Starting next month, those under 16 years old may be fined, or even jailed, for riding an electric scooter without adult supervision.

Cyclists and users of personal mobility devices (PMDs) will also be banned from holding and using their mobile phones while riding. A code of conduct is also being introduced to advise pedestrians on the safe practices.

These measures, part of the government’s changes to the Active Mobility Act, were proposed by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) in late 2019, to improve the safety of using devices like bicycles and e-scooters.

Other implemented measures include tougher penalties for errant users and requiring retailers to send their e-scooters for safety inspections.

They were proposed in response to the growing number of fires and accidents involving e-scooters, including an increase of active mobility offences in 2019 – with about 4,900 reported offences in total.

By banning riders under 16 from riding e-scooters on public paths without adult supervision, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) hopes to tackle the issue of reckless riding amongst youths.

To address safety concerns regarding distracted driving, cyclists and PMD riders are not allowed to use their mobile communication devices while riding, unless they are mounted or being used in a hands-free manner.

Offenders can be fined up to $1,000 or face up to three months in jail for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the maximum punishment will be doubled. The rules will be enforced by the LTA, with a team of about 200 active mobility enforcement officers.