Battery-powered bicycles and scooters have experienced a surge in popularity without much regulation, resulting in a rise in injuries and complaints. However, a city in Manitoba has recently clarified the rules, imposing a $50 fine for violations and potential impoundment of the vehicle for repeated offenses, as stated on the City of Morden’s website.
The primary focus has been on safety measures, particularly for educating the public and young riders. Morden Police Chief Sean Aune highlighted concerns about young riders not wearing helmets and the lack of regulations governing these vehicles. The lack of direction on where to ride prompted the city to take action.
Located approximately 95 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg, Morden amended its traffic control bylaw to encompass all personal electric vehicles (PEVs), including e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and more. This move makes it the first municipality in the province to do so following the passage of Bill 43 by the provincial government.
Despite the bill being officially passed on June 1, it has not yet been enacted into law, pending further regulatory work. Once enforced, the regulations will apply across all municipalities, although municipalities can tailor the rules to suit their specific requirements through their own bylaws.
The provincial framework and Bill 43 do not specify certain details, such as cyclist road positioning or hand signal usage, leaving room for municipalities to make necessary amendments. The City of Winnipeg is still in the process of determining which bylaw changes align with its needs.
While larger cities typically have designated bike lanes for PEVs, rural areas face different challenges. Morden’s approach aims to create regulations suitable for its community needs. Other municipalities are considering following suit, but concerns exist regarding the enforcement of new rules.
Enforcement in Morden will be carried out by the city’s police officers and bylaw officer, with a focus on compliance and safety rather than immediate penalties. The city plans to approach enforcement gradually, prioritizing compliance and safety measures in the process.