Battery-powered bicycles and scooters have seen a surge in popularity without much regulation, resulting in a corresponding increase in injuries and complaints. However, the city of Morden in Manitoba has now established clear rules to address this issue. Violating any of these rules can lead to a $50 fine, and in cases of repeated abuses, the vehicle may be impounded as stated on the City of Morden’s website.
The primary focus of these rules is on safety and public education, particularly targeting young riders. Prior to these regulations, there was a lack of clarity on where these vehicles could operate and the absence of helmet usage was concerning. The Morden police Chief, Sean Aune, emphasized the need for proper regulations to ensure safety for all riders.
Morden, located approximately 95 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg, recently updated its traffic control bylaw to include all personal electric vehicles (PEVs) such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards. This initiative makes Morden the first municipality in the province to take such action following the passing of Bill 43 by the provincial government.
Bill 43, officially passed on June 1, establishes a framework for governing the use of PEVs on public roads, including setting minimum ages for use and maximum speeds. However, further regulatory work is necessary before the law can be fully implemented. Once proclaimed, these rules will apply across all municipalities, although individual municipalities can tailor the regulations to suit their specific needs.
The provincial framework does not specify certain aspects like cyclist positioning on the road or hand signal usage, leaving room for municipalities to make necessary amendments. The City of Winnipeg is still evaluating potential bylaw changes in response to these developments.
While larger cities often have designated bike lanes for PEVs, rural areas have different needs and usage patterns. Morden has taken a tailored approach to address these differences and ensure safe PEV usage within the community.
Other municipalities are considering following Morden’s lead, but concerns have been raised about enforcing the new rules effectively, especially in smaller communities. The AMM is seeking clarity on the authority of community safety officers in enforcing these regulations to alleviate the strain on law enforcement resources.
In Morden, enforcement of the rules will be carried out by the city’s police officers and bylaw officer. However, immediate stringent enforcement measures are not expected, with a focus on gradual compliance and promoting safety among riders.