The city-state is the latest country to introduce new regulations to cope with a surge in the popularity of the contraptions (AFP Photo/Roslan RAHMAN) |
Singapore (AFP) - Electric scooter riders in Singapore were banned from footpaths Monday and could face jail if they break the rule, after a series of accidents linked to the trendy two-wheelers sparked anger.
The
city-state is the latest country to introduce new regulations to cope with a
surge in the popularity of the contraptions, which many pedestrians view as
silent menaces.
Tech-savvy
Singapore has embraced the e-scooter craze but accidents -- including fires
blamed on charging devices and the death of an elderly cyclist in a September
collision -- triggered calls for a ban.
E-scooters
were already banned from Singapore's roads but the Land Transport Authority
said the two-wheelers were now prohibited on all footpaths.
They can
only be used on cycle paths and a network of routes connecting parks.
The
city-state is the latest country to introduce new regulations to cope with
a
surge in the popularity of the contraptions (AFP Photo/Roslan RAHMAN)
|
Most riders
caught on footpaths until the end of the year will be given warnings but a
strict approach will be taken from January 1, with offenders facing a jail term
of up to two months and a maximum fine of Sg$2,000 ($1,500).
"This
move is a necessary one to ensure pedestrian safety as incidents involving
errant e-scooter riders continue to rise in spite of our heightened enforcement
and education efforts," the authority said in a statement.
Singapore
had already introduced other rules, including a requirement to register devices
and speed limits.
France last
week issued a series of rules on the use of e-scooters, including setting
maximum speed limits at 25 kilometres (15 miles) per hour for riders who must
be at least 12 years old.
Riding on
sidewalks will be prohibited unless a city permits them in certain areas, and
at walking speed only.
Supporters
say the devices can plug gaps in public transport networks by helping commuters
cover the short stretch from home to the bus or subway station, and can reduce
dependence on cars.
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