Legislation

Many cycle shops seem unaware of the laws governing the use of e-bikes in South Africa.  This is partially because the laws in SA aren't very specific.  The National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) includes electric cycles in its definition of motor vehicles, however, 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".

Thus, according to SABS regulation SANS 311 2007, e-bikes are not regarded as motor vehicles.