On Which Public Paths Can You Ride Your E-Scooter/PMD?
Under the AMA, PMDs must not be used on roads, footpaths or on pedestrian-only paths.
As of 3 April 2020, riders of all other motorised PMDs (such as hoverboards and electronic boards) have been banned on footpaths. This is in addition to the previous footpath ban on PMDs with handlebars, such as e-scooters.
In other words, e-scooters and other motorised PMDs can be used only on shared paths (also known as cycling paths).
It will usually be clear whether you are on a road: if it has cars and/or has traffic lights then you should not use your PMD there. Roads in SAF camps are included too. So if you happen to be an NSF or SAF regular, you cannot use your PMD to get around camp using in-camp roads.
However, how do you distinguish between pedestrian-only paths, shared paths and footpaths?
What is a pedestrian-only path?
What is a shared path?
Also known as cycling paths, shared paths are marked by shared path signs and are for pedestrians, e-scooter/PMD riders and cyclists to use.
This is an example of a shared path sign:
What is a footpath?
Footpaths are public paths that are not pedestrian-only paths, shared paths or roads. However, they do not come with specific signs, “cycle lanes” or floor markings. Footpaths can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and riders of PMDs that are not e-scooters.
Penalties
E-scooter/PMD riders who use their e-scooters/PMDs on a pedestrian-only path, footpath or road can be fined up to $2,000 and/or jailed up to 3 months. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to 6 months.
Your e-scooter/PMD can also be seized and later forfeited.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to these rules preventing e-scooter/PMD riders from using pedestrian-only paths, footpaths or roads, but in only 2 situations:
- If you are crossing the pedestrian-only path or road by the shortest safe route; or
- The footpath/shared path you were on is blocked (e.g. a tree fell) and you need to use the pedestrian-only path or road to avoid the obstruction
In either case, take note that you must not stay on the pedestrian-only path, footpath or road for longer than is necessary. This means you cannot take advantage of the situation and ride on a pedestrian-only path, footpath or road for any substantial distance.
Riding of e-scooters on the grass
To get around the ban on e-scooters on footpaths, you may be thinking of riding your e-scooter on the stretches of grass (i.e. green verges) next to footpaths.
Please take note that this is also an offence and offenders can be fined up to $5,000 under the Parks and Trees Regulations.
Riding of e-scooters on drain covers or gratings
Under the Sewerage and Drainage Act, it is an offence to damage drains and storm water drainage systems (which include drain gratings). Offenders can be fined up to $40,000 and/or jailed up to 3 months.
In other words, if you cause damage to drain covers or gratings by riding your e-scooter over them, you may be liable for an offence.