Stricter Regulations Introduced for Personal Mobility Aids Amid Health Professionals' Support

Every week, the hospital’s occupational therapy department attends to approximately 20 patients who require personal mobility aids (PMAs). Prior to approving the use of these devices, therapists ensure all patients undergo proper training to operate the equipment proficiently and safely. Additionally, home visits are performed to verify that patients can manage these devices within their homes and safely navigate public spaces.

Medical professionals have expressed their support for recent regulations tightening control over PMA usage. According to Ms Chia, requiring mandatory medical certification will help accurately distinguish genuine users from individuals who could misuse mobility aids. Additionally, she believes that reducing the speed limit of these devices—from 10 km/h down to 6 km/h, a pace closer to natural walking—could further deter individuals without disabilities from utilizing them unnecessarily.

Ms Chia emphasized that mobility aids are often mistakenly viewed as convenience tools, when in reality, they serve as essential medical equipment designed solely for individuals experiencing impaired movement. Their permitted usage is strictly limited to public pathways, including footpaths and cycling lanes. She also noted a widespread misconception that these devices promote active living. She clarified that premature reliance on PMAs can, in reality, cause a decline in physical fitness, as users tend to engage less in physical activities, negatively affecting their overall health.

Instead, Ms Chia advocates maintaining physical activity and mobility through regular exercise such as walking, for as long as individuals remain physically capable. On a similar note, Dr Chua outlined the benefits mobility devices offer for individuals genuinely struggling to move around freely, pointing out that these aids can significantly enhance users' quality of life. The devices enable greater independence, social interactions, and meaningful activity by overcoming mobility limitations.

The Transport Ministry announced plans to release additional details on PMA medical assessments in the third quarter of this year. Current users who have received subsidized scooters will not be required to undergo these assessments again, as the government already maintains their records. When the new regulatory measures come into effect next year, users will need to present either a physical or digital copy of their medical certificate when asked by authorities.