Personal electric vehicles like e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular – but the rules around using them haven’t quite caught up to their popularity.
E-scooters are not yet specifically regulated in Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act. This can make figuring out how to use them safely – and travel safely alongside them – a bit tricky.
Why we currently can’t set any rules around e-scooters
Bill 43 (The Highway Traffic Amendment and Drivers and Vehicles Amendment) is set to address some of this ambiguity. It is currently moving through the Legislative process.
The draft bill includes details around speed limits, minimum operator ages, and what type of roads or pathways e-scooters and other devices could operate on.
But we can’t set any rules around e-scooters on our roads until they are provincially recognized and regulated.
Right now, that means many Winnipeggers are using e-scooters on roads without guidance or on sidewalks alongside pedestrians.
We expect to recommend our own policy that aligns with the Province if and when Bill 43 receives Royal Assent.
Share the road safely
In the meantime, we want Winnipeggers to be safe and share the road while riding an e-bike or e-scooter:
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists on pathways and slow down while passing
- Ride defensively and respectfully
- Ensure you wear a helmet and other protective clothing
If you encounter an e-device in your travels, please pay its driver the same courtesy:
- Pause walking to share a path if needed
- Drive defensively and respectfully when passing e-devices on the roadway
- Be generally aware of this newer transportation mode while out and about
We all have a role to play in helping keep others safe while moving through Winnipeg.