Quick Read
- Two 13-year-old boys on a PMD were hospitalised after colliding with a car at a Yishun junction.
- Dashcam footage shows the PMD riders entering the car’s path; the car had a green light.
- Motorised PMDs are banned on roads under Singapore law; police investigations are ongoing.
On the night of December 28, 2025, a routine car journey through Yishun took a sudden and dramatic turn. Two 13-year-old boys, dressed in black and riding together on a personal mobility device (PMD), were struck by a car while crossing the junction of Yishun Ring Road and Yishun Avenue 2. The incident, captured by a dashcam and shared widely on social media, shows just how quickly a typical evening can spiral into chaos.
The dashcam footage, highlighted by AsiaOne and Yahoo News Singapore, reveals the moments leading up to the accident. The car, preparing to make a right turn with a green light in its favour, moves through the intersection. Suddenly, the two teens ride their PMD into the vehicle’s path from the right. The PMD, notably without headlights, is nearly invisible until the last second. The collision is forceful, sending both boys flying and scattering debris across the road—a stark reminder of how vulnerable PMD riders can be when traffic rules are not strictly observed.
Emergency services responded swiftly. According to statements from the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, both teenagers were conscious when taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Their injuries, while serious enough to require hospitalisation, were not life-threatening. The police have since launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any laws were breached.
The accident has brought renewed focus to Singapore’s regulations governing PMDs. Under the Active Mobility Act, motorised PMDs are strictly prohibited from being used on public roads. The law is clear: first-time offenders may face fines of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three months. These rules were put in place to protect both PMD riders and other road users, but incidents like the one in Yishun highlight the challenges of enforcement—and the risks when rules are ignored.
For many residents, the Yishun accident is more than just a cautionary tale. It’s a wake-up call, sparking conversations about road safety, youth awareness, and the responsibilities that come with operating any kind of vehicle, motorised or not. The fact that the PMD did not have its headlights switched on is a detail that resonates: in low-light conditions, visibility is everything, and a small oversight can have outsized consequences.
Singapore has seen a surge in the popularity of PMDs, especially among teenagers. These devices offer speed, convenience, and a sense of freedom. But that freedom comes with risks, particularly when safety measures are overlooked. The Yishun case is a vivid example of why education and enforcement must go hand in hand. While the law forbids PMD use on roads, the temptation to take shortcuts—literally and figuratively—remains.
Social media reactions to the dashcam footage have been swift and varied. Some viewers expressed sympathy for the boys and their families, while others pointed to the clear violation of traffic rules. The video’s widespread sharing has also prompted calls for stricter monitoring and perhaps harsher penalties for those caught flouting PMD regulations.
Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to adhere to the Active Mobility Act. Their message is simple: PMDs are not designed for road use. Riders should stick to designated paths and always prioritise safety—wearing helmets, ensuring proper lighting, and remaining vigilant.
As investigations continue, the Yishun accident serves as a sobering lesson for all. For teenagers, it’s a reminder that the rules exist for their protection, not just as obstacles. For parents, it’s an incentive to discuss road safety and responsible behaviour. And for policymakers, it’s another data point in the ongoing effort to balance mobility innovation with public safety.
Will this incident lead to more rigorous enforcement or even tighter restrictions on PMDs in Singapore? Only time will tell. But for now, the story of two teens in Yishun stands as a powerful illustration of why vigilance—and respect for the law—are critical every time wheels hit the road.
The Yishun PMD accident is a sharp reminder of the gap between youthful enthusiasm and the realities of urban traffic. As Singapore continues to adapt to new modes of mobility, the incident underscores the urgent need for education, enforcement, and empathy—for riders, drivers, and everyone sharing the city’s roads. AsiaOne, Yahoo News Singapore