New SA Law Requires High-Speed Electric Bicycles to Be Registered and Licensed Like Cars
South Africa’s Electric Bike Law Shifts Gears: High-Speed E-Bikes Must Now Be Registered
If you’re riding an electric pedal bicycle in South Africa that can hit speeds above 45km/h, your two-wheeler now legally counts as a motor vehicle—and it must be registered and licensed accordingly. This comes after a key amendment to the National Road Traffic Act, officially signed into law on 2 December 2024.
The new classification affects a growing number of cyclists who’ve adopted electric pedal cycles for commuting, sport, or leisure. These bikes are powered by a compact motor that assists pedalling and can propel riders well past the 45km/h mark—especially on favourable terrain or downhill slopes.
What the Amendment Means for Riders
Under the revised legislation, any electric pedal bicycle capable of exceeding 45km/h will now need to be:
- Registered and licensed as a motor vehicle.
- Operated by someone with the appropriate driver’s licence for that vehicle class.
The goal is to improve road safety and ensure that users of high-speed e-bikes adhere to similar regulations as mopeds or scooters.
Cape Town Calls for National Guidance
In response, the City of Cape Town has stepped in to seek clarity from Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, aiming to understand the full implications of the amendment. According to Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, the City intends to:
- Educate the public and electric bike users about the law.
- Prepare its traffic enforcement teams.
- Adjust local traffic bylaws if necessary.
“We welcome the amendment,” said Nqavashe, “but we all must have a clear understanding of the expectations accompanying it.”
Why It Matters
While e-bikes are a greener, more efficient way to move through cities, misuse and unsafe riding habits have been flagged, particularly in urban areas. Cape Town traffic officers have frequently encountered issues such as:
- Cyclists riding on sidewalks
- Entering roads unsafely or unpredictably
This new amendment could streamline accountability and align fast-moving e-bikes with proper road regulations.
What Riders Should Do
If you own an electric bicycle that’s capable of exceeding 45km/h, you should:
✅ Check your bike’s speed capabilities
✅ Begin the registration process with your local licensing authority
✅ Ensure you hold the correct licence class
Also read: New Cars Launching in South Africa in 2025 – Upcoming Models & What to Expect!
