Singapore Cycling and Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) Theory Test? No Sweat..

Starting from 30 June 2021, Cyclist PAB users in Singapore need to pass an online theory test for riding on the road or cycling paths. From 1 Jan 2022, it is required to pass the theory test before one can ride on cycling paths and on roads.

The test covers basic road and path safety. It is intended for riders to get familiar with active mobility rules, road traffic act, general code of conduct, and safe riding behavior. For more information on 100 pages PAB theory test handbook visit LTA One Motoring. You can download the theory book in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil at One Motoring website.

The actual test will be 40 multiple questions in 40 minutes, and at least 32 questions need to be correct to pass. For sample of multiple choice test click here. For actual test, you can register at Singapore Polytechnic link here

Where to Ride your Bicycle, PAB, PMD and PMA?

Knowing where you can ride and the speed limits are good for yourself and others. Riders can face penalties if caught speeding or riding on the wrong path or road.

Cycling Paths and Park Connectors can be easily identified by markings on the ground (see examples below).

Cycling, Share paths and Park Connector Network (PCN) have a speed limit of 25km/h, and can be used by cyclists and users of PMDs, PABs and PMAs.

Footpaths do not have any ‘Cyclist’ or ‘PCN’ logos. The speed limit for footpaths is 10km/h. Slower bicycles, PMAs and non-motorized PMDs, such as manual kick-scooters, can be used on footpaths while riding of PABs and motorized PMDs is prohibited. As the footpath speed limit is low, better to dismount and walk with your devices especially in crowded area.

Only cyclists and PAB riders are allowed to ride on roads, except on expressways and road-tunnels. Under the Road Traffic Act, it is mandatory for cyclists and PAB riders to wear a helmet when riding on roads.

Rules for cycling

Road safety is a shared responsibility. Keep a firm grip on these on-road cycling rules if you use a bicycle or power-assisted bicycle (PAB) on roads.

1. Obey all traffic signals and travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. A person must not ride a bicycle, power-assisted bicycle, trishaw or tricycle on a road against the flow of traffic.

2. Ride on left side of road or as near as practicable to the far left edge of the road and get familiar with road signs. For more on signs, refer to page 43 to 69 on the PAB theory test handbook

3. Cycle in a single file on single-lane roads and during bus lane operational hours (otherwise, cycling two abreast is allowed in two or more lanes road or when overtaking).

4. Wear a helmet when cycling on roads. Pillion rider must also wear helmet.

5. Switch on a clearly visible front white and rear red light especially in the dark (7pm to 7am). No red light to the front. Red light is only to the rear. Rear red reflectors can be used on bicycles and power-assisted bicycles.

6. Do not use a mobile communication device while riding.

7. Those under 16 years of age may not ride PABs on roads and may not be carried as a passenger on PABs on roads.

8. DO NOT cycle on Expressways and in Road Tunnels example below:

Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE)
Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)
Central Expressway (CTE)
East Coast Parkway (ECP)
Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE)
Kranji Expressway (KJE)
Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)
Pan Island Expressway (PIE)
Seletar Expressway (SLE)
Tampines Expressway (TPE)
Any slip road or interchange between any 2 or more of the expressways
Any slip road leading into or out of any of the expressways specified
Viaducts that are linked to expressways like Tuas Viaduct.
Fort Canning Tunnel
Sentosa Gateway Tunnel
Woodsville Tunnels that connect Bendemeer Road, MacPherson Road, Serangoon Road, Upper Serangoon Road

On top of Park Connectors, Cycling paths and Share paths, you can cycle on the roads, underpass, overpass (flyover) or viaducts below:

Nicoll Highway (road speed limit 70 km/h) *
West Coast Highway (road speed limit 70 km/h) *
Lornie Highway (road speed limit 70 km/h) *
Bartley Viaduct,
Keppel Viaduct
Labrador Viaduct
Lornie Viaduct
MacRitchie Viaduct
Serangoon Viaduct
Tampines Viaduct
Woodlands Checkpoint Viaduct

* Please NOTE that even though cycling is allowed at certain viaducts and highways but due to fast moving vehicles is best to avoid them. Use the smaller arterial roads, or park connectors, or cycling paths instead, especially those whose bicycle handling is not so good and those who cycle at lower speed.

