PAB approval, registration and ownership in Singapore
LTA requirements for power-assisted bicycle type-approval, sealing, registration plates, modifications, ownership transfers and deregistration.
Primary source: https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/buying/vehicle-types-and-registrations/active-mobility-devices/PAB.html
Power-assisted bicycles (PABs) must be type-approved, sealed and registered before use on public roads or cycling paths. A rider and a person registering a PAB must be at least 16 years old. The general road-conduct and path rules are summarised in Pedal cycles, PABs and PMDs around Singapore roads (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
Before purchase or import
LTA says a PAB must meet its technical requirements, including compliance with the European Standard EN15194, maximum continuous power output of 250 watts, motor assistance that cuts off at 25 km/h or sooner if pedalling stops, and maximum weight of 20 kg. PABs sealed and registered from 1 July 2021 must comply with EN15194:2017; an EN15194:2009+A1:2011 PAB sealed and registered before that date may continue to be used and transferred to a new owner (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
An importer must obtain LTA approval before importing a PAB. A person self-importing an unregistered PAB must bring it to an LTA-Appointed Inspection Centre (AIC) for type-approval, sealing and registration. LTA lists the PAB, completed PAB01 application form, and the required supporting documents as items to bring; these include a complete EN15194:2017 test report from a test laboratory accredited to conduct the full test (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
Registration and rear number plate
Registration is carried out at an AIC and may be completed together with type-approval and sealing. LTA says only PABs with a valid orange seal may be registered; a blue-sealed PAB cannot be registered from 1 February 2018. After registration, the owner must affix the LTA-assigned registration number plate within 3 calendar days (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
The plate may use black characters on a yellow background or white characters on a black background. LTA specifies spacing of 10 mm between a letter and a digit, 5 mm between adjoining letters or digits, and minimum character margins of 5 mm at the top and bottom and 10 mm at the sides. A two-row plate must have 10 mm between rows. A rectangular plate must be at least 75 mm long and 45 mm high. The plate must be permanently fixed at a conspicuous rear position with its characters facing backwards; its placement must not endanger the rider or other road or shared-path users (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
Modifications
LTA says modifications or add-ons that invalidate the PAB's original EN15194 testing and compliance are prohibited. It says mechanical or electrical changes generally make the PAB non-compliant unless they were included in the testing and certification. Its examples include changes to batteries, electrical wiring, the traction motor or controller, handlebars, frame, suspension, saddle or seat post. Additional lights or electrical accessories drawing power from the PAB's electrical system, and throttle features that allow operation without pedalling, are also disallowed (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
Ownership transfer and deregistration
The current owner must start an online transfer within 7 calendar days after physically handing over the PAB. The next owner must confirm online within 5 calendar days or the request lapses and the current owner remains registered. The next owner must be at least 16 years old; the PAB must be registered and have a valid seal. After confirmation, the next owner pays a non-refundable $11 transfer fee. LTA's transfer service requires Singpass for both owners (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
An owner may deregister a PAB online without a fee. After deregistration, it must not be kept or used on roads, cycling paths or shared paths; LTA states that using a deregistered PAB is an offence (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).
Coverage debt
The OneMotoring page does not state the penalties for using a deregistered PAB or for each type of non-compliance. It links to the current requirements, application form, approved-model list, and online services for transfer and deregistration; consult those live resources for service-specific steps and documents (OneMotoring, Power-Assisted Bicycle).