Manitoba’s new legislative framework for e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal electric vehicles is beginning to take shape at the municipal level, with Morden becoming the first community in the province to adopt and enforce its own local regulations.
The changes stem from Bill 43, which establishes a provincial framework for personal electric vehicles and gives municipalities the authority to create local rules addressing safety concerns and community needs. While Morden is the first municipality to move ahead with enforcement, other communities across Manitoba could follow suit as electric bikes and scooters continue to grow in popularity.
Under Morden’s updated Traffic Control By-law, riders can receive warnings, face fines, or have their vehicle impounded in cases of repeated or serious violations. City officials say the goal is to improve safety for both riders and pedestrians through a combination of education and enforcement.
Actions that can result in penalties include:
- Riding without a helmet.
- Carrying more than one rider on a single-seat e-bike or scooter.
- Operating on sidewalks or boulevards.
- Travelling against the flow of traffic.
- Failing to ride near the right-hand side of the roadway.
- Ignoring stop signs, traffic lights or other traffic-control devices.
- Riding at night without proper lighting or reflectors.
Municipal leaders say the rapid growth in personal electric vehicles has created new safety concerns, particularly in pedestrian-heavy areas and on community sidewalks. The new rules are intended to provide clear expectations for riders while helping reduce the risk of collisions and injuries.
For now, enforcement in Morden is expected to focus heavily on awareness and education. However, riders who repeatedly ignore the rules could face fines and, in some cases, temporary impoundment of their e-bike or scooter.
As Manitoba municipalities review the new provincial framework, Morden’s approach could become a model for other communities looking to regulate the growing use of personal electric vehicles.
