3 retailers in court over illegal bikes

This article is more than 12 months old

Oct 08, 2016 06:00 am

Three electric bicycle retailers are facing charges for selling and supplying illegally modified vehicles, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said yesterday.

During regular checks, LTA found they were selling motorised bicycles that had been modified with throttles that let the vehicles reach speeds greater than 35kmh without pedalling. The three retailers were charged on Sept 1 and their cases will be heard again on Nov 1.

Under the rules, the electric motors of these bicycles must cut out when they reach a speed of 25kmh or when the rider is not pedalling.

Selling non-compliant motorised bicycles or illegally modifying them is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. It carries a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine or three months in jail for the first offence. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for up to six months.

LTA said members of the public who see illegally modified bicycles can call 1800-CALL-LTA or e-mail feedback@lta.gov.sg.