Stompers share thoughts on ban: 'We lack empathy for those who use PMDs as a source of income'

A ban on e-scooters from footpaths has roused mixed reactions from the public.

Although many have welcomed the move in light of public safety concerns, the ban has also caused widespread concern among e-scooter users, especially those who need the devices to carry out their jobs.

Stompers Sol Davis and Mohamad Nurfadly shared with Stomp their take on the ban and its repercussions.

"We claim Singapore has harmony and equality but here we are laughing and remarking on personal mobility device (PMD) delivery riders," he said.

"I came across a lot of posts with all sorts of remarks which is deeply saddening.

"Yes, now we have safer footpaths and can prevent accidents from happening on them but we lack empathy for those who reply on PMDs as a source of income to feed their family and pay for their children's school fees.

"I understand that companies like GrabFood are helping people to transition which is really good.

"However, I came across negative comments on Facebook regarding potential Grabfood partners being able to join even with motorcycle licences that are less than a year old.

"Where is our empathy? Where is the harmony and equality?

"Instead of supporting our fellow Singaporeans in the transitioning, we are just being disgusting and giving negative remarks, feedbacks and comments.

"It doesn't take a penny to say, 'Hey buddy, don't worry, we are in on this together."

Nurfadly, a part-time GrabFood and Foodpanda deliveryman, also expressed his concerns on those whose livelihoods are at stake.

"To be frank, not everyone can afford motorbikes," he said.

"Apart from costs incurred by paying for Certificate of Entitlement (COE), Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and Road Tax, the capability of riding a motorcycle requires fine motor skills and coordination.

"It may be easy for some but for others, it is a difficult task.

"You can't expect those food delivery aunties and uncles to learn how to ride a motorcycle so easily, let along afford a motorbike.

"Yes, they can cycle but not everyone can afford to cycle.

"Those with health issues such as bad knees and heart problems are not able to cycle for long distances.

"An average delivery is about 3km in distance.

"The number of deliveries they make with a bike will be halved and they would earn less than they used to make in a day with a PMD.

"Are companies willing to increase delivery fees to compensate and make up for the lost income? 

"Are you, as a consumer, willing to pay for the inflated delivery cost?

"Change to other jobs? A cleaner in Singapore can work 12 hours a day, six days a week for a mere $800.

"Do you think $800 is enough for survival? Doing food delivery in that amount of time can easily secure $2,000 and above for them, allowing many to live adequately and comfortably in Singapore.

"As a part-time Foodpanda and Grabfood deliveryman myself, I can easily make $120 to $180 for a 12-hour shift using a PMD.

"In less than a week, I would have made more money than a cleaner.

"Isn't it already obvious that many jobs in Singapore aren't offering enough to pay to sustain the livelihoods of many?

"Even if I have a stable full-time job with a comfortable salary, with this extra income, I can do my part to contribute back to the economy.

"As a local autonomous university undergraduate myself I can safely tell you that education is useless if there aren't enough jobs to match our skills and qualifications.

"There are currently 100,000 registered PMD users, with many who were forced to change to UL2272 devices. 

"Some even bought their devices after saving up for months, some bought their devices under installment plans, all hoping to improve their lives doing food deliveries. 

"The ban of e-scooters on footpaths has not just made their devices obsolete but also ruined their livelihoods.

"Food delivery isn't an easy job to even begin with.

"Singaporeans are doing food delivery solely because of the need to supplement their incomes or because they are out of viable employment options.

"Many of our food delivery men were also ex-convicts hoping to make an honest living.

If given viable alternatives, many would have not taken up the job as a food deliveryman.

Who in the right mind would want to work under the hot sun and rain?

"How many deliverymen have lost their lives or permanently handicapped themselves trying to earn a living using motorbike?

"PMDs do not just provide them the best of all worlds, but help provide safe and economical transport for them.