Commuters take issue with large, 'luxury' PMAs on MRT trains: 'Riders don't seem like they need it'

Personal mobility aid (PMA) users are entitled to use public transport, but other commuters are taking issue with those that are 'oversized'.

Stompers John and Chin Ho shared with Stomp photos of PMA users on MRT trains.

Stomper John shared photos of what he described as 'luxury PMAs' on two separate occasions.

"Nowadays, a lot of large PMAs are on the MRT and riders don't seem like they need it," he said.

"Why are there no regulations to check if they are medically incapable?"

Chin Ho said: "The authority should review the eligibility or guidelines for users.

"Abuse of such devices may lead to injury to both users and the public."

However, PMAs are not just for the handicapped and those unable to walk but also for people who are able to walk only for a short distance.

Some mobility issues are not outwardly obvious. For example, some users may have conditions such as chronic pain, heart conditions or respiratory issues that may not be immediately apparent.

The Straits Times reported on Dec 14 that the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) proposed to limit mobility scooters to those who are certified to have walking difficulties or medical needs.

This comes amidst rising concerns that able-bodied people have been misusing mobility aids, particularly mobility scooters.

According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), PMA users taking public transport should ensure their devices do not exceed 120cm in length and 70cm in width. They should also not exceed 150cm in height and the total weight of the PMA together with the user should not exceed 300kg.