City of Cape Town tightens Sea Point Promenade rules with e-scooter limit

The City of Cape Town is implementing stricter regulations on e-scooters and electric bikes on the Sea Point Promenade, in an effort to reduce the risk of collisions and conflicts between riders and pedestrians. The new Sea Point Promenade Management Protocol will introduce an 8km/h speed limit, designate a pedestrian right-of-way, and impose fines and impoundments for violations.

The protocol is expected to be finalized and published by the end of August, with a separate compliance system for commercial rental operators set to begin in September. The primary concerns driving the new regulations include the growing number of electric devices, their increasing speed and size, and the risk they pose to pedestrians.

Under the new rules, electric mobility devices will be limited to 8km/h in shared pedestrian areas, pedestrians will always have the right of way, and racing, reckless riding, and weaving through crowds will be prohibited. Riders must also dismount at designated congestion points and may only ride one person at a time. Commercial rental devices will require identification, and oversized or high-powered devices will face additional restrictions.

The City is still determining technical thresholds for high-powered rental devices, but additional controls are planned for operating hours and events. Mayoral Committee Member Francine Higham emphasized that the Promenade remains a primarily pedestrian recreational space, and is committed to ensuring the safety of all users. Rental businesses will face closer scrutiny, with a formal compliance process slated for September.

The City is also considering limiting the number of rental operators and devices in congested sections of the Promenade. Enforcement will likely involve Parks Rangers, Law Enforcement, Public Trading, and Urban Mobility officials. Specific fine amounts for individual offenses have yet to be published. New signs along the Promenade will clearly identify the 8km/h speed limit, pedestrian-priority areas, compulsory dismount points, no-riding zones, and other restrictions.