GoNow’s turquoise electric scooters will leave Potchefstroom at the end of October, with founder and CEO Jacob Levitan, 23, citing the company’s inability to operate on the North-West University (NWU) campus as a key reason for the decision, reports the Potchefstroom Herald.

“Students spend a lot of time on campus, so it would have been ideal for the service to be available there. Most of the business we expected would have come from the campus,” Levitan says.

He says the scooters offer an alternative to other forms of transport and could help reduce traffic congestion and parking pressure around the campus.

“The scooters are very successful in Stellenbosch and the model works there. The idea was that it could be a solution in Potch, too. Most of the feedback we have received from students has been very positive,” he says.

Levitan stresses that the move may be temporary rather than a permanent withdrawal.

“We’re not giving up on Potch. If the NWU opens its gates to us before the end of the year, we will reopen in town, this time with campus access in place. We remain committed to working with the university to make that happen,” he says.

The NWU previously indicated that the company would have to follow the university’s operational procedures before the service could be introduced on campus.

“Discussions with the company are continuing, so the outcome cannot be predicted, especially with regard to details of what could in future be allowed and what not,” says NWU spokesperson Louis Jacobs.

“As was indicated from the onset, we must ensure full compliance with the university’s governance, legal and procurement requirements, as well as implementing appropriate measures to address safety, liability and operational risks.”

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