PAB Fire in Singapore Injures One, Investigation Underway

Singapore – A person was hospitalized after a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) caught fire in the early hours of March 22, 2026, on Balestier Road. The incident has prompted a reminder of the risks associated with active mobility devices.

Details of the Incident

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to an alert at approximately 12:15 am regarding the fire as reported by Yahoo News Singapore and Malay Mail. Firefighters extinguished the flames using a hose reel. One individual was transported to Singapore General Hospital for treatment.

Images circulating on social media, including a post in the Facebook group Professional PHV Drivers Singapore: Grab, Gojek, Tada n Ryde, indicate the PAB engulfed in flames with thick smoke visible. A bystander was observed near the fire.

Rising Concerns Over Active Mobility Device Fires

This incident is part of a growing trend of fires involving active mobility devices in Singapore. In 2025, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam revealed that there were 187 such fires over the preceding five years according to Straits Times. Of these, 42% involved PABs, 46% involved personal mobility devices (PMDs), and 12% involved personal mobility aids.

Recent PAB Fire Incidents

In January 2026, a separate PAB fire occurred at Block 108 Bukit Purmei Road, resulting in the evacuation of 20 residents. The SCDF extinguished that fire with two water jets. Preliminary investigations suggested that the fire originated from the PAB’s battery in a bedroom as reported by Malay Mail.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the March 22nd fire on Balestier Road remains under investigation by the SCDF.