Manitoba e-scooter legislation changes set to impose speed limit, age restrictions, sidewalk ban

People riding e-scooters and other personal electric vehicles in Manitoba will have to strap on a helmet, stay off sidewalks and follow new age limits once new provincial rules for the devices take effect next year.

The vehicles, which also include electronic skateboards, hoverboards and unicycles, will fall under The Highway Traffic Act, starting in 2027, according to the province’s website. E-bikes are excluded from the new rules, according to the province’s frequently-asked-questions page.

All riders must be at least 16 years old and wear properly fitting helmets — that goes for passengers, too, the province said.

The proposed new legislation sets a speed limit of 25 km/h and would prohibit personal electric vehicles from sidewalks unless signs specifically allow sidewalk use. Riders would be using shared paths or roads with speed limits of 50 km/hr or less. They won’t be allowed to operate the vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and they must use hand signals and obey traffic signs.

Police and peace officers are responsible for enforcing the rules, the province said.

Winnipeg police didn’t answer questions on the new standards.

Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor said the new rules aim to clarify how to use e-scooters and address concerns about youth injuries while riding. Manitoba joins other provinces, such as British Columbia and Ontario, that have already enacted similar standards.

“This legislation is about preventing injuries, protecting kids and making our roads and communities safer for everyone, she said in an emailed statement Sunday.

Last month, a Winnipeg teenager on an e-scooter suffered life-threatening injuries after an SUV struck him.

E-scooter injuries have steadily climbed across Canada. National numbers show that hospitalizations have surged by nearly 40 per cent from April 2025 to March 2026.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information said 837 hospitalizations were reported, up from 601 in the previous 12 months. Hospitalizations of kids aged 15 and under almost tripled from 54 to 150.

Ten children died while riding e-scooters or e-bikes in 2025, according to a Canadian Pediatric Society study.

Manitoba physicians are concerned about the “sharp increase” in injuries related to e-scooters and have previously called for provincial standards, a Doctors Manitoba spokesperson said.

”While we have not yet had the opportunity to consult physicians on the specific safety rules the provincial government has proposed, there is clearly a need for regulations to help avoid injuries related to e-scooter use, as we already have in place for other vehicles,” the spokesperson said in an email.

In June, the City of Morden became the first Manitoba municipality to pass regulations on personal electric vehicles. It bans them from sidewalks, requires helmets and mandates a headlight and rear light or reflector at night. Violators can be fined $50.

Morden Mayor Nancy Penner said she was pleased the province took action on the vehicles, particularly setting an age limit. More parents are buying e-scooters for their children without teaching the rules of the road, making age restrictions more urgent, she said.

“As a driver, I would be devastated if I came into a collision with a youth on a e-scooter, and as a parent, I want to make sure my kids are safe, and I don’t want my 10-year-old in jeopardy on a road without proper training. she said.

Robert Chartier, a Winnipeg massage therapist, rode his e-scooter Sunday along the East Kildonan’s Northeast Pioneers Greenway path. He’s commuted to work with his e-scooter for roughly one year, always wearing a helmet. He said he welcomes the speed limit and age restrictions.

He’s seen children weaving through traffic on e-scooters and zipping along sidewalks.

“It’s honestly very dangerous. I’m surprised it took so long to get regulations put in place,” he said.

Coun. Janice Lukes, the chair of Winnipeg city council’s public works committee, questions how the regulations will be enforced when police resources are scarce. She said the police’s five e-bikes aren’t enough to monitor scores of e-scooters.

“It’s a double-edged sword because they (e-scooters) are really good, but people don’t adhere to rules,” Lukes said.

E-scooter advocate Rob Kristjansson said he will adapt to the new standards and is happy the province formally recognizes the vehicles. But, clarification is needed on where the e-scooters can go on mixed-use paths and bike lanes when the speed limit on the road is more than 50 km/hr.

“An e-scooter should be able to go to the same places as people who walk or (are) riding bikes, and it shouldn’t be a massive diversion because you’re on an e-scooter or any kind of personal electric vehicle,” Kristjansson said.

matthew.frank@winnipegfreepress.com