Personal Mobility Aids (PMA) vs Personal Mobility Device (PMD)

~updated on 25 July 2025

As Singapore embraces active mobility, it’s crucial for the public to understand the distinctions between Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) and Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and the regulations governing their use. At DrWheelchair, we specialize in servicing and maintaining HSA-compliant Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs), ensuring safety and adherence to government policies for our elderly and handicapped clients.

This guide, referencing the latest Singapore Government policies, will clarify the differences and outline their permitted use on our paths.

PMA vs PMD – Key Differences

Feature	Personal Mobility Aid (PMA)	Personal Mobility Device (PMD)
Purpose	For users with mobility difficulties	For leisure or personal transport
Examples	Mobility scooters, motorised wheelchairs	E-scooter, E-skateboards, hoverboards,
Speed Limit	Max 10 km/h	Max 25 km/h
Allowed Places of Use	Footpaths, malls, parks	Cycling paths, park connectors (not footpaths)
User Type	Seniors or users with medical conditions	General public, recreational users
Regulation	Approved by HSA/LTA for mobility use	Must be UL2272 – certified

What are Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs)?

Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) are designed specifically to assist individuals with walking difficulties, including the elderly and those with disabilities. They are considered medical devices.

Examples of PMAs: Motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Key Characteristics & Regulations

(as of Q1 2026, with transition periods):

Purpose:

To provide mobility support for persons unable to walk or with walking difficulties.

Design Criteria:

Must have 3 or more wheels and a footboard supported by the wheels.
Steered by handlebars.
Has only one seat (devices with multiple seats are not considered mobility scooters).
Propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle.

Speed Limit:

Maximum 6 km/h on all public paths (footpaths, shared paths, cycling paths, pedestrian-only paths).
Transition: Existing motorized PMAs with a maximum speed of up to 10 km/h can continue to be used until end-2028, but must travel no faster than 6 km/h on paths. From 2029, all PMAs must not have a maximum speed exceeding 6 km/h.

Dimensions & Laden Weight (from Q1 2026):

Maximum Width: 70 cm
Maximum Length: 120 cm
Maximum Height: 150 cm (measured from the floor to the top of the PMA or the user’s head when seated)
Maximum Laden Weight: 300 kg (total weight of PMA with user)
Exemptions: Users requiring oversized PMAs due to medical necessity may be exempted if certified by a healthcare professional through the Assessment for Mobility Scooter (AMS).

HSA Compliance:

As medical devices, PMAs must comply with Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulations. Manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers require HSA licenses, and most devices must be registered with HSA (Class A, low-risk devices are typically exempt from product registration). They must meet the Essential Principles of Safety and Performance.

Medical Certification:

From Q1 2026, mobility scooter users (but not electric wheelchair users) must obtain a certification of medical need through an Assessment for Mobility Scooter (AMS). Retailers are prohibited from displaying, advertising, or selling PMAs that exceed the new speed or dimension restrictions from Q1 2026.

Registration/Licensing:

No LTA registration or theory test is required for PMA users.

Where they can be used:

Allowed on all public paths, including footpaths, shared paths, cycling paths, and Pedestrian-Only Paths.

Not allowed on roads.

What are Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs)?

Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) are primarily for personal transport or recreation. They are not classified as medical aids.

Examples of PMDs: E-scooters, hoverboards, unicycles, electric skateboards.

Key Characteristics & Regulations:

Purpose:

Personal transport or recreation.

Design Criteria:

Maximum unladen weight: 20 kg
Maximum width: 70 cm
Maximum motorized device speed: 25 km/h
Must be certified to the UL2272 safety standard to address fire risks.

Speed Limit:

Maximum device speed 25 km/h.

Dimensions & Weight:

Maximum width 70 cm, maximum weight 20 kg.

HSA Compliance:

PMDs are generally not regulated by HSA as medical devices.

Registration & Theory Test:

Riders must be at least 16 years old, and the device must be registered with the LTA. Riders must also pass an online theory test.

Where they can be used:

Allowed on Shared Paths (e.g., Park Connectors) and Cycling Paths.

NOT allowed on Footpaths or Pedestrian-Only Paths.

Enforcement: From 1 July 2025, enforcement began against riding on footpaths that have been converted to Pedestrian-Only Paths.

NOT allowed on roads.

Footpath Restrictions: A Clear Distinction

The most significant difference in everyday use for the general public lies in their permitted locations:

PMAs (Motorized Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters): Allowed on ALL public paths, including footpaths, shared paths, cycling paths, and Pedestrian-Only Paths. This ensures individuals with mobility challenges can navigate public spaces safely and inclusively.
PMDs (E-scooters, etc.): STRICTLY NOT allowed on Footpaths or Pedestrian-Only Paths. They are confined to shared paths and cycling paths. This measure aims to enhance safety for pedestrians, especially seniors and young children.

DrWheelchair: Your Trusted Partner for HSA-Compliant PMAs

At DrWheelchair, we are committed to supporting the mobility needs of the elderly and handicapped. We ensure that our repair services and any parts used comply with HSA guidelines and the latest LTA regulations for Personal Mobility Aids. Our focus is on providing reliable, safe, and compliant solutions that empower users to maintain their independence.

For any questions regarding your motorized wheelchair or mobility scooter, or to schedule a repair for your HSA-compliant PMA, please contact us. We go to you!

Note: The above information on PMAs and PMDs in Singapore was compiled based on publicly available data from official Singapore Government sources, primarily:

Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore: The LTA is the primary regulatory body for active mobility devices in Singapore. Their official website and publications (e.g., Active Mobility Act, various advisories and press releases) provide the most up-to-date and detailed information on specifications, usage rules, speed limits, and enforcement.

Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Singapore: The HSA regulates medical devices, which include Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs). Their guidelines on medical device registration, licensing, and compliance with essential principles of safety and performance.