Abstract:
The introduction of micromobility modes, and specifically e-scooters, in many parts of the
world have resulted in public complaints and road safety concerns. A central contributor to
these challenges is the lack of clear regulation by relevant transport legislation.
Consequently, transport authorities have been largely trying to regulate e-scooters
retrospectively, resulting in their uncontrolled use in public areas. South-Africa is facing a
similar dilemma, with the primary piece of transport legislation, the National Roads Traffic
Act 93 of 1996, lacking practical definitions and regulations to provide a basis for the
further development of guidelines and policy pertaining to e-scooter usage. This paper
explores the current provisions of transport legislation in the South-African context and
identifies certain shortcomings. The impact of these shortcomings is explained with
reference to implementation strategies and current guidelines, such as the SARTSM
manuals. Recent legislative amendments which regulate e-scooter use on public roads in
the United Kingdom provides a comparative basis for recommendations in the South
African context.
