New rules for small electric rideables

Summary#

This bill updates Manitoba’s traffic laws to cover small electric rideables and three-wheeled vehicles. It sets speed and age rules, adds helmet and equipment requirements, and clarifies where these devices can be used. It also restricts self‑driving features on public roads unless approved.

• Defines “personal electric vehicle” (PEV) to include e‑scooters, e‑skateboards, self‑balancing devices, electric unicycles, and e‑bikes that meet set limits (up to 500 W power, top capability 32 km/h, 45 kg or less).
• Lets PEVs use bike lanes and paths; allows sidewalk riding or sidewalk parking only if a city authorizes it.
• Sets a 25 km/h speed limit for PEVs (not for e‑bikes), a minimum age of 16 for most PEVs (14 for e‑bikes), and keeps PEVs off roads posted over 50 km/h (e‑bikes exempt).
• Requires helmets for PEV users and for anyone on motorcycles, mopeds, and three‑wheeled vehicles; adds rules on lights, reflectors, passengers, and towing.
• Bans wearing headphones in both ears while driving, cycling, or using a PEV.
• Prohibits using automated driving systems (self‑driving, SAE Levels 3–5) on public roads unless under a permit or pilot project.
• Takes effect on a date set by the government; more details will come in regulations and local bylaws.

What it means for you#

• Riders of e‑scooters, e‑skateboards, one‑wheels, and similar PEVs (not including e‑bikes)

  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Max speed is 25 km/h on roads and bike facilities.
  • Cannot ride on roads where the posted speed is over 50 km/h, except to cross at an intersection.
  • May ride on sidewalks only where signs or markings allow it; may park on sidewalks only if your city permits it.
  • Must wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • No passengers; no towing trailers or other things.
  • Must have proper lights and reflectors when required (for example, at night or low visibility).
  • Cannot wear headphones in both ears while riding.

• E‑bike (power‑assisted bicycle) riders

  • Riders age 14 and up may operate e‑bikes.
  • The 25 km/h PEV speed cap and the over‑50 km/h road ban do not apply to e‑bikes (other bicycle rules still apply).
  • Helmets are required for operators and passengers; operators must ensure child passengers wear a helmet.
  • Passengers are allowed only if the bike is designed for them (for example, a built‑in or approved child seat).
  • Must use required lights and reflectors when needed.
  • Cannot wear headphones in both ears.

• Cyclists (non‑electric bicycles)

  • Bicycle helmet rules remain in place; the law now says helmets must meet standards set in regulations.
  • The two‑ear headphone ban also applies to cyclists.

• Drivers/owners of three‑wheeled vehicles (small, road‑going three‑wheelers, not motorcycles or mopeds)

  • Must wear a helmet; passengers must too.
  • No towing of trailers or other objects.
  • Cannot carry a child who would normally require a child car seat in a regular car.

• Local governments

  • May allow PEV parking on sidewalks by bylaw.
  • May permit PEV riding on certain sidewalks by posting signs or markings.

• Owners and sellers of small electric rideables

  • Only devices within the limits (up to 500 W, not capable of more than 32 km/h, 45 kg or less) count as PEVs for use on public roads and bike facilities.
  • The province can set rules for different PEV types and may restrict or ban certain types by regulation.

• Vehicle owners with self‑driving features

  • Using automated driving systems (SAE Levels 3–5) on public roads is illegal unless you have a provincial testing permit or are part of an approved pilot.

• Everyone on the road

  • You cannot wear headphones in both ears while driving a motor vehicle, riding a bicycle, or using a PEV.

• Timing

  • The law will start on a date set by the provincial government. Watch for new regulations and local signs.

Expenses#

Estimated fiscal impact: No publicly available information.

• Some costs could shift to local governments if they choose to add signs or pass bylaws, but no official estimates are provided.

Proponents' View#

• Brings clear, consistent rules for e‑scooters and other small electric devices, improving safety for riders and pedestrians.
• Helmet, lighting, and speed rules reduce injuries and make riders more visible.
• Keeps slower, lighter devices off fast roads, while allowing cities to tailor sidewalk use and parking.
• Updates the law to cover new vehicle types (three‑wheelers) and modern risks (two‑ear headphones, self‑driving tech).
• Limits self‑driving on public roads to controlled pilots and permits, protecting the public during testing.

Opponents' View#

• The 25 km/h cap and 16‑year age limit for most PEVs may be too strict and could discourage practical, low‑carbon travel.
• Allowing sidewalk riding by local decision may lead to conflicts with pedestrians and uneven rules across cities.
• Helmet mandates and equipment checks can be hard to enforce and may reduce casual use.
• The ban on using self‑driving features without a permit could slow innovation or confuse owners of newer cars.
• New rules for three‑wheeled vehicles (no child passengers who need car seats, towing ban) may limit family or utility use.