The purchase and use of personal mobility aids (PMA) have become more common in recent years. However, their ease of purchase from unaccredited sellers is a cause for worry as they may not meet the necessary safety regulations, and the sellers may not provide proper education on their usage.
There have been a number of fire incidents reported in the media involving PMAs. A recent electrical fire caused by a defective and expired PMA battery bought over an online selling platform is one such example.
If you are looking to purchase or are currently using a PMA, please take note of the following best practices.
When purchasing a PMA
- Users should be assessed and trained so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills of safe driving and proper use of PMAs.
- DO NOT buy from online resellers as we do not know the usage history and condition of the PMAs, even if they look brand new.
- Only buy from reputable and authorised vendors where you are assured of a device that is safe and in good condition. The vendors will also provide the necessary knowledge on the use and upkeep of the device, and will be a useful point of contact should you face any issues with it.
How to properly use and maintain
- Do not charge the PMA overnight
- Do not wrap or cover the charger as this may cause overheating
- Only use original chargers or ones with the same rating purchased from authorised vendor
- Do not modify illegally
- Do not operate in heavy rain
For more information on PMAs or other assistive technology, please visit or contact us via https://spd.org.sg/specialised-assistive-technology-centre.
Related topic – Using PMAs Safely and Responsibly