Adopting a more risk-proportionate regulatory framework for amusement rides

1         The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will be relaxing regulatory requirements for low-risk amusement rides, as part of a broader review to ensure that Singapore's regulatory framework remains risk-proportionate and keeps pace with evolving technology and business models. Higher-risk amusement rides will continue to be subject to the appropriate regulatory requirements and safeguards.

2         Under the Amusement Rides Safety Act 2011 (ARSA), all amusement rides^[1], including smaller, low-risk rides, are required to obtain permits for installation, modification and operation. When the regulatory framework was introduced in 2011, amusement rides tended to be larger and higher-risk attractions, such as roller coasters and drop towers, and the regulatory framework was therefore designed with these rides and their safety risks in mind. Today, advances in technology have brought a wider variety of smaller-scale into the market, including low-risk rides such as battery-operated kiddy rides and low-speed go-karts commonly found in shopping malls. However, due to the broad definition of an amusement ride under ARSA, some of these low-risk rides are currently subject to the same requirements designed for much larger and higher-risk rides.

3         In January 2026, BCA took a first step towards a more risk-proportionate regulatory framework for battery-operated go-karts that meet specified safety criteria from permit requirements under ARSA^[2]. BCA will now extend this approach to a wider range of low-risk amusement rides.

Relaxing regulatory requirements for more low-risk amusement rides

4         BCA will relax requirements for low-risk amusement rides that meet clearly defined safety criteria which address the key safety risks associated with the design and operation of amusement rides. Operators of rides which meet these criteria will no longer need to obtain permits under ARSA. Rides that do not meet these criteria will continue to be regulated under the existing framework. BCA is working on the necessary legislative amendments and targets to implement the changes by June 2027.

Benefits and impact

5         The change is expected to benefit operators of smaller, low-risk rides, which are increasingly common in locations such as shopping malls, family entertainment centres and carnivals. Examples of the type of rides that could benefit include low-speed rides such as kiddy train rides, carousels, and flume rides, subject to their meeting the prescribed safety criteria.

6         The relaxation will make it easier for new businesses and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) to enter the amusement rides market, as they will no longer be required to go through the permit process for qualifying low-risk rides. Existing operators of rides which fall within the adjusted scope of relaxation can also expect lower compliance costs, with estimated savings of up to $20,000 in upfront costs and $2,000 in recurring costs per ride each year.

Safety remains a priority

7         The relaxation of permit requirements does not mean a relaxation of safety standards. Operators remain responsible for ensuring that their rides are operated and maintained safely.  BCA will continue to work with ride owners, operators and qualified persons (QPs) to uphold safety standards across the industry.

About BCA

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) champions a safe, sustainable, and liveable built environment for Singapore. As a leader in the sector, BCA is dedicated to driving industry transformation and setting rigorous standards in building safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. By advancing innovation, digitalisation, and the development of a skilled workforce, BCA fosters a dynamic industry that is ready to meet the evolving needs of the nation and build a resilient and progressive built environment for all. For more information, visit www.bca.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

^[1] More information on classification of amusement rides and permits for such rides is here (opens in new tab).

^[2] More information on the Exemption Order (EO) for battery-operated go-karts under the Amusement Rides Safety Act is here (opens in new tab).