NO more free-rides for E-Bikes in South Africa

1 Views

A new amendment to the National Road Traffic Act sees E-Bikes in South Africa now classified as a motor vehicle. In turn, this means they must be registered and licenced to be legally operated, and the rider must also be licenced, too, reportsTopAuto. A small electric motor in the frame of the bicycle – available in an assortment of sizes and power outputs – assists the rider when pedalling.

Anyone who’s been on a casual walk – on a trail or the pavement – will have experienced the increase of E-Bikes in South Africa. Moreover, the faster closing speeds they can achieve compared to non-electrically assisted bicycles can be disconcerting. Their speed and silence poses a danger to other pedestrians, whether the riders would like to admit it or not.

E-BIKES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Nevertheless, it would appear the authorities are ready to take action against the potential risks of E-Bikes in South Africa. The new National Road Traffic Act amendment came into being on 2 December 2024. And it stipulates that any electric pedal bicycle that can operate in excess of 45 km/h is now classified as a motor vehicle. While battery density and electric motor outputs differs, experts say the majority of electric pedal bikes are capable of exceeding 45km/h under the right conditions.

More and more cyclists are using electrically assisted bicycles not just for recreation but daily transportation, too. And even if not all E-Bikes in South Africa can attain the 45 km/h threshold, all of them accelerate much faster than an non-assisted cyclist. Nevertheless, authorities have written to Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to request further guidance on the practical application of the amendment for E-Bikes in South Africa.

Furthermore, many riders of E-Bikes in South Africa are still unaware of the law change. Likewise, law enforcement is also unfamiliar with how to police the increasing number of speedy, silent bicycles. The most common transgressions related to cyclists are entering roadways in a manner that is unsafe. And riding on sidewalks in amongst pedestrians.