PETALING JAYA: The ban on the use of certain micromobility vehicles on the roads has been lauded by many irate car drivers who feel they pose a danger to road users.
Syazwan Ramli from Kuala Lumpur said he had encountered many escooters on the roads, especially at night, which were ridden dangerously.
“Lately, there have been more and more escooters on KL roads. They are ridden by youngsters who would weave through traffic dangerously.
“Most of the time, these people do not put on safety equipment like helmets or bright outfits.
“I have even seen these escooters on the highways, and it really is not safe. So I agree with the government’s decision to ban them on the roads,” said the 31-year-old.
Elizabeth Chong, who lives in Putrajaya, said rented escooters are popular in nearby Cyberjaya and it is a new craze in the township.
“These escooters are very dangerous and many times, their users do not follow normal road rules.
“There is no proper regulation so it is good that they are banned,” said Chong.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye agreed with the move to ban escooters from roads, but added that enforcement is equally important.
“For road safety purposes, the decision to ban the escooters is justifiable.
“Road safety is of paramount importance and must be prioritised.
“But as with the case of basikal lajak which is illegal, without proper enforcement, these youths will still sneak to the roads and ride.
“The enforcers need to do more to correct this menace. Rounding up the riders is not enough.
“They should bring these youths to their homes and talk to their parents.
“This will ensure parents will not be negligent and will keep a closer eye on their children,” said Lee.
The ban on micromobility vehicles applies to mopeds, personal mobility devices (PMDs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs) – which includes escooters.
Meanwhile, the personal electric vehicles (PEV) community feel that the ban should not be applied to all categories of micromobility vehicles.
Persatuan Kenderaan Micromobility Malaysia president Edi Khushairy Abdul Kadir said members of their association are those who use PEVs for genuine purposes such as commuting to work and doing food deliveries.
“We have our own guidelines and our members are required to wear helmets, pads and gears for their safety.
“I agree that escooters are a road hazard.
“These companies do not regulate their usage and the users are free to use it indiscriminately. An underage person can rent an escooter at night and there is no regulation on this.
“Our community is open to discussing with the government on regulating the proper usage of micromobility vehicles.
“Micromobility vehicles is a modern invention and as an advancing society, we should embrace this technology like other developed nations and not move backwards,” said Edi.
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