Escalating complaints over youths recklessly operating silent electric motorbikes along Dummer Street in Somerset West have reached boiling point, with local residents warning of inevitable accidents following a recent collision with a cyclist.
The intersection of Dummer and Aberdeen roads, adjacent to Aberdeen Park, has emerged as a key hotspot for free-wheeling. Resident Frans Brewis reported that groups of youngsters, aged 12 to 15, are frequently seen swerving between traffic and pedestrians at high speed.
“The behaviour reported to our councillor has continued unabated and I would profess that it has got worse,” he said. “Those same youngsters have been seen picking friends up from the local school and carrying them without protective helmets down the road.”
Danger heightened
Brewis said the silence of the electric bikes heightens the danger for unsuspecting motorists and park visitors, particularly during peak hours after 16:00 and over weekends.
The issue has prompted urgent calls for parental intervention after a cyclist was involved in a collision in Dummer Road. Ward 15 councillor Gregory Peck urged parents to recognise the risks of allowing minors onto public roads with high-speed, power-assisted devices.
Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Mitch Barret said the organisation regularly receives complaints from frustrated residents about e-bikes.
“The bikes are used to hop on and off pavements, and are often used without lights at dusk,” he said. “We encourage parents to ensure their teenagers follow and respect the traffic bylaws and respect other road users.”
Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, said while the City of Cape Town supports low-emission transport through its Walking and Cycling Strategy, current national laws effectively restricted their use.
“In terms of the Road Traffic Act, No 93 of 1996, e-scooters fall within the definition of a motor vehicle, yet they do not comply with current legislative requirements for licensing and roadworthiness for public roads,” he said.
Also, in terms of the Act pavements, are for the exclusive use of pedestrians and therefore not to be used by e-scooters, motorcycles or any other vehicle.
Quintas added that while the National Road Traffic Amendment Act, No 8 of 2024, introduces an “environmentally friendly vehicle” category for devices with speeds up to 45 km/h, it has not yet been proclaimed, creating a legal limbo at present.
Regulatory gaps
Regarding static enforcement at the Aberdeen Road intersection, Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs highlighted the regulatory gaps.
“National legislation currently does not provide for regulation of e-scooters on public roads… Given the size of the metro, the volume of complaints and the many demands on our service, officers are not always able to respond immediately…”
Jacobs advised residents and motorists to report active incidents directly to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 with detailed information regarding the date, time and exact location so that officers can be dispatched.
Further away, in Sea Point, the City is implementing a new management protocol on the Sea Point Promenade, capping e-scooter speeds at 8 km/h and giving pedestrians complete right of way.
Roll-out begins with new signage by the end of August, accompanied by stricter enforcement.
Under the updated rules single-rider limits will be strictly enforced and devices will be prohibited on grassed areas and at designated congestion points.
Unpermitted rental operators have until September to comply with new licensing standards, with multi-departmental law enforcement teams deployed to issue fines or impound non-compliant vehicles.
In Stellenbosch, GoNow e-scooters continue operating despite a municipal suspension notice issued over traffic-law ambiguities and safety concerns regarding underage riders earlier this year.
