A person was hospitalized early Friday morning after a fire involving a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) in Balestier Road, Singapore. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of PABs and the potential risks associated with their lithium-ion batteries. Emergency responders were alerted to the blaze at approximately 12:15 a.m. And quickly extinguished the flames with a hose reel.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed the incident, stating that one person was subsequently taken to Singapore General Hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been released. An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, according to the SCDF.
Images circulating online, shared in the Facebook group Professional PHV Drivers Singapore: Grab, Gojek, Tada n Ryde, depict a PAB fully engulfed in flames on the side of the road. A man is visible standing near the fire and thick, dark smoke billows into the night air. The image underscores the rapid and intense nature of fires involving these types of vehicles.
Rising Concerns Over PAB Fires
This incident is not isolated. In recent years, Singapore has seen a concerning increase in fires involving active mobility devices (AMDs), including PABs and personal mobility devices (PMDs). Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam revealed in 2025 that there were 187 such fires reported over the preceding five years. According to the Straits Times, approximately 42 percent of these fires involved PABs, even as 46 percent involved PMDs and 12 percent involved personal mobility aids.
The primary cause of these fires is increasingly linked to the lithium-ion batteries that power these devices. These batteries, while offering high energy density, can be susceptible to thermal runaway – a chain reaction leading to overheating and fire – if damaged, defective, or improperly charged. The potential for battery-related fires has prompted calls for stricter regulations and safety standards for PABs and their components.
Recent Incidents and Safety Measures
Just this year, on January 3rd, a fire involving a PAB led to the evacuation of 20 people from a Housing Board block near Telok Blangah. The Straits Times reported that the fire, which originated in a bedroom, was extinguished with two water jets. Preliminary investigations pointed to the PAB battery as the source of the blaze.
These incidents have spurred discussions about enhancing fire safety measures in residential buildings and promoting responsible PAB usage. The SCDF regularly issues advisories on safe charging practices and the importance of using certified PABs and batteries. Consumers are urged to inspect their PABs regularly for any signs of damage and to avoid overcharging the batteries.
Understanding the Risks and Regulations
The increasing popularity of PABs as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation has been accompanied by growing safety concerns. PABs are subject to regulations under the Active Mobility Act, which sets limits on their speed and weight. However, the regulations primarily focus on usage and do not directly address the safety of the batteries themselves.
Experts emphasize the importance of purchasing PABs from reputable retailers and ensuring that the batteries meet relevant safety standards. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) provides information on PAB regulations and approved models on its website. Consumers are also advised to register their PABs with the LTA, as required by law.
The potential for lithium-ion battery fires extends beyond PABs, affecting a wide range of devices, including e-scooters, laptops, and mobile phones. This broader concern has led to calls for more comprehensive battery safety regulations and improved testing procedures.
What to Do in Case of a PAB Fire
In the event of a PAB fire, the SCDF advises the following:
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- Call 995 for emergency assistance.
- If possible, use a dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Do not use water on a lithium-ion battery fire, as it can exacerbate the situation.
The SCDF continues to investigate the cause of the Balestier Road fire and will release further details as they become available. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with PABs and the importance of prioritizing safety when using these devices. The public can find more information on fire safety and PAB regulations on the SCDF website and the LTA website.
Authorities are expected to provide an update on the investigation within the coming days. Continued vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial to mitigating the risk of future incidents involving power-assisted bicycles and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Have your say: What further steps do you think should be taken to improve PAB safety in Singapore? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
