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Building and Construction Authority
Media Releases

Exemption order for battery-operated go-karts under the Amusement Rides Safety Act

5 January 2026

Monday, 5 January 2026

Media Factsheet

Exemption order for battery-operated go-karts under the Amusement Rides Safety Act

  1. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has issued an Exemption Order (EO) for battery-operated go-karts under the Amusement Rides Safety Act 2011 (ARSA), effective 2 January 2026. This move stems from a periodical review of existing regulations, ensuring public safety while adapting to the evolving needs of the amusement ride industry.

  2. Under the ARSA, all amusement rides [1] – including go-karts of any speed or power – require permits for installation, modification and operation. This regulatory framework has been fundamental in safeguarding public safety at theme parks and carnivals in Singapore.

Exemption Order for Battery-Operated Go-Karts

  1. With effect from 2 January 2026, go-karts are exempted from requiring permits under ARSA if they meet the following three (3) criteria:

    1. Battery-operated go-karts: Powered solely by batteries, rather than petrol or other fuel sources

    2. Speed limitation: Has a speed limiting device installed that prevents its operating speed from exceeding 6 kilometres per hour (6km/h);

    3. Safety coverage: Has all mechanical parts (other than the steering wheel, brake pedal and acceleration pedal) and the top part of the tyres covered by its chassis, to prevent the risk of a limb, hair, or apparel of a person sitting in or driving the go-kart getting caught.

Benefits and Impact

  1. This regulatory change will benefit businesses operating low-risk rides, enabling them to respond more quickly to market demands while maintaining safety standards.

  2. BCA will continue to work with all stakeholders, from ride owners and qualified persons (QPs) to ride managers, to comply with safety standards.

  3. For clarification on the Exemption Order for battery operated go-karts, please contact BCA.

[1] More information on classification of amusement rides and permits for such rides here.

Download the PDF version of the media release here [PDF, 208 KB].

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