The 8km/h signs are up on Cape Town's Sea Point Promenade, but will e-scooter riders really slow to a crawl?
Sea Point Promenade’s new 8km/h e-scooter limit is now official, with stricter rules and penalties planned for reckless riders and operators.
The signs mark the latest step in the City’s response to growing concerns over speeding e-scooters and e-bikes on one of Cape Town’s busiest public spaces.
The new rules give pedestrians right of way at all times. Riders will also be prohibited from racing, weaving through crowds or riding recklessly.
The City announced the measures last month, following mounting complaints about conflicts between e-riders and pedestrians.
While welcomed by some, other residents have questioned whether the 8km/h limit is realistic, or even enforceable.
A member of the Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum wrote: “No one on a bike is going to ride at 8km/hr. I tried it and got passed by a 3 year old on one of those plastic scooters.”
One of the e-scooter operators in Sea Point. Some of the e-mobility devices include sit-down bikes. Image: Supplied
The City’s new Promenade Management Protocol also requires riders to dismount at identified congestion points.
Riding on grassed areas is prohibited, while only one person may ride each device.
The rules will also cover age, supervision and safety requirements. Restrictions will apply to oversized and high-powered devices, while operating hours and event-specific controls may also be introduced.
“The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s most loved public spaces, but it has also become one of our busiest,” said Francine Higham, the City’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that everyone – particularly children, older persons and people with disabilities – can enjoy the Promenade safely.”
Safety concerns have intensified following several reported incidents involving pedestrians, including a child.
In April, a seven-year-old girl was knocked down by an e-scooter on the Promenade. She suffered bruising and facial injuries.
A separate incident involved a resident who reportedly required knee surgery after being struck.
The City says its existing by-laws allow Recreation and Parks to regulate vehicles in public recreational spaces. National road traffic legislation and the City’s Streets By-law also provide protection for pedestrian areas.
The City says it will now turn its attention to compliance. A formal process for rental operators is due to be established in September.
In the meantime, signs have appeared along the popular seaside walkway reminding e-riders, cyclists and skaters of the speed limit.
“Temporary signage has gone up on the Sea Point Promenade,” Ward 54 Councillor Nicola Jowell told The South African.
“There will be more permanent signs on the way, along with other measures.”
The City is hoping that Promenade users will give pedestrians right of way. Image: Supplied
Some of these measures may include operator and device identification, verified speed controls, incident reporting and public liability requirements.
The City is also considering whether the number and location of e-scooter rental operators should be limited in the busiest sections of the Promenade.
An enforcement plan involving Parks Rangers, Law Enforcement, Public Trading and Urban Mobility will determine how warnings, compliance notices, fines and authorised impoundments are applied.
“Our goal is straightforward: to keep the Sea Point Promenade safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone,” Higham added.
