S'pore e-bike retailer to be charged for selling non-compliant batteries involved in 2 fires

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S'pore e-bike retailer to be charged for selling non-compliant batteries involved in 2 fires​

One of the batteries caught fire whilst the rider was on the bicycle.



Natalie Ong

January 22, 2025, 06:03 PM​

An electric bicycle retailer who had allegedly sold incompatible batteries for Power-Assisted Bicycles (PAB) to customers will be charged after two fires involving non-compliant active mobility devices (AMD).

Prince Bryan Tan, a sales and marketing manager at Drive Bicycles Singapore, will be charged in court on Jan. 23 under the Active Mobility Act 2017 and Road Traffic Act 1961 for selling a non-compliant PAB and causing it to be modified.

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Battery caught fire on two separate occasions​

According to an LTA press release, Tan had sold an incompatible battery for use on a PAB to a customer on Jan. 27, 2024.

It was said that the same battery caught fire three months later, on Apr. 27, 2024, while the customer was riding a PAB along Hougang Avenue 5.

On another occasion, Tan allegedly sold a customer a PAB fitted with a battery and a voided certification.

Two months later, on Apr. 25, 2024, the PAB caught fire at the customer's residence along Bukit Batok Street 32.

For first-time offenders, the offence of causing a power-assisted bicycle to be illegally modified under Section 5(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $20,000 or imprisonment for up to 24 months or both if the offender is an individual or a fine up to $40,000 for persons other than individuals.

The offence of selling a non-compliant PAB for first-time offenders under Section 34(1) of the Active Mobility Act 2017 carries a fine up to $20,000 or imprisonment for up to 24 months or both for individuals or a fine up to $40,000 for persons other than individuals.

Six fatalities due to non-compliant-AMD fires since 2019​

LTA said they had seized more than 400 non-compliant AMDs during enforcement checks in the first half of 2024.

During the same period, LTA discovered around 10 offences of selling non-compliant devices from operations against retailers.

LTA also cautioned members of the public to purchase only from reputable sources and encouraged consumers to check for any possible defects or modifications before purchasing second-hand devices online.

"Non-compliant AMDs pose severe fire risks, which have led to six fatalities since 2019," said LTA.

"We urge device owners to do their part and ensure that they only use compliant devices for their own safety, as well as that of their families and the community."

Members of the public are also encouraged to practice safe charging methods.

Residents who detect devices that pose fire risks can report it to their respective Town Councils, Management Corporations or to the Singapore Civil Defense Force via the myResponder application.
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