Imagine being on the cusp of celebrating a golden milestone in your life—your 50th wedding anniversary—only for a sudden accident to shatter those dreams and leave you in agonizing pain. That's the heartbreaking reality for 71-year-old Mrs. Malar Singam, who suffered a severe jaw fracture after being hit by an electric bicycle rider while walking in a mall. But here's where it gets controversial: How much blame should fall on the riders versus pedestrians in these incidents? Stick around to explore this story, the rising concerns about personal mobility devices (PMDs), and what it means for our shared public spaces. You might be surprised by the facts—and the debates—they spark.
On December 10, in Singapore, Mrs. Singam and her husband, Frank, 74, were descending a short staircase to leave Pasir Ris Mall when disaster struck. Frank was just a few steps behind her, keeping a watchful eye. 'I was looking right at her, and then I glanced up and saw this fellow zooming down the walkway at high speed. I yelled, "Watch out, girl, watch out!"' he recounted. Unfortunately, it all unfolded in a flash. The impact from the e-bike knocked her forward onto the pavement, and as she turned over, touching her jaw, she experienced unbearable agony, her hand coming away smeared with blood.
Frank noticed right away how the collision had twisted her face slightly out of shape. What should have been a joyous trip to the United States to reunite with their kids for their half-century mark turned into an emergency medical ordeal. Instead of festive celebrations, Mrs. Singam underwent jaw reconstruction surgery, her mouth wired shut, forcing her to survive on a liquid-only diet sipped through a straw ever since.
Determined to prevent others from enduring similar trauma, the couple has stepped forward to share their experience, spotlighting the dangers posed by PMD users on sidewalks. 'I truly wish no elderly person ever has to endure what I've been through,' Mrs. Singam expressed earnestly. It's a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially as more people, young and old alike, rely on these battery-powered aids for getting around.
To address such risks, Singapore introduced the Active Mobility Act in May 2018, laying down guidelines for safer path usage among cyclists, PMD operators, and others. According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), incidents on these paths have generally decreased since 2019, dropping from 303 cases that year to just 104 in 2024. Yet, these accidents aren't minor—they often lead to grave harm or even fatalities. And this is the part most people miss: Even with fewer reports, the severity hasn't diminished, highlighting a lingering threat to vulnerable groups.
Adjunct Assistant Professor Teo Li-Tserng, who heads the Central Region (Singapore) Trauma Services coordinating complex injury care across multiple hospitals, points out that rib breaks are the top injury from PMD mishaps, closely trailed by head trauma. He shared a recent example: A PMD user, carrying a passenger, went against traffic flow and smashed into a vehicle, resulting in head wounds and multiple fractured ribs for the rider—though the passenger escaped with only scrapes. As director of Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Trauma Centre, Prof Teo noted that hospital stays for moderate to severe PMD or personal mobility aid (PMA) injuries have stayed fairly consistent post-pandemic. Looking at data from 2022 to 2024, the center sees about 15 to 16 such admissions annually, excluding milder cases handled in ERs or clinics.
Moreover, he highlighted that admission spikes occur in two age brackets: 20- to 40-year-olds and 50- to 70-year-olds, together making up roughly two-thirds of patients. This pattern suggests heightened risk among younger workers and older adults. Over a quarter of those admitted are 65 or above, emphasizing how seniors are especially at risk, particularly if underlying health issues complicate their recovery.
At National University Hospital (NUH), records show roughly 80 PMD-related trauma cases over the last three years, averaging five major admissions per year. Adjunct Assistant Professor Norman Lin, a consultant in the General Surgery (Trauma) division, warned that a small but significant number of these can prove fatal. He described a September incident where a man in his 30s was discovered unconscious near his PMD, likely after slipping or hitting a curb, leading to a fatal head impact days later. To mitigate this, experts strongly recommend helmets—properly fitted ones for every ride, no matter the distance. Prof Teo also suggested practical clothing choices, like closed shoes over sandals to shield feet and ankles, or jeans instead of shorts to minimize skin abrasions during falls.
For broader safety, PMD users must yield to pedestrians, who rightfully have priority on walkways. Prof Teo has encountered riders arguing that walkers should step aside, sparking debates on shared responsibility. Additionally, equipping devices with horns or bells can warn others of potential collisions. Staying vigilant and ditching mobile phone use while in motion is crucial, as advised by senior occupational therapist Chia Rui Min from TTSH, to avoid distractions that could cause accidents.
Interestingly, the Singams chose not to file a police report, despite the e-bike operator—a Grab delivery worker in his 50s—being willing to accompany them. They prioritized her healing over formalities, and Frank praised the man as 'a kind-hearted person with strong principles.' After finishing his delivery, he returned to assist, and later visited her in the hospital with his spouse. Mrs. Singam anticipates a recovery period of three to six months before she can chew normally again, with current meals being tedious, slow processes to prevent choking.
'As someone in their later years, I want to maintain my well-being so I don't burden anyone and can enjoy life fully. It's hugely important,' she shared. 'And what if I developed some dementia? Would I even remember how to drink from a straw? Or think of those seniors without family support nearby?' These poignant questions underscore the broader vulnerabilities of aging populations, where even routine aids like PMDs can amplify risks.
But here's the controversial twist: While laws and stats point to rider accountability, some argue that pedestrians should be more aware too—after all, urban paths are shared spaces. Do you think PMDs are unfairly targeted, or is stricter enforcement needed? Should seniors be encouraged to use protective gear, or is it time for better infrastructure? We'd love to hear your thoughts—agree, disagree, or share your own experiences in the comments. Let's discuss how we can make our streets safer for everyone.
