Buying a Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB) in Singapore requires careful attention to PAB license rules set by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). This verified guide provides accurate, up-to-date information based on official government sources to help you make a compliant purchase and avoid penalties.
Quick Answer: 6-Point PAB License Compliance Checklist
Before purchasing any PAB in Singapore, verify these six PAB license rules:
- EN15194 certification – European safety standard compliance
- Motor power – Maximum 250W continuous output
- Speed limit – Electric assist cuts off at 25 km/h
- Weight limit – Maximum 20 kg unladen weight
- Orange LTA tag – Valid type-approval tag affixed to frame
- Registration ready – Must accept rear number plate within 5 days
Source: LTA OneMotoring – PAB License Rules
Understanding Singapore’s PAB License Rules and Technical Requirements
Motor Power and Speed Specifications
Under Singapore’s PAB license rules, all PABs must have a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts. The motor assistance must progressively reduce and cut off when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h or when the rider stops pedaling.
Key motor requirements: – No throttle or start-up assistance allowed – Motor only engages when pedaling – Assistance stops immediately when pedaling ceases – Maximum speed under motor power: 25 km/h
Source: Active Mobility Regulations 2018
Weight and Dimension Limits
- Weight: Maximum 20 kg unladen weight (including fixed accessories like racks and mudguards)
- Width: Maximum 70 cm for public paths; maximum 130 cm for roads
These limits are part of the PAB license rules to ensure safety for all path users.
Source: LTA OneMotoring – PAB License Rules
EN15194 Certification Requirement
All PABs must comply with European Standard EN15194, a core part of Singapore’s PAB license rules. This standard evaluates: – Electrical system safety (battery, wiring, controller) – Motor performance and cut-off behavior – Structural integrity and braking systems
Since 1 July 2021, LTA requires all newly tagged PABs to meet EN15194:2017.
Source: LTA OneMotoring – PAB License Rules
The Orange LTA Tag: Your First Step in PAB License Compliance
What the Orange Tag Means
The orange LTA tag is physical proof that a PAB model complies with PAB license rules and has: – Passed EN15194 testing at an accredited laboratory – Been type-approved by LTA – Undergone inspection at an LTA-Authorized Inspection Centre (AIC)
Blue Tags Are No Longer Valid
Important: PABs with blue tags do not meet current PAB license rules and cannot be registered. Only PABs with orange tags are accepted for new registrations.
Source: LTA OneMotoring – PAB License Rules
PAB License Registration and Number Plate Requirements
Mandatory Registration Process
To comply with PAB license rules, every PAB must be: 1. Type-approved by LTA (model appears on approved list) 2. Tagged with an orange LTA approval tag 3. Registered with a rear number plate bearing an LTA-assigned registration number
The rear number plate must be affixed within 5 calendar days after registration.
Where to Register
Registration occurs at LTA-Authorized Inspection Centres (AICs). Reputable retailers typically handle registration and transfer to your name before delivery, ensuring compliance with PAB license rules.
Source: LTA OneMotoring – PAB License Rules
Rider Requirements Under PAB License Rules
Minimum Age Requirement
Riders must be at least 16 years old to: – Ride a PAB on public paths or roads – Register a PAB in their name – Carry a pillion passenger (who must also be 16+)
Mandatory Theory Test
Effective 1 January 2022, all PAB riders must pass the PAB Mandatory Theory Test as part of the PAB license rules before riding on cycling paths or roads.
Test details: – 40 multiple-choice questions – 32 correct answers required to pass (80%) – 40-minute duration – Fee: $10.90 (including GST) per attempt
Penalty for non-compliance: First-time offenders face fines up to $2,000 and/or 6 months jail.
Source: LTA Mandatory Theory Test PDF (Updated July 2024)
Register for the test at: Singapore Polytechnic PAB Theory Test
Where PABs Can Be Used Under License Rules
Allowed Riding Locations
PABs are permitted on: – Roads (width ≤130 cm, helmet and lights required at night) – Cycling paths and shared paths – PCN (Park Connector Network)
Penalties for Violating PAB License Rules
Using a Non-Compliant PAB
- Offense: Riding a PAB that does not meet PAB license rules
- First-time penalty: Fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months
Illegal Modification
- Offense: Modifying a PAB to violate PAB license rules (e.g., installing throttle, exceeding power limits)
- First-time penalty: Fine up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment up to 24 months
Selling Non-Compliant PABs
- Offense: Selling PABs that do not meet PAB license rules
- First-time penalty: Fine up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment up to 24 months
Sources: Active Mobility Act 2017, LTA News Release January 2025
In-Store Checklist: Ensuring Compliance with PAB License Rules
Use this verification script when shopping:
- Confirm LTA approval:
Is this model on the official LTA approved PAB list? Can you show me the model number?
- Check the orange tag:
Can I see the orange LTA tag with logo and serial number on the frame?
- Verify specifications:
What is the motor power?
(Answer should be ≤250W)What is the unladen weight?
(Should be ≤20 kg)At what speed does motor assistance cut off?
(Should be 25 km/h)
- Ask about registration:
Will you register this PAB in my name and affix the number plate before I take delivery?
Verified Example: Maximal X20 and X16
The Maximal X20 and X16 comply with all PAB license rules and appear on the official approved list under model numbers PAB-20-05 and PAB-16-02.
Verified specifications: – Motor: 48V 250W gear motor – Top speed: 25 km/h (motor cut-off) – Weight: 19.9 kg (X20) / 19.8 kg (X16) with 14.4Ah battery – Certification: EN15194 certified, LTA orange tagged
Sources: LTA Approved PAB Models List (1 July 2025), Maximal Product Pages
Final Pre-Purchase Checklist for PAB License Compliance
Before you complete your purchase:
- [ ] Model appears on official LTA approved list
- [ ] Orange LTA tag present and undamaged
- [ ] Motor power ≤250W continuous
- [ ] Weight ≤20 kg unladen
- [ ] Width ≤70 cm for path use
- [ ] Retailer will register and transfer to your name
- [ ] Rear number plate will be affixed within 5 days
- [ ] You are 16+ years old
- [ ] You have passed PAB theory test (or will before riding)
Remember: Never purchase a PAB without an orange LTA tag. Non-compliant PABs cannot be registered and using them may result in prosecution under PAB license rules.
Official Resources for PAB License Rules
- Check approved models: LTA Approved PAB List (PDF)
- PAB registration: OneMotoring PAB Registration
- Theory test registration: Singapore Polytechnic
- Rules and regulations: LTA Active Mobility Rules
*This article contains verified information from official Singapore government sources current as of January 2025. Always check the latest LTA guidelines
