Personal mobility deviceSouth Africa

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of South Africa. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


65. Personal mobility device

A personal mobility device, also called a personal transporter, is a compact device designed to transport one person over relatively short distances. Examples can include kick scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, self-balancing devices and mobility devices.

Personal transporters may be powered by the user's own effort or by an electric motor. Their legal classification, maximum speed, minimum riding age and permitted place on the road vary between countries, so users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Personal mobility device
A segway. (Nevada, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Maurizio Pesce • CC BY
What is a personal transporter?

A personal transporter is a compact device designed to transport an individual, commonly over relatively short distances.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15, 7bis and 9, cycles, mobility devices and positioning; Belgian example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 8 and 20; international framework subject to national law

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example

Is there a minimum age for using an electric personal transporter?

Some countries impose a minimum riding age for electric scooters and similar motorised devices. The applicable age and exceptions vary between jurisdictions.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15, 7bis and 9, cycles, mobility devices and positioning; Belgian example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 8 and 20; international framework subject to national law

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example

Is a helmet compulsory on a personal transporter?

This varies between countries and device categories. Even where a helmet is not legally compulsory, wearing an appropriate helmet can provide additional protection in a fall or collision.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15, 7bis and 9, cycles, mobility devices and positioning; Belgian example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 8 and 20; international framework subject to national law

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example

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