If you’re a COVID-19 converted outdoor enthusiast, you are not alone. Here in Singapore, plenty of us have taken to exploring our city in a garden. Whether you’re cycling, scooting or travelling on other forms of personal mobility devices (PMDs), here’s a fun quiz you don’t want to miss!

Just in! Over the last weekend, 34 cyclists were caught flouting rules on roads. Nobody likes to be called an errant cyclist, be fined or worst; get into an accident. Are you breaking the law with your PMD? It’s time to find out!

Question 1: Did you buy your PMD from an authorised seller?
a) Yes, of course!
b) Oops, I went for the cheapest option.
c) I don’t know.

Question 2: Does your electric scooter meet the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) device criteria
a) Of course lah.
b) Technically, my device is LTA compliant (except that I made a very slight modification to it – should be ok, right?).
c) No idea.

Question 3: Where do you usually use your PMD?
a) On cycling paths and park connectors.
b) Basically everywhere – because I bought it to be mobile, not idle!
c) Footpaths because the ground is flat and I won’t hurt myself.

Question 4: How fast can you go with your e-scooter or motorised PMDs on the cycling paths?
a) Up to 25km/h
b) Uh, I’m not sure but I know I’m definitely not speeding?
c) I don’t know.

Question 5: Do you give way to pedestrians?
a) Definitely, I always slow down and give way at intersections with pedestrian’s access.
b) Depends on my mood.
c) Do I have to?

Question 6: Do you use your mobile phone while you’re cycling or scooting?
a) No, I don’t want to risk getting fined.
b) Of course, how else am I going to catch all the Pokemons!
c) I don’t usually, unless my boss calls (because work always comes first, right?).

Question 7: Do you indicate when you want to change lanes or overtake?
a) Always.
b) I use my bell/horn when I want to overtake.
c) I only indicate when I remember to do so.

Question 8: Do you wear a helmet if you’re cycling on the road?
a) Always, I like to wear it even on cycling paths to be safe anyway.
b) Never, it’s so bulky and makes my head so sweaty.
c) I sometimes forget my helmet; surely that’s an acceptable excuse?

Question 9: Does your bicycle or PAB (Power Assisted Bicycle) have lights?
a) Yep, my bicycle has a white front light and a red rear light.
b) I do but the front lamp is broken and I’m too busy to get it fixed!
c) I think so?

Question 10: If you are bringing your bicycle/PMD on the MRT, do you ride your device through the stations?
a) No, I only push/wheel my bicycle/PMD.
b) Why not?
c) Sometimes, when I’m running late and in a rush to get somewhere.

If you’ve answered mostly A’s

Congratulations! You’re doing all the right things by being a responsible PMD owner and user. It’s very important to abide by the laws as you are following the safety protocols stipulated by the government to lower the risks of accidents related to PMDs.

#TiqOurWord Though not compulsory, the government strongly encourages PMD users to have third party liability insurance. Tiq’s ePROTECT personal mobility offers flexible plans with optional covers to suit your needs.

If your answers were mostly B’s

Uh-oh, you are likely flouting some laws! Make sure your device is LTA compliant with the maximum width of 70cm, maximum weight of 20kg, maximum speed of 25km/h and comply with the UL2272 Fire Safety Standard.

Also, do not make any modifications your ride – not even the saddle or seat post! And don’t even think about using your mobile phone while on your device or cop a fine of up to S$1,000 and/or three months jail time! That Pikachu will be a very pricey one!

If you answered mostly C’s

You may want to brush up on the rules and code of conduct on PMDs. Being ignorant doesn’t mean that you can get away with breaking the rules as repeat offences will only mean higher penalties incurred!

Always be safe and cycle, scoot or ride considerately. Consider not only your own safety but also of your fellow travellers. Also practise safety measures to avoid accidents from happening – give way to pedestrians and keep a safe distance from other users.

Staying safe on the road

You may not be aware but! PMD-related accidents have been increasing in Singapore in recent years. There were almost 300 accidents involving PMDs on public paths reported in 2017 and 2018, with one sixth of the injuries being severe!

Last week (8 April 2021), a 28-year-old man was fined S$4,500 for illegally riding his unregistered electric scooter on a public footpath, then crashing into a young girl. Thankfully, the girl did not sustain any injuries, otherwise he is liable to pay compensation as well.

“It’s not just about following rules – it’s about how you protect yourself and how you can protect other road users.” – Mr Steven Lim, president of the Safe Cycling Task Force

While our PMDs and bikes can bring much convenience and joy in the great outdoors, it is important to be extra careful. You can start by practising to be a law-abiding PMD user! Besides that, having a Personal Mobility Insurance is probably your next best backup plan for the just-in-case.

Learn more about Personal Mobility Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa here before you hit the streets!

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Information is accurate as at 16 April 2021. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. You should seek advice from a qualified adviser before deciding to purchase the policy. If you choose not to seek advice, you should consider if the policy is suitable for you. It is usually detrimental to replace an existing personal accident plan with a new one. A penalty may be imposed for early termination and the new plan may cost more or have less benefit at the same cost.

Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.

A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.

With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.

Discover the full range of Tiq online insurance plans here.