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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
New Regulations for Personal Electric Vehicles in Manitoba
Starting in 2027, Manitoba will implement new regulations for personal electric vehicles, including e-scooters, electric skateboards, e-unicycles, hoverboards, and self-balancing scooters. The provincial government has outlined key rules aimed at enhancing safety and clarity for all road users.
Age Restrictions and Helmet Requirements
Under the new Manitoba regulations, riders of personal electric vehicles must be at least 16 years old. This age restriction applies to all users, and everyone on these devices—including passengers—must wear a properly fitting helmet at all times. Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor emphasized that the changes are motivated by concerns over youth injuries involving these vehicles.
Speed Limits and Road Access
The Manitoba government has set a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h for personal electric vehicles. These vehicles are prohibited from operating on sidewalks and roads where posted speed limits exceed 50 km/h. Instead, they are limited to pathways, cycling lanes, and roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or below. In some instances, the devices may also be permitted at specific cycling facilities depending on local bylaws.
E-bikes are not affected by these new rules and can continue to use roads with speed limits higher than 50 km/h, according to a provincial FAQ document.
Additional Traffic Rules and Enforcement
The Manitoba government states that users of personal electric vehicles must follow the same traffic rules as other road users. Riders must obey traffic signs and signals, refrain from operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and use required lights and reflectors when traveling at night. Police and other peace officers have the authority to stop riders who fail to comply with these regulations.
Reactions from Communities and Riders
The city of Morden has already introduced bylaws covering helmet use and sidewalk bans for personal electric vehicles. Mayor Nancy Penner noted that, while Morden's current rules do not include age or speed restrictions, these will align with provincial regulations once they come into force. She expressed support for the province's move to clarify guidelines, stating that municipalities have welcomed the change.
Winnipeg e-scooter advocate Rob Kristjansson said he supports the recognition of personal electric vehicles as legitimate vehicles but questioned the choice of a 25 km/h speed cap and the minimum age requirement, calling 16 "arbitrary." Kristjansson also raised concerns about infrastructure, suggesting that better facilities, not just stricter rules, are needed for safety.
Another Winnipeg resident, Eric Wilson, who often rides his e-scooter with his 13-year-old son, described the new regulations as "overbearing" and expressed concern that the changes might discourage use and lead to e-waste. He questioned banning sidewalk use, arguing that responsible riding could allow safe sidewalk sharing.
Safety and Future Implementation
The regulatory changes follow incidents involving youth injuries, such as a recent case in Winnipeg where a teenage e-scooter rider was critically injured. Minister Lisa Naylor stated that the updates to the Highway Traffic Act aim to prevent further injuries and ensure greater safety for all Manitobans interacting with personal electric vehicles.
The new rules are scheduled to take effect across Manitoba in 2027. Until then, local bylaws and existing provincial regulations will remain in effect.
Source: cbc.ca.
