Delivery Times Set to Increase as Singapore Tightens Rules for Personal Mobility Aids
SINGAPORE – Food delivery riders in Singapore who rely on personal mobility aids (PMAs) may experience longer delivery times following the implementation of stricter regulations, delivery platform operators warned on Friday, .
A new law, passed in Parliament on Wednesday, will reduce the speed limit for PMAs from 10kmh to 6kmh, beginning on . The legislation also introduces size restrictions for PMAs used on public paths and requires users of mobility scooters to obtain a certificate of medical need.
While acknowledging the need for enhanced footpath safety and efforts to prevent the misuse of PMAs by able-bodied individuals, Grab expressed concerns about the potential impact on delivery riders who depend on these devices for their livelihood.
“While Grab does not have a time limit for delivery-partners to complete the order, the slower speed limit will mean they will take longer to deliver an order over the same distance currently, and complete fewer orders for the same amount of time they spend working on the platform,” a Grab spokesperson said. The company stated it will closely monitor the changes and review its processes to support delivery partners as needed.
The concerns echo those raised earlier by riders themselves, including Hong Dequan, a 50-year-old polio survivor who has worked as a Foodpanda delivery rider for the past seven years. According to a report from , Hong already experiences frequent delivery delays due to the limitations of his motorised wheelchair compared to bicycles. He reported that at least two out of every three deliveries he fulfills exceed the estimated delivery time, and three to five out of ten customers complain about slow service.
Hong’s situation highlights the precarious financial position of some riders who rely on PMAs. He earns between $300 and $400 a month, and even completing two orders during a two-hour period only yielded approximately $13, according to the report. He fears the reduced speed limit will exacerbate these challenges, potentially forcing him to reject orders to avoid performance penalties and further income loss.
The new regulations come after instances of misuse of PMAs, including reports of able-bodied individuals using them for food delivery. In , the Land Transport Authority (LTA) impounded a PMA used by a woman delivering food in Yishun, after video footage surfaced showing her riding on roads and sidewalks, and even making a rude gesture towards a motorist. The LTA confirmed she was able-bodied.
The tightening of regulations also follows discussions about the standardization of rules governing PMAs. A Facebook post from noted that standardization and communication of rules to stakeholders may require time.
Grab is appealing to consumers for understanding, acknowledging that delivery timings may be affected during the transition period. The company pledged to do its best to minimize any disruption while maintaining a safe and reliable service. Hong Dequan, however, hopes the government will consider abolishing time limits for deliveries altogether, allowing riders to work at a more relaxed pace.
The changes are expected to impact not only delivery riders but also the broader delivery ecosystem, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers and adjustments to operational strategies for delivery platforms.