For more information of list of tunnels, road underpass, bridge, flyover and viaduct see the links below

List of underpasses and tunnels in Singapore: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_underpasses_and_tunnels_in_Singapore

This is a list of flyovers, bridges and viaducts in Singapore:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bridges_in_Singapore

9. Do not tow any other vehicle or devices or be towed.

10. Do not hold into another moving vehicle

11. Riders to give (hand) signals

to ‘stop’ — hold out his right arm horizontally with the forearm vertical and with the palm of the hand to the front;

to ‘slow down’ — hold out his right arm horizontally with the palm of the hand downwards, and move the arm up and down several times;

to ‘proceed to the right’ — hold out his right arm horizontally with the palm of the hand to the front; and

to ‘proceed to the left’ — hold out his left arm horizontally with the palm of the hand to the front.

Signals to be made in sufficient time

12. Do not use the road when a bicycle lane is provided on part of a road (example Changi Tanah Merah coastal road).

13. Must not carry load with dimensions that can cause danger, obstruction other road users

14. Must not carry load that is not properly and rigidly secured to the bicycle or overhanging from or a height that is more than one meter from the ground.

15. Must not keep or use power-assisted bicycle (PAB) and PMD that have not been approved and sealed and has not been registered and bears a registration number plate in accordance with the Road Traffic Rules 2017. No person below the age of 16 years to ride a power-assisted bicycle on a road. PAB in Singapore need to conform with Euro EN15194 specification without throttle or walk assist. For more of PAB and PMD requirements refer to the LTA posters below

Guidelines for walking, cycling and riding your PABs and PMDs

Being gracious keeps you and others safe. If you ride a bicycle or PAB, always give way to more vulnerable users on the paths. If you are walking, remain alert and keep to footpaths.

Cyclists, PAB and PMD riders

Always give way to pedestrians.
Watch your speed and go slow around others.
Slow down when approaching bus stops and/or intersections of public paths.
Walk your device in crowded areas.
Gently alert others before overtaking.
Keep left on paths unless overtaking.
Ride on cycling paths and bicycle crossings when available.
Keep a safe distance from other path users, especially when overtaking to avoid a collision.

Avoid shining your lights onto the face of other path users.
Check that your lights, brakes and tyres are in good working condition before setting off.
Check the height of your handlebars and seat on the bicycle to ensure that you have full control of the device when coming to a sudden stop in an emergency.
Keep both hands on the handlebars. Signal your intention to change course or make a turn ahead of time.
Park your devices at designated parking places such as bicycle racks and yellow boxes. Be sure to securely lock your devices to prevent it from being stolen.

Pedestrians

Keep left unless overtaking.
Keep to footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
Stay alert when on public paths. Using a mobile phone or listening to music could prevent you from detecting danger or obstacles.

Third-party liability insurance products for non-commercial riders

It is encouraged for non-commercial riders to purchase active mobility insurance to protect yourself from personal accident expenses and third-party injury claims. Here are the insurance providers

1. AA Personal Mobility Plus (AAS Insurance Agency Pte Ltd, underwritten by Liberty Insurance Pte Ltd)

2. AXA Personal Mobility Protect (AXA Insurance, sold exclusively by AXA@POST)

ePROTECT personal mobility (EtiQa)

3. Personal Mobility Guard (NTUC Income)

It is mandatory to get third-party liability insurance for businesses

In case of Accidents

Examine yourself to make sure there are no serious injuries. Stay calm.
Call the police or an ambulance if necessary.
Take photos of the positions of the bike and the car.
Offer help and exchange particulars. Get the names, contact information, and plate numbers of the vehicles of those involved in the crash.
Examine for damages.
See a doctor as soon as possible

Cyclist Road Courtesy

Treat fellow cyclists as friends on the road.
If you need to stop for emergency, park your bicycles properly at the side of the road and stay clear for the moving traffic
Don’t be shy to nod or to greet one another

For more info on:

Road Traffic Act: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/RTA1961-R3

Active Mobility Act 2017: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/AMA2017

Highway Code: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/RTA1961-R11#P1III-

That's about it. No Sweat right? Once one pass the test, LTA will issue a certificate of proficiency for life. Do remember to ride defensively and be safe at all time.

Wish you happy and safe cycling

From all of us at TWD Bicycle