“Bumpy Ride” at Sengkang Square: E‑Scooter’ Riser Gets A Rough Landing
On a sunny Monday morning, a woman on an e‑scooter found herself on the wrong side of the road when a white lorry screeched to a halt on Sengkang East Road. The incident, which took place around 9:47 am, left the 34‑year‑old rider disoriented but thankfully alive.
What Went Down
- At roughly 9:47 am, a white lorry abruptly braked, alarmingly jolting the e‑scooter under its front bumper.
- The rider, who was possibly waiting to cross the street, was caught off‑guard and fell onto the road.
- Her e‑scooter lodged beneath the lorry’s front, with one of the lorry’s wipers curling across the asphalt.
- Witnesses reported that she had severed arms and legs, making it difficult for her to move.
Quick‑Response Heroes
Neighbors acted fast: a fruit stall owner, Mr Ng Nyian Onn (36), heard the sudden screech and rushed over. Together with a Shell station employee, they helped the injured rider and called for an ambulance on the spot.
“I saw the sound of a vehicle stopping right there. When I turned, there she was, lying on the road.” – Mr Ng
The lorry’s driver also stepped out to check on her, staying vigilantly behind before the ambulance whisked her away to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
Regulations & Safety Concerns
- In Singapore, e‑scooters are only allowed on footpaths and shared paths – not on roads or pedestrian streets.
- Incidents involving portable mobility devices (PMDs) are on the rise: from 19 cases in 2015 to a staggering 128 last year.
- Over the past 10 months, Mr Ng has spotted at least three accidents at this junction alone.
What The Authorities Are Doing
After a review by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, they recommend:
- Mandating active‑mobility users to stop and look out at each road crossing.
- Lowering the speed limit on footpaths from 15 km/h to 10 km/h.
Transport Minister MOT said they are studying these suggestions and will evaluate the best way forward.
In the meantime, residents of Sengkang are all a little more aware of the perils when navigating the shared spaces with their bikes and scooters.
