The surge in popularity of battery-powered bicycles and scooters has led to a rise in injuries and complaints due to the lack of regulations. However, one city in Manitoba has taken steps to address this issue by implementing clear rules.
According to the City of Morden’s website, anyone found violating these rules will face a $50 fine, and in cases of repeated violations, their vehicle may be impounded.
Police Chief Sean Aune of Morden emphasized a safety-first approach, particularly focusing on educating the public and youth about the proper usage of electric bikes and scooters.
Recently, Morden, located approximately 95 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg, updated its traffic control bylaw to encompass all personal electric vehicles (PEVs), such as 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.
Although Bill 43, which sets guidelines for PEV use on public roads including minimum ages and maximum speeds, was officially passed on June 1, it has yet to be enacted into law. The provincial government is currently working on the necessary regulatory amendments to support the full implementation of the bill.
Once Bill 43 is enforced, its regulations will be applicable across all municipalities. Nevertheless, individual municipalities can establish their own bylaws to tailor the rules according to their specific requirements.
The City of Winnipeg is still in the process of determining which bylaw amendments are suitable for its jurisdiction. It has been highlighted that urban and rural areas have distinct needs regarding PEVs, with many larger cities boasting dedicated bike lanes for commuting.
Aune emphasized the need for regulations that accommodate the varying uses of PEVs in urban and rural settings. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has indicated that other municipalities are considering adopting similar regulations to Morden’s, although concerns regarding enforcement have been raised.
Regarding enforcement, the RCMP, responsible for overseeing many smaller communities, faces challenges due to limited resources. The AMM has sought clarification on whether community safety officers would have the necessary authority to enforce the new rules.
In Morden, enforcement will be the responsibility of the city’s police officers and bylaw officer. However, Aune mentioned that immediate strict enforcement is unlikely, with a focus on gradual compliance and ensuring safety.