PUTRAJAYA: Moped, electric scooters, skateboards and motorised wheelchairs are among micromobility vehicles that are banned on public roads effective immediately, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.The Transport Minister said they were banned due to several reasons, including safety of road users by ensuring that a “dangerous mix” of micromobility vehicles and other vehicles on the roads are avoided.

       He said the ruling was also to stop the use of such vehicles which do not comply with road regulations and for them to be modified and be used for illegal racing.

       “Starting from now, the use of certain micromobility vehicles will not be allowed on any part of any road,” he told a press conference yesterday.

       This, he added, included roads in residential areas.

       Dr Wee pointed out that authorities were not prohibiting the use of micromobility vehicles in total.

       Safety first: Dr Wee giving a press conference over the ban of micromobility vehicles. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

       “The use of these vehicles are allowed within the compound of a private property for example, at facilities such as resorts where its roads are private or areas designated by local authorities for the use of micromobilty vehicles.

       “But they cannot use them on public roads,” he reiterated.

       Dr Wee said the ban was necessary as more and more micromobility vehicles were being used on public roads of late.

       “This poses a danger not just to the users but also to other road users,” he added.

       The Road Traffic (Prohibition of Use of Certain Microbility Vehicles) Rules 2021 came into operation on Dec 17 last year.

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       Micromobility vehicles that are allowed on the road are bicycles, trishaws and electric bicycles.

       The minister said although the use of bicycles on the roads is allowed, it would have to abide by regulations under the Road Transport Act and Road Traffic Rules and guidelines on safe use of bicycles issued by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).

       As for electric bicycles, only those which meet Malaysia Standard MS2514: Electric Bicycles (electric pedals assisted bicycles) specifications are allowed to be used on the road, he added.

       Dr Wee said local authorities can provide infrastructure and facilities that can support the controlled use of micromobility vehicles, adding the key element is to ensure safe usage of these vehicles and that they do not “mix” with traffic.

       “Local authorities should also develop a guideline and regulate its use by the public and companies providing micromobility vehicle services,” he said.

       He said the Road Transport Department, together with the police, would take action against those found using these vehicles on the road.

       “The rules have been gazetted and we have come up with illustrations so that the public can better understand the issue.

       “We will go on advocating this for the next few days after which, we have to act against those who violate the rules,” he said.