Argumentative Essay
ENG 105
14 October 2018
The use of PMD is popular both with the elderly and the young in Singapore; however, in the
face of mounting criticism, the need to create stricter regulations, or even a ban, seems to be
gaining ground (becoming more popular and accepted). What is your position on this issue?
The use of personal mobility devices (PMD) is popular both with the elderly and the young in
Singapore; however, in the face of mounting criticism, the need to create stricter regulations,
or even a ban, seems to be gaining ground. In light of this issue, there should not be stricter
regulations gaining ground due a multitude of factors. The government has already set laws
that are sufficiently strict, the effectiveness of continually strict laws may backfire instead of
displaying positive trends. In hindsight, other permutations of options could have been better
explored in order to fully expound on the potential of PMD on the efficiency of our public
transport system.
Previously, Data released by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) earlier this year also
showed that e-scooters were involved in 40 fires last year, an increase of nearly 350 percent
from nine such cases in 2016. These high incidence rates have led to the introduction of the
new law: compulsory use of only the UL2272 PMD model by 2021. Furthermore, ra9tes of
incidences plummeted since the introduction of PMD, which led to safety conformations
New, stiffer penalties for contravening laws were also introduced. Those caught riding
recklessly can be fined up to S$5,000, or imprisoned for up to six months, or both. For failing
to provide personal particulars or render assistance in an accident, cyclists and device users
can be fined up to S$3,000 or imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. If they cause injury to
others, they may also be charged under the Penal Code, and can be fined up to S$5,000, or
the penal code should be targeted to ensure that long term sustainable relationship develops
instead. Currently law imposed are relatively strict, and if we impose stricter laws, it is almost
like providing higher dose of medication to a patient who is immune to the previous dose of
drug. Perhaps, it would be more effective to provide a more holistic approach that would
allow our people to ease into these rules, then systematically handle this matter at hand when
it is less tricky to hand. For instance, those caught riding recklessly can be fined up to
S$5,000, or imprisoned for up to six months, or both. For failing to provide personal
particulars or render assistance in an accident, cyclists and device users can be fined up to
regarding [insert context] that there this "needs to be a balance when it comes to rules and
The reinforcement of laws related to PMD should be aimed at achieving effective, long term
practical outcomes that would benefit the nation. By tackling the immediate safety issues at
hand through the reinforcement of stringent laws on its people, the government has not been
able to address the more pertinent issue: how can we integrate of the use of PMDs to improve
the transport system without restricting daily movement of its people? Although the use of
PMD is still permitted under legislation, the speed limit of 10km/h is almost better if you just
jog to your destination, or even more convenient if we had remain contented with the use of
public transport. To further this argument, by 2021 the use of PMD will only be limited to
UL2272 due to the fire breakout that occurred earlier in the year. As such, would the addition
of a ten thousand dollar UL2272 be worthwhile just so to increase your commuting speed to
10km/h for 3-4 years? In such circumstances, it does not seem feasible for us to offer the use
pertinent issue in our transport system. The issues in the proliferation of these devices might
have been imposed by the installation of penal codes, however the functionality and use of
While road safety could be effectively regulated with the introduction of stricter law
enforcement, it needs to strike a fine balance between riders' as well as pedestrians' safety and
comfort level. While stricter law enforcement to lower speed limits, restricting movements of
off-road PMDs use have effectively increased civilians safety, it has not considered the
flexibility of use of PMD riders. With such a speed limit being imposed on PMD users as
well as restrictions, it has limited the functionality and undermined the purposes of using a
PMD in the first place. It has also reflected the little trust and attitudes of the government
towards PMD. Falcon PEV's Mr Lee shared that “There are too many regulations and
restrictions and boundaries. To turn something so viable for a car-lite society into something
that is so complicated is a huge waste,” While rules and regulations indeed should not go
overboard, they certainly should be in place to ensure that only the right people - those who
realize the responsibility associated with using such devices continue to use them. With such
strict regimentation continually introduced, the use of PMD would soon be none but akin to a
On the other end of the spectrum, stricter regulations could serve as immediate safety nets
that would blanket the incidence rates and prevent further casualties. With stricter regulations
being imposed, even those they may seem harsh and hard to bite down by Singaporeans, it
has effectively simmered down the previous incidence rates. Furthermore, highly adapted
Singaporeans would eventually be able to accept and understand the purposes underlying the
implementation of such laws. Singapore is not alone in implementing rules for alternative
this could lead to very serious head injuries such as loss of consciousness, skull fracture,
haemorrhage, tissue damage and so on; if really unlucky get crushed. Recently, a 45 year old
woman had to undergo brain surgery after she was hit by an e-scooter as she stepped off an
overhead bridge. Thereafter, the suggestion that e-scooters should be more stringently
regulated, or even banned from footpaths altogether has been proposed by the parliamentary.
In addition, from January until September 2017, there were about 110 accidents involving
PMDs, 30 involved pedestrian on footpaths and walkways. With these alarming rates and
horror stories of incidences, it is evident that we are still some distance away from attaining
the desirable level of graciousness and consideration. To suppress these casualty rates and
make our roads safer, it could not be achieved through disciplinarian approach. Perhaps, we
also have to consider how we could truly engage the population to transform Singapore into
citizens. However in the long run, it is essential to instil a common sense and a sense of
shaping the behaviours and reinforce mindsets, however it takes greater cultural maturity for
All in all, while Singaporean are developing changing attitudes towards PMDs strict
regulations and stringent laws, this change in attitude is to be handled with meticulous care
especially when devising changes to existing laws. As an reiteration, we could take a less
minimalistic view towards this matter. Perhaps then, changes that are made would gain wider
and deeper acceptance amongst Singaporeans, and also benefit the greater good.