Manitoba is preparing to introduce new safety regulations for electric scooters and other personal electric vehicles in 2027, establishing minimum age requirements, mandatory helmet use, speed limits and restrictions on sidewalk riding. The changes are intended to improve road safety as concerns grow over e-scooter-related injuries across Canada.
Manitoba E-Scooter Regulations to Take Effect in 2027
Under the upcoming changes to Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act, electric scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards and electric unicycles will be subject to provincial operating rules.
Electric bicycles will not be covered by the new requirements, according to information published by the Manitoba government.
The regulations will establish a minimum riding age of 16 and require all riders and passengers to wear properly fitting helmets.
Speed Limits and Sidewalk Restrictions
The new framework will introduce several requirements for personal electric vehicle users:
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Maximum speed: Riders must not exceed 25 kilometres per hour.
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Minimum age: Operators must be at least 16 years old.
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Helmet requirements: Riders and passengers must wear properly fitted helmets.
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Sidewalk restrictions: Riding on sidewalks will be prohibited unless signage specifically permits it.
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Permitted routes: Riders may use shared pathways and roads with posted speed limits of 50 km/h or lower.
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Traffic compliance: Riders must obey traffic signs and use hand signals.
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Impaired riding: Operating personal electric vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be prohibited.
Police and peace officers will be responsible for enforcing the regulations. However, the province has not yet outlined specific penalties for violations.
Provincial Government Cites Growing Safety Concerns
Manitoba Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor said the legislation is intended to provide clearer operating standards while addressing concerns about injuries involving young riders.
“This legislation is about preventing injuries, protecting kids and making our roads and communities safer for everyone,” Naylor said in an emailed statement Sunday.
Manitoba’s approach follows similar regulatory measures introduced in provinces including British Columbia and Ontario.
However, questions remain about enforcement.
Winnipeg city councillor Janice Lukes, who chairs the city’s public works committee, expressed concern about whether police have sufficient resources to monitor compliance.
“It’s a double-edged sword because they (e-sc00ters) are really good, but people don’t adhere to rules,” Lukes said.
Winnipeg police were unavailable to comment on the proposed standards Sunday.
E-Scooter Injuries Rise Across Canada
The regulatory changes come amid increasing concern about injuries involving electric scooters.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada recorded 837 e-scooter-related hospitalizations between April 2025 and March 2026, compared with 601 during the preceding 12 months. That represents an increase of nearly 40 per cent.
Hospitalizations involving children aged 15 and younger rose from 54 to 150 over the same period.
A Canadian Paediatric Society study also reported that 10 children died while riding e-scooters or electric bicycles in 2025.
In September, a Winnipeg teenager suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by an SUV while riding an e-scooter.
Manitoba Physicians Support Stronger Safety Standards
Doctors Manitoba has previously called for provincial regulations following what it described as a sharp increase in injuries associated with electric scooters.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
Morden Already Enforcing Local E-Scooter Rules
The City of Morden became Manitoba’s first municipality to introduce regulations for personal electric vehicles in June 2026.
Its rules prohibit sidewalk riding, require helmets and mandate headlights and rear lights or reflectors for nighttime operation. Violations can result in a $50 fine.
Morden Mayor Nancy Penner welcomed the province’s decision, particularly the minimum age requirement.
Penner expressed concern that some parents purchase electric scooters for children without ensuring they understand traffic regulations or road safety.
She said stronger standards could help protect young riders and reduce the risk of collisions involving motorists.
Winnipeg Riders Welcome Changes but Seek Clarification
Some Winnipeg e-scooter users support the proposed restrictions.
Robert Chartier, a massage therapist who has commuted by electric scooter for approximately a year, said he welcomes the speed limit and age requirements.
Chartier, who regularly uses the Northeast Pioneers Greenway in East Kildonan, said he has witnessed children riding unpredictably through traffic and on sidewalks.
“It’s honestly very dangerous. I’m surprised it took so long to get regulations put in place,” he said.
E-scooter advocate Rob Kristjansson also welcomed the province’s formal recognition of personal electric vehicles but said additional clarification is necessary.
He questioned how riders should navigate areas where roads have speed limits exceeding 50 km/h.
“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.
New Rules Aim to Improve Road Safety Across Manitoba
Manitoba’s forthcoming e-scooter regulations will establish provincewide standards for an increasingly common form of transportation.
While the measures have received support from municipal officials, physicians and some riders, enforcement and access to suitable routes remain important concerns.
With implementation scheduled for 2027, the province will have an opportunity to clarify outstanding requirements before the new rules take effect.
Francesco Petrarca is a writer for ThePacket.ca, covering news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He is committed to clear and reliable reporting, providing readers with useful information, timely updates, and stories that highlight important developments and current affairs.