GoNow is a local business that rents out electric kick bikes to the public through an app. (Photo: GoNow/ Instagram)
GoNow’s electric kick bikes get the wind from the front after the Stellenbosch municipality indicated that these electric kick bikes may not be used on the student town’s streets and sidewalks.
According to the municipality, this position is based on national traffic and transport regulations that prohibit the use of electric kick bikes in public spaces.
GoNow is a local business that rents out electric kick bikes to the public through an app. The model was developed to meet the need for short distance transport in town. In February, as many as 40,000 journeys were undertaken.
Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for the Stellenbosch municipality, says that no provision is made for the electric kick bikes in any national legislation.
“The municipality is acting in full compliance with the law and has issued notices requiring the suspension of this service. Similar steps have also been taken by the City of Cape Town.”
Grobbelaar says the municipality has already entered into discussions with the Western Cape Department of Transport to investigate possible legal options for the use of the electric kick bikes, so that the service can continue on public roads.
(Photo: GoNow/Instagram)
“However, the current (national) legal framework does not provide for the use (of kick bikes). The municipality recently appointed legal representation to deal with this matter. Until this process is completed, we cannot comment further.”
He says the municipality’s priority is, and will always be, the safety of all road users – drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
According to him, two minors recently suffered serious injuries as a result of GoNow’s electric kick bikes.
Jacob Levitan, co-founder and CEO of GoNow, says the company started a petition about three months ago against the municipality’s steps and more than 2,400 signatures have been obtained so far.
According to the petition, the municipality demanded that GoNow cease all operations with effect from 1 March 2026.
“There is no legislative framework that governs or regulates the public use of electric kick bikes in the municipal area of Stellenbosch. The principle of legality is a fundamental legal rule that ensures that state actions, convictions and punishments are based on pre-existing, clear legal authority,” the petition reads.
(Photo: GoNow/Instagram)
Despite the municipality’s stated intention to confiscate the electric kick bikes and cease operations on March 1, no such action was taken.
Levitan says GoNow tried to resolve the matter by entering into discussions with the relevant department at the municipality, but this was unsuccessful.
“GoNow remains prepared to work positively with the municipality to address any user or public concerns and ensure that the business is operated in a responsible manner.”
GoNow says its service has reduced traffic congestion in the student town, reduced carbon emissions and offered a practical mobility alternative in a town already burdened by increasing vehicle pressure, while creating nearly 20 local jobs in the process.
(Photo: GoNow/Instagram)
GOOD calls for urgent intervention
Marius van Stade, Good councilor in Stellenbosch, already in May sent a letter to Geraldine Mettler, the municipal manager of Stellenbosch, and requested that there be urgent intervention and a comprehensive investigation regarding GoNow.
Van Stade says his letter follows dozens of complaints received from motorists, pedestrians, business owners, residents and members of the public about reckless and unsafe behavior related to the operation of these electric kick bikes in public spaces and streets across Stellenbosch.
“Over the past months, serious concerns have been raised about the way the electric kick bikes are being used on public roads, sidewalks and pedestrian areas. Complaints include reckless driving, excessive speed in pedestrian zones, obstruction of public walkways, near collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, and allegations that the bikes are being used by minors without adequate supervision or enforcement of safety measures.”
According to him, GoNow’s services endanger the lives of “law-abiding citizens” and raise serious questions about legal compliance, accountability and public safety management in Stellenbosch.
One of GoNow’s advertisements. (Photo: GoNow/ Instagram)
He says that while the party recognizes the value of innovation, environmentally friendly transport solutions and alternative mobility options for students and residents, such initiatives cannot be allowed to operate in a way that endangers public safety or exists outside of clear legal and regulatory compliance.
The party also requested the municipality to check whether the operators fully comply with municipal by-laws, road traffic legislation, public liability requirements and land use permissions.
(Photo: GoNow/Instagram)
‘Collaboration the answer’
Meanwhile, the FF Plus this week expressed its concern about the municipality’s plans to stick a stick in front of GoNow’s business.
The party also makes an urgent appeal to all role players to pursue constructive involvement rather than unilateral action.
JC MacFarlane, VP Plus councilor on Stellenbosch, says that although the party recognizes the necessary security measures, the party is equally concerned that the municipality is instead considering closure without meaningful dialogue having taken place with GoNow’s founders.
“The owners are prepared to hold discussions with the municipality and see how they can come to an agreement. Instead of targeting a team of young, innovative entrepreneurs, it should instead be made possible for them to function within a set of guidelines and rules.”
(Photo: GoNow/Instagram)
MacFarlane says the FF Plus also recognizes that South Africa’s current legislative framework has not kept up with innovation in micromobility and the absence of a regulatory framework indicates precisely the shortcomings of the municipality in this regard.
The party calls on the Stellenbosch municipality to meet with the national department of transport, GoNow and relevant stakeholders to develop a clear and fair framework that pays attention to safety without destroying a viable and valued service.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the Stellenbosch municipality stifles a community initiative with bureaucratic resistance. Rather, cooperation is the answer. The Dorpstraat Sunday Market was stopped after the municipality refused to approve its 2025 application – even though it had been approved in the past.”
MacFarlane says the Root 44 market is caught up in a long-standing zoning dispute that eventually forced the owners to put their property on the market.
“In all these cases, the community has lost something valuable; not because of any violations, but because of regulatory points that are not resolved. The FF Plus strives for practical solutions within the law as well as a Stellenbosch that welcomes innovation and community initiatives.”