Taking public transport with foldable escooters and foldable bikes

Bringing your personal mobility device (PMD) such an foldable escooter or compact foldable bike on Singapore public transport may seem daunting if you’re unsure of Land Transport Authority (LTA) rules and regulations.

Being an intern here at Mighty Velo, I’ve often had to go out for photography shoots with the various foldable bikes and escooters in the office. I have taken public transport with the ES2 e-scooter and CarryMe compact foldable bicycle many times, so I am very familiar with the rules and regulations that come with taking public transport with an electric scooter and foldable bike.

Which transport devices are allowed on trains and buses?

Transport and mobility devices that are allowed on public transport must not exceed the folded bike or escooter size of 120cm by 70cm by 40cm as allowed by LTA.

Fun fact: Mighty Velo became the first to propose the idea of bringing foldable bicycles onto public transport to the then Minister of Transport, Mrs Lim Hwee Hwa at a transport forum in 2006. This led to detailed planning and discussion that saw a six-month folding bike trial scheme take place in 2007.

A permanent scheme took effect in 2008, allowing foldable bikes onto public transport during off-peak hours.

Use the size-checker poster found in in MRT stations 

If you are still uncertain about whether your device follows the size limit, you may refer to a size checker. The size checker is true to measurement and is typically found in MRT stations and bus interchanges. This will help you to ascertain whether your bicycle and escooter is allowed to be brought onto public transport.

If you’re still unsure, you can always ask the station staff or bus driver to determine if your foldable bike or electric scooter can be brought onto the train or bus.

As Mighty Velo specialises in compact foldable bikes and foldable electric scooters that can used to mix with public transport and be allowed in public transport, I have always been able to bring our e-scooters and foldable bicycles onto buses and trains.

Can I bring my non-foldable PMD onto public transport?

Non-foldable PMDs are allowed on public transport, provided they do not exceed the size requirement.

What if my bicycle cannot fold, can it be allowed in trains and buses?

Bicycles that cannot be folded are not allowed in trains and buses. Only foldable bikes that fit the size requirements set by LTA are allowed into trains and buses. 

Some non-foldable PMDs, such as unicycles and hoverboards which do not exceed the measurement and are also allowed on public transport. 

Many escooter models are non-foldable and do not comply with the size requirement set by LTA such as the DYU and the Fiido. 

Are PMDs allowed on public transport during peak hours?

Foldable bicycles and PMDs are allowed on public transport all day, every day!

Do I need to cover my scooter and foldable bike in public transport?

You will be happy to note that your scooter and foldable bike need not be covered or stored in a bag while inside a train or bus. This is unlike some countries where the bicycle needs to be stored in a bag or covered in a plastic sheet before entering the train or bus. 

Rules for taking public transport with your PMD/foldable bike

When bringing your PMD and/or foldable bike on public transport, there are several rules to be observed.

Your device must be folded in the MRT or LRT stations, bus interchanges or terminals and on trains and buses. They have to remain folded to prevent accidents where other commuters end up tripping over your device.

Considering the safety of others, you are not allowed to ride your PMD or bicycle within the MRT or LRT stations and bus interchanges or bus terminals.

All motorised PMDs must be switched off when brought on trains and buses.

Be considerate

When you’re taking public transport, remember that you’re in a shared space with other commuters and you should always practice consideration towards them. 

Use the wide fare gates at MRT and LRT stations when you’re taking the train with a folding bike or PMD. You don’t want a situation where you end up getting stuck at the gantry and obstruct the flow of traffic. Trust me, been there done that and it was not fun at all.

You should always board the train using the first or last carriage at both ends of the train as they are usually less crowded. It’s good for both you and the other commuters because you don’t run the risk of getting looks or getting scolded by them for taking up too much space on the train. Also, you will have an easier time getting out of the train when it’s not so packed.

Additionally, you shouldn’t block the doors or aisles of the train and bus to prevent obstruction to others.

What happens if I fail to abide by the rules?

If you do not comply with the rules, you will be stopped from boarding the train or bus by the station staff and bus captains.

Offenders can also receive a fine of up to $500 for each offence.

While all these rules may be confusing at first, it is important that we follow the LTA code of conduct when riding public transport with our foldable bicycles and PMDs.

It’s important that everybody practices graciousness towards each other in order to have a pleasant public transport experience.

These rules were implemented to ensure all commuters are safe, and with graciousness and consideration towards others, we can ensure a safer and more comfortable ride for everybody.