New requirements for power-assisted bicycles from Feb 1

SINGAPORE - From Feb 1, 2016, power-assisted bicycles (PABs) sold in Singapore need to comply with new requirements that are aligned with European standards in order to be approved and sealed with a new orange seal.

The revised technical requirements are aligned with the European Standard EN15194 and specify safety requirements such as those for electric circuits, batteries, power management and maximum power, said a Land Transport Authority (LTA) statement today (Jan 27).

The standard is applied in 33 countries across Europe and in Australia.

These revisions include motor power assistance to be progressively reduced and finally cut off as the bicycle reaches 25km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling. This makes the PAB less prone to jerking when moving off from a stationary position, making it safer for the rider and other road users.

Only PABs that adopt the revised requirements and weigh no more than 20kg will be type-approved and affixed with a seal for use on public roads.

As announced last year, the LTA will tighten the technical requirements for PABs and impose stricter penalties for those who sell and use non-compliant PABs.

These measures are intended to improve safety for PAB users and for other road users, including pedestrians.

Members of the public who are buying PABs should look out for the new orange seal which will be affixed to PABs that meet the revised technical requirements.

PABs that have been approved under the current requirements and affixed with a blue seal will still be allowed for use on public roads.

More information on PABs can be found at LTA's One.Motoring website.

spanaech@sph.com.sg