As the weather warms up, the RCMP is reminding residents to stay safe while using e-bikes and e-scooters.
Steinbach community constable Dennis Redikop says that this time of year brings a noticeable increase in the number of people riding e-bikes and e-scooters.
While e-scooters are currently unregulated, Redikop notes that there are laws in place for their pedaling counterpart.
"It's actually a law that for anybody riding an electric bicycle, helmets must be worn. That goes with all ages...including anyone 18 (years old) and over," he says.
The constable also points out that kids under the age of 14 are also not legally allowed to operate e-bikes, and that cyclists—electric or not—are prohibited from riding on sidewalks, which does not include active transportation paths.
He adds that all traffic laws that apply to motorists also apply to cyclists.
"If you see a stop sign, you have to stop at it, and not just roll through it," he offers as an example.
E-bikes are not capable of going more than 30 km/h, Redikop notes. Still, he warns that this can still be fast enough to cause harm if not used safely.
"If someone hits a pothole, or doesn't pay attention and hits a pedestrian, you can actually really injure someone," he says.
Redikop reminds those found violating the law on an e-bike can be fined.
When it comes to e-scooters, he says a little common sense can go a long way.
"If you see people and vehicles, stay out of the way, practice common sense and safety when you're riding on sidewalks or if you're down a side street," he says.