Big electricals devices like PMAs, PABs and PMDs are both a physical hazard (due to their big sizes) and electrical hazard (as they use batteries) in confined spaces in public transport like buses and trains that are often crowded these days. While it is easy to push a wheelchair (manual or motorised), how does one move an oversized, 300kg PMA (with huge baskets on front and back) that has stalled near train exit door? When a PMA or PMD catches fire or explodes, how can commuters escape inside a packed, crowded train during peak-hours, or inside a full load passenger lift or inside a single-car LRT train? Worst case scenario is when such a hypothetical event happens during a rail disruption and the train is stalled in the middle of the track inside the tunnel!
Although these electrical devices have to comply with allowable size and weight and be certified to safety standards like EN15194 or UL2272, there are no enforcement checks at bus interchanges and train stations except for the random checks at selected high traffic out-door cycling paths.
With an ageing population, even more people are expected to use PMAs in public transport. The Authority and transport operators should come together to evaluate this real concern and conduct risk assessments from a commuter’s perspective. If durians could be banned (for non-safety reason), there is no reason why enforcement and control measures on PMAs and PMDs cannot be implemented for the safety of commuters in public transport. For safety and space considerations, rightfully only wheelchairs (all types) should be allowed inside public transport. However, as the flood-gates have been opened for so long to allow any PMAs and PMDs into public transport, it takes strong will-power to regulate and restrict the use of these devices.
Note: This article was originally mailed to SPH in SEP2024 but was never published.