GoNow’s turquoise micro-mobility scooters will leave Potchefstroom at the end of October 2026, 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.

“The students spend a lot of time on campus, so it would have been ideal for the service to be on campus. Most of the business that we felt we would get would have been on campus,” says Levitan.

He explains that the scooters offer an alternative to other forms of transport with the potential to reduce traffic congestion and ease parking pressures on campus.

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

Levitan stresses that this could be a temporary pause, not a permanent exit. “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 operational procedures had to be followed before the service could operate 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,” said 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.”