Duty and Manufacturing Licence Exemptions for Four Motorised Vehicle Types

Duty and Manufacturing Licence Exemptions for Four Motorised Vehicle Types

Source: Singapore Custom Newsletter

As part of continued efforts to keep its rules and regulations relevant to society's changing needs, Singapore Customs has recently granted exemptions on the duty and manufacturing licence for powered kick scooters, self-balancing cycles, mobility scooters and all-terrain vehicles.

Duties play a significant role in Singapore's development and history. Originally introduced in 1967 for passenger vehicles to help protect and develop the local motor industry, they were increased in 1972, prompted by the need for more revenue, as well as to relieve traffic congestion and air pollution by discouraging the ownership of cars.
As the number of vehicles on the roads grew, duties were also subsequently introduced for motorised two-wheelers.
Today, duties are generally levied on all motor vehicles designed for transportation of up to nine persons as well as motorcycles.
Recognising the rate of new technological innovations and fast-evolving business needs, Singapore Customs regularly reviews and updates its regulations and licensing requirements.
Keeping in mind the policy's intent to reduce traffic congestion and its harms, Singapore Customs had previously exempted certain vehicles that are not permitted for use on public roads from duties. These include go-karts, "pocket" motorcycles as well as race cars and motorcycles.
Since January 2011, four new categories of motorised vehicles have been added to the list and are now also exempt from duties. Similarly, the requirement for a licence to manufacture these four types of motorised vehicles in Singapore has been removed. Learn more about these vehicles and their everyday uses below.

		1. MOBILITY SCOOTER Also known as a power scooter or disability scooter, these three- or four-wheeled vehicles are commonly used by disabled and elderly persons for moving around. Given Singapore's ageing population, the demand and life-improving benefits of such mobility aids look set to increase.
2. Self-Balancing Cycle Defined as a one- or two-wheeled self-balancing electric vehicle, this category's best example is perhaps the Segway Personal Transporter where the user stands on the vehicle and controls it by leaning in the direction he wants it to move. Other similar products in the market include the Toyota Winglet and the eniCycle. At present, self-balancing cycles can be rented for use at Sentosa and Changi Airport's Terminal 3. The creative use of self-balancing cycles to peddle beverages at 313@Somerset's Food Republic has also become the food court's signature feature. With the new duty exemption, the cycle is likely to see more innovative business applications and help improve service experience.
		3. Powered Kick Scooter Also known as a push scooter, in-line scooter or bike board, this vehicle is essentially a kick scooter fitted with a gas-powered or electric engine. Such a modification allows the scooter to move on its own power without any effort from the rider. These vehicles have been welcomed by recreational sport enthusiasts as well as environmental protection companies seeking a "greener" transport option.
4. All-Terrain Vehicle This sturdy machine is also known as a quad or quad bike. Defined as a motorised, off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low pressure tires, and with handlebars for steering control, such all-terrain vehicles are used in Singapore by outdoor adventure sports providers. You may see some in use at recreational sites in Sembawang and Sentosa.

Top 10 Reasons to Commute by Electric Kick Scooter

Top 10 Reasons to Commute by Electric Kick Scooter

1. You’ll get more sleep!
   Electric Scooters are fast! When you hop on board a kick scooter, properly equipped with helmet and elbow pads of course, you gain the ability to travel at top speed of 25 mph This means you can hit that snooze button a few more times, before heading out the door and cruising past your peers on the way to work or class.
2. People will look at you differently.
   Some people are into cars, others bikes, but it takes a certain kind of person to commute via scooter. Riding a scooter is like saying “Hey world, I’m open to new things, and I like to ride in style”, not to mention how good your hair looks as the wind rushes past you.
3. You will make more friends.
   Nonbelievers do not understand, but scooter people are the best people. Once you start taking your electric scooter to school or work, you will meet other like-minded individuals. Obviously you have a lot in common, as you know the one true source of wheeled travel, so you will naturally connect on a deeply emotional level. Who knows, perhaps you might be lucky enough to join an underground scooter gang and live a life of lawlessness?
4. You will be more romantic.
   Forget long walks on the beach, concerts in the park or the drive-in movie theatre, nothing screams romance more than a double scooter ride. Just make sure you bring an extra helmet when you hit the town at night, and you will have your choice of companionship for the ride home.
   
