THE decision by the Transport Ministry (MOT) to ban certain micromobility vehicles on public roads with immediate effect is a victory for all Malaysian motorists, given they have been a major menace that not only endanger the lives of their users but that of other innocent road users.
Aside from ascribing to the notion of prevention is better than cure, the ban should be perceived as a relieve for all motorists, especially after the ill-fated incident where sales promoter/clerk Sam Ke Ting was found guilty of reckless driving for mowing down eight teenagers on “basikal lajak” (illegally modified bicycles) in the wee hours of Feb 18, 2017.
In what is deemed as a personal victory for Sam, 27, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday (April 26) reiterated that “basikal lajak” are not allowed on the roads and are a violation of the Land Transport Act 1987.
This reassurance is timely as many motorists are at a loss with regard to their rights in the event that they are caught in an accident with such bicyclists.
Wee also shared that guidelines on the safe use of bicycles have been issued by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and are available for download on MOT and MIROS websites.
Although the use of bicycles is allowed on roads (as are trishaws), the riders must abide by regulations under the Road Transport Act and Road Traffic Rules. For electric bicycles, only those which meet Malaysia Standard MS2514: Electric Bicycles (electric pedal-assisted bicycles) specifications are allowed to on public roads.
Banned micromobility vehicles
Generally, the ban covers three categories namely mopeds, personal mobility devices (PMD) and personal mobility aids (PMA) which are powered by an electric, internal combustion engine, human (or a combination of the three) with speeds up to 50km/h.
The ban actually came into effect on Dec 17 last year, according to Wee, following the gazette of the Road Traffic (Prohibition of Use of Certain Micromobility Vehicles) Rules 2021.
The decision on the ban was based on the safety of road users, to reduce the risk of fatal accidents, congestion, and other financial implications involving property damages and medical costs.
For the uninitiated, mopeds are essentially low-powered motorcycles powered by an electric source or internal combustion engine which are often fitted with two or three wheels. These vehicles weigh not more than 150kg and can move at speeds not exceeding 50km/h.
Meanwhile, PMDs cover both powered and non-electric powered types with speeds not exceeding 25km/h. This includes skateboards, wheelchairs and non-powered scooters as well as powered devices such as e-scooters.
On the other hand, PMAs include electric wheelchairs or handicap scooters which are useful for people who do not use manual wheelchairs. – April 27, 2022
Photo credit: SoyaCincau
