[Parliament]Users of assisted scooters from the first quarter of 2026 must have medical certificates

All mobile assist scooter users must have medical certificates starting from the first quarter of next year and must also control their driving speeds to less than six kilometers per hour to curb the continued spread of misuse of transportation tools and create a safer commuting experience.

Ma Yanqing, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Environment and Senior Deputy Minister of Transportation, announced on Wednesday (March 5) that when debating the Ministry of Transportation's expenditure budget in the Congressional Appropriations Committee, users must hold medical certificates at that time. The exact tightening timeline depends on when the government can amend legislation.

“We will give users sufficient time to apply for proof, and law enforcement officers will also promote new regulations during the transition period. Users of action assisted scooters do not need to ask medical professionals for proof immediately. Please wait until the third quarter of this year, we will release more details.”

Movement assist tools (PMA) include a movement assist scooter and a motorised wheelchair. To avoid people’s abuse of such tools, the Active Commuter Advisory Group submitted a recommendation report on improving safety issues on December 14, 2019. The Ministry of Transport decided to accept the proposal last year.

Starting from the fourth quarter of this year, mobile assisted scooter users can find a doctor or occupational therapist to obtain medical certificates such as walking inconvenience during routine examinations. This is only for the mobile assist scooter and does not affect the mobile assist wheelchair.

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If users purchase auxiliary scooters through the Assistive Technology Fund and the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund, they do not need to request additional medical certificates.

It is expected that from the first quarter of next year, the government will complete legislation to formally tighten the speed limit of electric mobility aids, from 10 kilometers per hour to 6 kilometers, which is equivalent to the speed of ordinary people walking (four to six kilometers per hour).

Ma Yanqing said the government understands that some people who really need to use action assisted scooters to deliver meals will be worried that tightening of exercise may affect livelihoods.

“The food delivery platform has guaranteed that inclusiveness will continue to be maintained in distributing work and managing customers. In addition, the government will continue to work with stakeholders to improve infrastructure and processes and better support last-mile food delivery.”

Starting from the first quarter of next year, retailers will be able to sell electric mobility aids that meet speed limits.

Users with reduced mobility can continue to use the existing mobility aid tool with a speed limit of 10 kilometers per hour, but the driving speed must not exceed six kilometers per hour. By the end of 2028, users will only be able to use mobile assist tools with speeds of no more than six kilometers per hour.

According to current regulations, mobile auxiliary tools with a loading weight of more than 300 kg, 70 cm wide, 120 cm long and 150 cm high cannot be used on public transportation. The government will also ban similar tools that exceed the standard from opening the sidewalk.

However, some users, for medical reasons, or need to use larger-sized electric mobility aids, will make an exception to approve medical certificates to use on the sidewalk.