Wild Wobble: e‑Scooter Shuffle Goes Rogue in Yishun
Picture a bright August afternoon in Yishun, Singapore. Two electric scooters, straight out of a movie set, zip from lane to lane, blasting past cars gripped by the stoplight at a T‑junction between Yishun Avenue 11 and Yishun Avenue 6. One of the scooters even carries a pillion rider, who looks like a “T‑railer” for a dub‑sub‑stitch!
A third rider, apparently on a cycling path, glides past a woman and a child who wild-eyed sprint off “to avoid getting smashed.” The footage, captured via in‑car cameras, hit Facebook like a viral hamster video and now rips through 60,000 eyeballs and 1,000 shares. Another driver, stunned, posted an additional clip – double the drama.
Why the Tension is Real
- Speed masters? Docs say the riders tore the 15 km/h footpath limits and 25 km/h cycling‑path caps, turning every pedestrian into a target.
- No helmets? Their iron‑clad safety is limited only to the lack of any head gear, exposing themselves and motorists to a serious hazard.
- Road rule rebels? Under Singapore’s Road Traffic Act, riding on any public road is outlawed for personal mobility devices (PMDs).
The Singapore Safety Driving Centre’s Mr. Gerard Pereira, age 61, sighed: “They’re on a sidewalk, speeding like they’re in a car race, and then – why rush? They’re arrogant and plain‑silly.”
Penalties that Could Lure Them into Compliance
- First‑time offenders on local roads: $300 fine.
- First‑time offenders on major roads: $500 fine.
- Expressway offenders: court‑handled fines.
- Repeat offenders: up to $5,000 plus jail, possibly 6 months.
- Worst offenders: up to $2,000 fine or 3 months jail on first conviction.
The Active Mobility Act (launched May 1) now bans riding PMDs on roads and pins speed limits of 15 km/h on the sidewalk and 25 km/h on shared paths, including park connectors.
What the Community Says
Denis Koh, at Big Wheel Scooters Singapore, traded words: “We’re not the PMD masses, we’re the bad boys; we’re wrong. But these instances are rare.” He pushes the education, not enforcement narrative.
Road‑Safety Tips (for Drivers, Pupils, and Scooter‑Warriors)
- Slow down – give the scooter that elusive track they’re trying to maintain.
- Respect the pavement – it’s a footpath for a reason.
- Wear a helmet if you’re riding; never rely on “bounding through.”
- Keep eyes peeled for the bewildered pedestrians who might have to beat a scooter if you’re not careful.
“If you hit ‘them,’ you’ll get the consequences. So protect yourself, please!” Mr. Pereira warns. His partners, like Mr. Koh, agree: “Educate the fleet first; enforcement should follow.”
Future Plans on the Horizon
A proposed bill could give the Land Transport Authority (LTA) more powers to crack down on PMD misbehavior and to roll out a registration regime for e‑scooters early next year. It’s a paperwork makeover for safer roads, but for now, patience and good vibes are essential.
Stay safe, share the love, and give the scooters the courtesy of a smoother ride. And please remember to put a helmet on your head – or on your scooter – before you venture out.
