Singapore’s Land Transport Authority announced that users of eBicycles and eScooters will have to pass a mandatory online theory test by the end of this year. The theory test will be available to take from 30 June 2021 onwards.
There will be two different types of tests—one for eBike users which includes 40 multiple choice questions in 40 minutes, and one for eScooter users which includes 30 multiple choice questions in 30 minutes. Both types of users will need a passing score of at least 80% for both tests, which will touch on the awareness of active mobility rules, code of conduct and safe riding practices.
The minimum age for riding eBikes and eScooters is 16. So, adults supervising riders below 16 will also be required to pass the eScooter theory test.
The users who pass will receive a digital certificate with no expiry date—which will be necessary to carry while riding an eBike or eScooter starting 1 January 2022. Those who are caught riding without the certificate can be fined up to SGD 2,000 (RM6,194) and/or jailed for six months for the first offence. But if you’re a repeat offender, you could be fined up to SGD 5,000 (RM15,485) and/or jailed for 12 months.
“We encourage riders to register and obtain the test certificates as soon as possible, once the test is made available on June 30,” said the Land Transport Authority.
Once it’s available, riders can register for the test with Singapore Polytechnic’s Professional and Adult Continuing Education Academy. Early birds who register between 30 June and 30 September will only need to pay SGD 5 (RM15.48) per test—with a free resit if they fail on their first try. However, those who register after 30 September will pay SGD 10 (RM30.96) per test attempt.
The test will be available in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. But if riders wish to take the test in person, should contact LTA at this website. Riders can also already start studying through eHandbooks, which has been uploaded online.
There were a total of 417 accidents involving cyclists and eBike users in 2019 between January and November. This includes an accident between a cyclist and an eScooter user who did not meet regulations, which resulted in a death.
“Hopefully, the test will ensure that people have the minimum required knowledge to ride safely,” said Mr Koh, a former member of Singapore’s Active Mobility Advisory Panel.
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