You are currently viewing Fast Tips on PAB Basic Theory Test | Part A

A quick preparation for a PAB Mandatory Theory Test coming at the end of June 2021.

We collect some thoughts that could be covered on your theory test.

We hope this will help you get started to pass your theory test.

Fast Tips on PAB Basic Theory Test | Part A

3 Active Mobility Devices

Fast Tips on PAB Basic Theory Test | Part A

The 3 types of Active Mobility Devices in Singapore are:

Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs) / E-bike

(equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling)

  • LTA Registered
  • Orange Tag on the rear of the device
  • PAB Theory Test Certificate Required
  • Cycling Paths and Roads ONLY
  • Min Age: 16 years old for driver and pillion passengers
  • Max Speed: 25km/h
  • Max unladen weight: 20kg (include bottle holder, not the bottle itself)
  • Max Width: 70cm
  • EN15194 Compliment (European safety standard)

E-Scooters (PMDs)

(motorized PMDs with handlebars)

  • LTA Registered
  • Registration mark (a sticker) and identification mark on the device
  • E-Scooter Theory Test Certificate Required
  • Cycling Paths ONLY
  • Min Age: 16 years old; superage must be supervised by adult (≥21 years old and passed theory test)
  • Max Speed: 25km/h
  • Max unladen weight: 20kg (include bottle holder, not bottle itself)
  • Max Width: 70cm
  • UL2272 Compliment

Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs)

(Motorized wheelchairs or mobility scooters designed to carry an individual who cannot walk or has walking difficulties)

  • No LTA Registration Require
  • No Tag Required
  • No Test Certificate Required
  • Cycling Paths and footpath ONLY
  • No Minimum Age
  • Max Speed: 10km/h
  • No unladen weight
  • No Max width 

Types of Paths

In Singapore, there are 3 Types of Paths applies:
a) Cycling Paths, labeled ‘Cyclist’ or ‘PCN’ path marking, speed limit of 25km/h
b) Foot paths do not have any ‘Cyclist’ or ‘PCN’ path marking. Speed limit is 10km/h
c) Roads paths, no applies expressway and road tunnels

For a better image for understanding which correct path for cycling, visit here.

Guidelines for Riding

Guidelines for Riding on Public Paths

  • Slow down around others, always make way to pedestrians
  • Slow down when reaching close by bus stops and public intersections
  • In crowded areas, dismount your device and walk
  • Keep left on paths unless overtaking. Gently alert others before overtaking.
  • Keep a safe distance
  • Avoid shining your lights onto the face of other path users
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars. Signal your intention to change course or make a turn ahead of time
  • Ride on cycling paths and bicycle crossings when available
  • Park your device at designated parking places such as bicycle racks and yellow boxes

Guidelines for Riding on Roads

  • Always ride closely to the left edge of roads, and allow traffic to overtake you safely
  • Follow all traffic signals and traffic directions
  • Always use bicycle lanes when available
  • Always keep a safe distance on the roads’ vehicles
  • Don’t squeeze between the kerb and a bus
  • Slow down and look out for others when approaching other junctions
  • Control your speed when riding on a hill or get off to walk your device if a hill is steep

Things NOT to do

Things don’t do to prevent your device overheating and risk of fire incident:

  • Charge on hard, open and flat surfaces away from combustible materials
  • Charge in a cool room and away from heat
  • Don’t cover the device with any fabric during charging as it slows heat dissipation
  • Avoid overcharging. Don’t leave batteries or devices to charge overnight
  • Allow for heat dissipation. Avoid charging the device when it is hot
  • Avoid charging the battery when wet
  • Check batteries for any damage or deformities
  • Keep and store devices properly. Batteries should be stored at room temperature
  • Don’t modify or tamper with the device’s original electrical components
  • Only use power adaptors that are recommended by the PAB manufacturer and have a SAFETY MARK

Maintenance of a PAB

  • PABs should be maintained about once a month
  • Arrange your PAB servicing at least once every 3 to 6 months
  • Don’t replace any PAB parts with third-party parts. Replacement of parts should be done by an authorized retailer who can replace the worn-out parts with the original manufacturer’s parts

Pre-Ride Equipment Check on PABs

  • Squeeze the brake levers to check are working properly and are not worn out
  • Check that the wheels are hard to squeeze with no visible cracks or tears
  • For foldable devices, check that all latches are locked properly
  • Ensure that the seat is at a comfortable height
  • Adjust the height of the seat such that there will be a slight bend at the knee on the extended leg (about 20 degrees) when your foot is on the pedal at the lowest position
  • The seat angle can be adjusted to your comfort. Or else, it can cause numbness or injury

Managing Loads

  • Loads and accessories must be properly secured
  • They should not block your view or affect your steering
  • Only carry passengers if your device has proper seats for passengers.
  • Passengers should not block your view

Checking for lights

  • Equipped with a front white light and rear red light
  • Check the light before starting
  • Turned on between 7 pm to 7 am
  • Shouldn’t too bright or projected into the face of others
  • Don’t retrofit your device with lights (is illegal)

Safety Gear and Attire

  • Wearing of helmets is compulsory
  • Wear bright coloured, fluorescent or reflective clothing to increase visibility
  • You should carry an In Case of Emergency (ICE) card or an ID tag in case of incidents
  • Don’t wear loose clothing

Parking, Security and Storage of Device

  • Don’t park which causes obstruction or inconvenience to others. Or else may cause you a penalty fine and your device impounded
  • Don’t park on walkways, at bus stops, or by trees and lampposts
  • Park at designated parking spaces
  • Secure your device to prevent theft

Bringing PABs on Public Transport

  • PABs and bicycles are allowed on public buses and trains if they don’t exceed the size limit (120 x 70 x 40 cm)
  • Foldable devices must be kept folded at all times
  • Motorised devices must be switched off
  • Devices are not allowed on the staircase or upper deck of buses
  • Don’t ride in public transport
  • Don’t block aisles and doors

We wrap up some points to facilitate your test preparation – Fast Tips on PAB Basic Theory Test | Part A. This has covered Active Mobility Devices general information and Equipment Check for PAB Riders. Would you continue to read Last Module Part B | Rules and Code of Conduct for Using an E-Scooter?

Leave a Reply