PMAs should be reserved for those with certified medical needs or walking difficulties: Sellers, therapists

REACTION TO REGULATIONS

MOBOT, one seller of mobility products, said it supports such regulations to keep paths orderly. The firm has been doing its part by trying to match users to the right devices.

“As a responsible retailer, we assess the customer before we sell the devices. We recommend something that is suited to their needs,” said the company’s brand manager Bobby Lai. “PMAs are for users with difficulty walking. (Otherwise), we recommend other products such as bicycles, electric bicycles, or electric scooters.”

Mr Lai said he believes such enforcement action benefits pedestrians and businesses, but will require more paperwork from genuine users.

“It will be more troublesome for those genuine users because there will be an additional step – they have to go and get that extra certificate,” he said.

“But, more regulation means that the market can last for a longer time. If there is no regulation, there will be chaos on the roads. Overall, it’s a good thing. We hope there will be more action done for illegal PMAs.”