. Device regulations changed on 1 June 2026, and additional mobility-scooter registration requirements are scheduled for 2027–2029. Actual routes, exemptions and device eligibility depend on current LTA rules. This article explains terms and safe choices, not a substitute for official approval, medical certification or traffic instructions.