5. You’ll save a ton of money on shoes.
   Taking the scooter over walking will alleviate the intense stress walking places on the soles of your shoes. Gone are the days of changing your shoes when you get to the office, although it is not a good idea to kick yourself to work in stilettos.
6. You will avoid many uncomfortable situations.
   Nothing is worse than sitting far too close to that stranger who has not showered in slightly too long on an overcrowded mode of public transportation. Your scooter will provide safe solitude on board as you ride to work.
7. You will have a nicer looking home.
   Even when you are not riding your electric scooter, it can be a very useful element of your decor. Folded neatly in a corner, it subtly lets guests know that you have great taste in transport, without the obnoxious, overstated look of a bicycle in your hallway. One such state-of-design electric scooter is the Boltz Electric Scooter.
   
8. You will be a hero parent.
   Even if you purchase an electric scooter for your daily commute, you can still let the kids ride in the park on Sunday. Electric Scooters are a brilliant creation, and can be enjoyed by humans of all ages.
9. You can still ride the bus.
   Gone are the days of loading your bicycle onto the bus’s bike rack. Simply fold your scooter and carry it onboard with you. When you depart the bus, you’ll be able to kick your way the remaining distance.
10. Your co-workers will think your hip.
     Going green is all the rage these days. By ditching your four-wheel drive for a kick scooter, you will be helping to preserve the polar ice caps. A newfound appreciation for the big white bears is certainly a boost to your image.

Sneak Peak to Boltz Scooter

Are you sick of traffic jams? Tired of driving in circles just to find a place to park? Are you concern about the polluted air you are breathing in the city?

This is why we need to come out with new commuting solutions to curb pollution in the city.

Who is Boltz Scooter? 

A new startup company in Singapore called Boltz Scooter has set out on a mission to offer eco-friendly alternatives to the energy depleting problems in the present time. Boltz Electric Scooter wants to provide a fun and cool  experience when travelling without compromising safety and polluting the city. The team at BOLTZ is made up of a group of specialist technicians who have vast expertise, understanding and knowledge on every aspect of electric scooters. Boltz Scooter will be organising a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo to fund their startup dreams and will be pushing out 2 different models, their 10-z and 8-z models.

What makes their product different from their competitors?

What makes their product different from their competitors is that the structure of Boltz Scooter is made of aluminum alloy to enhance strength and stability. 

The foldable mechanism on the product is so simple to use that you can easily deploy the scooter in less than 2 seconds. 

To fulfil their mission statement of eco-friendliness, 80% of materials they use on the scooter can be recycled, thus reducing waste. 

The Boltz 10-Z models comes with better  specifications like sports suspension for a smoother ride, a dual brake disc at the front and back wheel which is made of special cast alloy for better braking distance and brake life. 

Prior to this, Boltz products have been tested and tried for years before bringing the product to market. Boltz Electric Scooter has obtained CE and RoHS certification unlike other cheaper electric scooters out there in the market. 

 Furthermore, the company is so confident about the quality of their product that they offer a 1 year limited warranty and can also carry out repairs and servicing to all their respected users.

It will be interesting to see if the Boltz can be successful in funding their dreams on the crowd funding platform of Indiegogo.

Click Here to find out more about Boltz on their webpage.

Press Release for Boltz Scooter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact

Owen Ke

info@boltzscooter.com

+65 6288 6468​

Boltz Electric Scooter Launches Crowdfunding for the Future of Urban Transport

Singapore Startup Debuts Fast, Long-Range, Lightweight Electric Vehicle for a Cleaner Tomorrow

SINGAPORE – Boltz Electric Scooter, a Singapore-based technology startup, announced today that it is planning to launch a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGogo to support development of its new electric scooter. The fast, long-range, lightweight scooter is envisioned as an ideal solution for urban commuters who need to get around but do not want to drive or hassle with public transportation.  The vehicle is extremely energy efficient and “green.”

“We believe that technology should improve the way we commute without polluting the city,” said Shawn Kuah, Founder and CEO of Boltz.  “It should also be cool and fun to travel around without compromising the safety of you and the people around you.  That was our goal with the Boltz Electric Scooter. With the proceeds of the crowdfunding, we can attain this goal.” 

The folding Boltz Electric Scooter has a top speed of 20 miles-per-hour and a range of over 25 miles.  This makes it ideal for urban commuting – it can go far and fast enough to be worthwhile to most city dwellers.   At 33 pounds of aluminum and a 2-second setup time, the scooter can be carried easily in the trunk of a car or on a bus. 

The IndieGogo campaign is projected to raise $20,000 for the company.  Use of funds include engineering, corporate infrastructure, and working capital to commence production.  The electric scooter will be made available for purchase on their Indiegogo Page on 20 March 2015.

For more information on their crowdfunding campaign visit 

Website Homepage                 http://www.boltzscooter.com

A video is available at             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf0AOoC4ARk

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