Long proud of its infatuation with rules – no chewing gum, no spitting, no feeding the monkeys – Singapore stunned mobility operators this week by banishing PMDs from its footpaths. Telepod, which provides e-scooters to food delivery platforms and other businesses, expressed concern at the impact of ban on Singapore’s 100,000 scooter owners, as well as retailers and mobility sharing operators. Telepod said it has had to put on hold its partnership with meal delivery operator Foodpanda, until it can work out how to operate under the new environment. Neuron Mobility, an e-scooter solutions provider, said the new regulatory framework would make it even more challenging to develop its business in Singapore. Describing the ban as unfortunate, Neuron Mobility CEO Zachary Wang told Nikkei that it was now “legally not possible for us to run any business in Singapore.” Beam VP of corporate affairs, Christopher Hilton told Nikkei that it would look more closely at operating a business model for shared e-scooters in areas where they are still allowed for use, such as parks, as well as expanding its overseas operations.... Continue Reading