Legislation
Many cycle shops seem unaware of the laws governing the use of e-bikes in South Africa.
Notice 77 of 2015
Department of Transport
National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (ACT No 93 of 1996)
Draft bill
Amendment to the act - paragraph (p) by the substitution of "pedal cycle" of the following definition:
"pedal cycle" means any bicycle or tricycle designed for propulsion solely by means of human power, or any bicycle or tricycle with operable pedals and an electric motor providing a maximum net power output of 250 watts. The electric motor may not be capable of propelling the bicycle or tricycle unassisted at a speed exceeding 25km/h on a level surface;"
SANS 311, which was published in 2007 states "... cycles [that are] equipped with an auxiliary electric motor that have a maximum continuous rated power of 0,25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner do not fall into any vehicle category".
Notice 77 of 2015
Department of Transport
National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (ACT No 93 of 1996)
Draft bill
Amendment to the act - paragraph (p) by the substitution of "pedal cycle" of the following definition:
"pedal cycle" means any bicycle or tricycle designed for propulsion solely by means of human power, or any bicycle or tricycle with operable pedals and an electric motor providing a maximum net power output of 250 watts. The electric motor may not be capable of propelling the bicycle or tricycle unassisted at a speed exceeding 25km/h on a level surface;"
SANS 311, which was published in 2007 states "... cycles [that are] equipped with an auxiliary electric motor that have a maximum continuous rated power of 0,25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner do not fall into any vehicle category".