Three Categories Of Personal Mobility Banned From Public Roads

The Ministry of Transport has clarified that 3 categories of personal mobility are banned from use on public roads. This ban is implemented according to the Road Traffic (Prohibition of Use of Certain Microbility Vehicles) Rules 2021, which actually came into effect on 17 December 2021.

“Personal mobility” covers micromobility vehicles (e.g. mopeds), personal mobility devices (PMD) and personal mobility aids (PMA). “Moped” is the term generally used to describe 2- or 3-wheeled powered by a small (usually 50 cc or lower) engine and/or electric motor, and is typically slower than a kapchai. In the local context, it would mean bike-like vehicles that have a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

Meanwhile, PMD and PMA are terms for that which are powered either by human, electricity, or fuel, and have a speed limit of 25km/h. Examples of PMD and PMA are e-scooters, kick scooters, skateboards, hoverboards and wheelchairs (electric and non-electric).

And while this may seem like a very broad sweep of mobility devices, the core reason for this rule is because these micromobility vehicles are said to pose a danger not just to their users but to other road users as well. This rule is implemented to ensure the safety of road users and reduce the risk of fatal accidents, congestion, and financial implications such as medical and property costs. And as such, essentially all forms of micromobility vehicles are not allowed on public roads, or any part of a road, including pedestrian walkways.

According to the newly implemented rule, the use of any such vehicle in areas mentioned will invite a RM300 compound for those who fail to comply. Enforcement will be done by the police and the Road Transport Department.

The use of these 3 categories of micromobility vehicles is however, allowed in areas where there is no mixture of traffic flows involving various vehicles. In reality, we are not sure if such areas exist, and if they do, how does one get to it without breaking the law since all roads have a mixture of various vehicles?

The ministry had also suggested that the local authorities provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities to support the safe use of personal mobility apparatus. However, there are no details if this will be left to the creativity of local authorities or will include federal funding. And while these criteria can be inserted into new townships, it is unclear how this can be done in existing townships. So we will have to hear from the local authorities on this.

We would also like to see more details, including from the ministry responsible for social welfare and community development since this rule will technically affect the independence of the disabled in travelling to the bus stop or to the convenience store, for example. It will also have implications on last mile commuters who use these personal vehicles to commute to and from public transport infrastructure e.g. bus stops, train stations etc. Another group impacted by this would be delivery persons who use e-scooters in metropolitan areas where space and parking are not easy to come by.

However, the use of bicycles, trishaws and electric bicycles are still allowed on roads, subject to compliance with the regulations set under the Land Transport Act 1987 and Road Traffic Rules 1959. For e-bikes, only those that meet Malaysia Standard MS2514: Electric Bicycles Specifications are allowed. And of course, it also means basikal lajak are not allowed since they violate the 1987 Act.