Disabled can still use mobility aids to cross roads, minister clarifies

Persons with disabilities can still use their personal mobility aids to travel across roads despite a government ban on such vehicles on the roads, said Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong.

Personal mobility aids (PMA) are also allowed on other surfaces, such as in shopping malls, sidewalks, five-foot ways, and parks, subject to rules put in place by premise owners and local authorities.

The clarification came after the ministry announced a ban on micromobility vehicles on roads yesterday, which Wee said had caused some confusion.

"In formulating this policy, the Transport Ministry had held a discussion session with the Welfare Department, OKU Central and PWD (person with disabilities) associations on April 23, 2021, to get input from these parties on the enforcement of the prohibition of the use of micromobility (vehicles).

"For those who fall under the PWD category and/or those with health issues, the individuals involved can use it (by sitting on the PMA) on pedestrian lanes on the road to cross the road.

"However, users are advised to be careful and mindful of the safety of themselves and other pedestrians when crossing the road," he said in a statement today.

Apart from PMAs, mopeds and personal mobility devices such as electric scooters were affected by the ban. Violators are liable to a RM300 compound.

However, in his announcement yesterday, the minister had said such vehicles are still allowed in areas where there is no mixture of traffic flows involving various vehicles.

Their use can also be considered if local authorities can provide infrastructure and facilities that would support the safe use of such vehicles, he said. - Mkini