GoNow scooters parked at Stellenbosch University, as the municipality issues a suspension notice following safety concerns after minors were injured.
Image: supplied/ Kieran Van der Schyff
The Stellenbosch Municipality has taken action in response to growing safety concerns surrounding GoNow scooters, announcing a suspension of the company’s operations and imminent shut down.
The move comes in the wake of incidents where two minors were injured while using the scooters, leading local authorities to reiterate that the vehicles are prohibited from public roads and sidewalks under existing regulations.
The company, which has been contacted by the Cape Argus for its response, has started a petition stating their business was at risk for bankruptcy and a suspension would impact commuters making use of its service.
Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality, confirmed the use of the scooters remains illegal on public roads and sidewalks and that legal advice was being sought on the way forward following a suspension notice.
“As per national traffic and transport laws and regulations, e-scooters are not permitted on any public road or sidewalk.
"The municipality is acting in full accordance with the law and has issued notices requiring the immediate suspension of this service. Similar action has also been taken by the City of Cape Town.
“We have engaged with the Western Cape Department of Transport to explore potential legal avenues for the use of these scooters. However, the current legal framework does not provide for their operation.
“In simple terms, their use remains illegal under national legislation.
"The municipality has recently appointed legal counsel to manage this matter. Our primary concern is and will remain the safety of all road users – drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
“Just recently – two minors were seriously injured due to the use of this service."
In response to the notice being issued, GoNow created a petition titled: “Move Stellenbosch forward, not backward,” which began in March and is still receiving attention with over 1 800 signatures.
The company challenged the municipality’s regulations claiming there was no legislation that barred them from operating and cited that their business would suffer,
“There is no legislative framework that governs or regulates the public use of e-scooters in the municipal area of Stellenbosch. The principle of legality is a fundamental rule of law ensuring that state actions, convictions, and penalties are based on pre-existing, clear legal authority,” it said via its petition.
“Despite the Municipality’s stated intention to impound the scooters and shut down operations on 1 March 2026, no such action was ultimately carried out.
“The Municipality has, however, made it clear that it remains determined to terminate the service.
“Over 30 000 people rely on these scooters, with more than 40 000 rides recorded in February 2026 alone. Thousands of students use them daily to commute to campus, work, and home."
Thousands of students rely on its use, which includes those at Stellenbosch University (SU).
SU said parking bays had been erected without consultation but that there were no restrictions for its use.
“Stellenbosch University confirms that there is currently no limitation on the use of e-scooters on the Stellenbosch Campus," said SU in response to Cape Argus.
"The University has, however, liaised with the company to remove its dedicated GoNow parking areas. These were established without the University’s support or approval.”
Marius van Stade, GOOD Party Stellenbosch councillor, called for an investigation into its operations for safety concerns.
Jacob Levitan, CEO and co-founder of GoNow said: “We take the safety of our riders, pedestrians, residents, businesses and the broader Stellenbosch community seriously.
“GoNow acknowledges the concerns raised by councillor Marius van Stade. GoNow remains committed to working constructively with Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, local businesses, residents and public representatives to support a safer and better managed micro mobility system in Stellenbosch.
“GoNow has various safety and operational measures in place aimed at promoting responsible scooter use. These include rider education through the mobile app, mandatory acceptance of user terms and safety rules, speed restrictions in designated areas, and technological controls intended to encourage safe riding behaviour.
“Our safety infrastructure includes geofencing technology, automatic speed reduction zones in pedestrian-heavy areas, restricted zones where riding is prohibited, compulsory parking zones, in-app reporting, and a 24/7 operations crew on the ground. The team monitors for safety violations, intervenes when riders break the rules, and issues account suspensions or fines.”
In addition, Levitan said, all users must verify their identity with a valid ID and live facial scan, which confirms they match the ID and are 16 or older.