Easy online access to active mobility device parts driving illegal modifications, say industry players

 at Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah. Authorities said preliminary findings indicate the fire could have started from the battery pack of a PMD in the living room.

Such battery packs can blow with just a single spark, which can happen when there is poor insulation or no circuit breaker board.

The risk is higher when it comes to the use of second-hand batteries that are beyond their lifespan, said Mr Kenneth Tay, co-founder of battery maker and repairer DogeTune.

“There are times where … the battery is good enough, but the electrical appliance, the way it's designed - the electrical system is not designed well. Wires are too thin here and there. Controllers are not properly insulated. Short circuits can happen,” he cautioned.

He estimated that at least 20 per cent of his customers are users of modified AMDs who bring in their batteries for checks. His company does not offer modification services.

When a customer comes to them for stronger batteries, Mr Tay said he advises them that modifying their AMDs is illegal.

He also tells customers if the batteries they want can support the electrical appliances they have – whether it be AMDs, drones or robots.

“More people are putting things together on their own. … I have observed a trend with very young people, from as young as 13 years old to 15 years old,” Mr Tay pointed out.

“By right, they're not supposed to have PMDs or PABs. The minimum age is 16 years old. However, there is a subculture already - in secondary schools, they like to ride bicycles … these youngsters, they may not have a lot of money of their own to spend.”

Mr Bobby Lai, head of business development at Singapore’s largest AMD retailer Mobot, said tighter enforcement is needed online to decide who is approved to sell AMD parts and what types of listings show up on e-commerce platforms.

He also flagged ways for riders to keep themselves safe in the second-hand market. For example, Mobot does trade-ins and helps customers to sell their old devices.

“We will always do a check first before we sell these second-hand devices,” he added.

“For the consumers, it's much more preferred that they come to a reputable shop, even if they are looking for a second-hand device, and not go online and just buy anyhow.”