Battery-operated bicycles and scooters have seen a surge in popularity without much regulation, resulting in an increase in injuries and complaints. However, a city in Manitoba has recently established clear rules, enforcing a $50 fine for violations and potential impoundment for repeated offenses, as stated on the City of Morden’s website.
The primary focus has been on promoting safety and educating the public, particularly young riders, according to Morden Police Chief Sean Aune. The lack of regulations and helmet use among young riders prompted the city to take action and provide guidance on where and how to ride these vehicles.
Located approximately 95 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg, Morden recently updated its traffic control bylaw to encompass all personal electric vehicles (PEVs), including e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards. This move makes Morden the first municipality in the province to do so, following the passing of Bill 43 by the provincial government.
While Bill 43 establishes a framework for the use of PEVs on public roads, including age restrictions and speed limits, it has yet to become law officially. Municipalities have the flexibility to customize rules to suit their specific requirements, such as permitting PEV use on sidewalks through local amendments.
The regulatory adjustments required for the full implementation of Bill 43 are currently being worked on by the provincial department. Once the law is in effect, it will apply to all municipalities, but each municipality can create its own bylaws to tailor the rules as needed.
The provincial framework does not address certain specifics, like cyclist road positioning or hand signal usage, leaving room for municipalities to make additional amendments based on their preferences. The City of Winnipeg is still evaluating potential bylaw changes to align with the new regulations.
Distinguishing between urban and rural PEV usage, Aune emphasized the need for a customized approach that accommodates safe PEV use in both settings. Other municipalities are considering following Morden’s lead, although concerns regarding enforcement challenges have been raised.
In Morden, enforcement will be handled by the city’s police and bylaw officers, with a focus on compliance and safety rather than immediate punitive measures. The RCMP and smaller communities may face difficulties in ensuring consistent enforcement due to limited resources, prompting the need for clear provincial guidance and support to avoid complaint-driven enforcement practices.