Singapore Tightens Rules on Active Mobility Devices
Singapore has passed new laws to restrict the online sale and advertising of non-compliant active mobility devices to improve public safety.
Quick facts
- Parliament passed the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill on October 7, 2026.
- There were 49 fires involving active mobility devices reported in 2025.
- New measures include a ban on non-compatible batteries in power-assisted bicycles and mobility vehicles.
Why it matters
The passage of this bill signifies a shift toward greater accountability for online platforms in the e-commerce sector regarding consumer safety. By targeting the supply side of the market, the government aims to reduce the prevalence of fire-prone devices that have historically caused significant public concern. The ongoing discussion in Parliament highlights the complexity of regulating digital marketplaces while balancing the needs of commuters and retailers.
Singapore has introduced new legal measures to enhance public safety by regulating the sale and use of active mobility devices (AMD). On October 7, 2026, Parliament passed the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill, which places stricter requirements on online retailers regarding the sale and advertising of these devices.
What do the new regulations mean?
The new law requires online marketplaces to display clear warning notices regarding device usage rules and safety standards. A primary objective of the legislation is to curb the risk of fires caused by unsafe or non-compliant batteries. The Ministry of Transport has officially banned the use of non-compatible batteries in power-assisted bicycles, motorised personal mobility devices, and other mobility vehicles.
Why this is trending in Singapore
The topic is trending because members of parliament engaged in a debate on October 7, 2026, regarding the practical enforcement of these rules. Lawmakers questioned how the Land Transport Authority intends to identify non-compliant listings on digital platforms and called for simpler safety specifications that both casual sellers and consumers can easily understand.
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that the legislation passed on October 7, 2026, and includes provisions for a new regulatory sandbox for autonomous vehicles. However, specific details regarding the exact enforcement mechanisms—such as whether authorities will rely on active monitoring or public reports to police online marketplaces—were not confirmed at the time of writing. The government has yet to announce if a public list of approved models and compatible batteries will be made available to the public.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of the new mobility device laws?
The primary goal is to improve public safety by reducing fire risks. The law targets the sale and advertising of non-compliant active mobility devices and prohibits the use of non-compatible batteries in power-assisted bicycles and other motorised mobility vehicles.
What happened to active mobility devices in 2025?
According to government reports, there were 49 fires involving active mobility devices in Singapore during 2025, a statistic that has prompted the current legislative push to tighten safety standards and online sales regulations.
When were the new mobility device regulations passed?
The Land Transport and Related Matters Bill, which includes the new restrictions on active mobility devices, was passed by the Singapore Parliament on October 7, 2026.
Are online retailers affected by the new rules?
Yes. Online retailers are now required to display warning notices regarding device usage and must ensure that they do not sell or advertise non-compliant active mobility devices on their platforms.
What concerns did MPs raise in Parliament?
MPs raised questions about the enforcement of these laws on online platforms. They asked whether the Land Transport Authority would rely on public reports or active monitoring and suggested that safety specifications should be simplified for casual sellers.
Does the new bill cover other transport modes?
Yes. The Land Transport and Related Matters Bill is wide-ranging and also introduced a new regulatory sandbox for the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public paths in Singapore.
In this story
Sources
- The Straits Times: Rope in online sellers to help curb problem of unsafe mobility devices, say MPs in Parliament
- CNA: Parliament passes law banning online sales and ads for non-compliant active mobility devices
- AsiaOne: Singapore moves to crack down on illegal ride-hailing, non-compliant mobility devices
Trend snapshot
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- Singapore
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- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Oct 8, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Last checked Oct 8, 2026 at 3:49 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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