The Expert will be specific knowledgeable people at the Department of Transport, Arrive Alive Communications,
the Road Traffic Management Corporation or others who might have the expertise to answer the question.
23 Mar 2007
Question
Hi I am a varsity student at UKZN and we are busy designing a light weight, low cost scooter that can provide low income South Africans with their own transportation. I have been searching through your site for two bits of info that I can't seem to find, namely; The road rules applicable to scooters and what percentage of all road accidents involve public transport (taxi's, mini buses and buses)
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
All the road rules apply to scooters (are deemed to be a motor vehicle in terms of the Act). The only rules "especially" applicable will be in terms of head gear, minimum cc for use on freeway and certain local restrictions placed by traffic authorities (ie not allowed on the M1 motorway in Johannesburg).
The scooter will need to be fully roadworthy, and will have to pass the SABS homologation test process.
Your first step is to go to the SABS and provide your prototype for this test process as well as to register your patent with the Dept of Trade and Industry.
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