SINGAPORE - Personal mobility aid (PMA) safety remains a challenge for older users and those with multiple medical conditions, occupational therapists say, even under tightened certification rules that took effect Monday.
New rules require PMA users to obtain a certificate of medical need from a Singapore-registered doctor or occupational therapist, unless exempted (e.g., age 70 or older). The Land Transport Authority says over 1,000 certificates have been issued.
At Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), occupational therapists have seen about 20 to 25 patients weekly in recent weeks, a 35% increase. Some users referred by doctors are rejected if they lack cognitive function or fitness for road use.
Principal occupational therapist Huang Huixin noted patients with multiple conditions may struggle with judgment, operation, and safety. Training includes three-point turns, bus boarding, and slope stopping.
Patients needing more training require four to five sessions. Some confusion persists over who issues certification. Huang said the process is digital and status updates typically occur within a week.
Dr. Benjamin Lim, principal occupational therapist at NTUC Health, said many seniors fail assessments due to cognitive issues. He works with them to improve cognitive functions, noting that annual reviews are not mandatory but encouraged.