As warmer weather arrives, more residents in Portage la Prairie are taking to the streets on e-bikes and e-scooters.
Caitlyn Saindon, Community Safety Office Manager, breaks down the key safety rules and current regulations for these popular electric vehicles.
Regulations for e-bikes versus e-scooters
Saindon notes that e-scooters remain unregulated in Manitoba, but e-bikes are governed by the Highway Traffic Act.
“You have to wear a helmet if you're going to operate an e-bike, regardless of the age of the operator. Most people maybe get the misconception that it's only for people under the age of 18, but unfortunately or I guess fortunately wearing a helmet is required at all ages for operating e-bikes,” she says. “You must be 14 years of age or older to operate the e-bike itself, and if you were somebody above that age, you aren't permitted to allow somebody under the age of 14 to operate it.”
Saindon adds that e-bikes are treated like vehicles on the road and must follow the same rules.
“When they are on a roadway though, they are to ride as close to the curb as possible,” she remarks.
Safety tips for riders and drivers
Emphasizing safety precautions, Saindon continues, “Always ride in a single file line if possible. Wear your LED lights or reflector clothing. Bright clothing safety or sunglasses gloves, those types of things always a good idea to be cautious.”
She also stresses the importance of signaling turns and stops for riders.
“One last thing I would suggest is always be aware that as these types of bikes are supposed to be operated in the same sense as a vehicle, that means that they are bound to the same rules such as traffic control devices like stop signs. Those types of things can be stopped by peace officers as well to determine that they're following all the safety measures such as helmets and standard operating procedures.”
Regarding e-scooters, Saindon says they are considered pedestrians but cautions against riding them on busy roadways.
“It is considered a pedestrian situation. As far as I'm aware, there's nothing saying you can't ride on a sidewalk. However, I would probably say that it wouldn't be recommended to be riding on a roadway such as Saskatchewan Ave.”
Drivers also play a role, and Saindon urges vigilance.
“Stay alert. Stay cautious when driving... Being aware of your surroundings, always keeping up with your shoulder checks and watching as you're coming up to stop signs or before you progress through an intersection.”
Enforcement and training
Saindon remarks that peace officers can stop e-bike operators and issue fines if safety rules aren’t followed.
“If they're not following the rules of all of the things outlined, then they are absolutely able to be fined in those circumstances for sure,” she says.
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, Saindon’s advice highlights the need for both riders and drivers to share the road safely and responsibly.
Know where to roll, ride or walk
The City of Portage la Prairie features three main types of active transportation routes, and knowing where to travel can help keep everyone safe.
Bike lanes, usually paved with asphalt and clearly marked, are designed for bikes, e-bikes, scooters, electric mobility devices, skateboards, and similar modes of transport.
If you're moving faster than walking speed but slower than a car (generally 30 km/h or less), the bike lane is where you should be.
Sidewalks, typically made of concrete, are strictly for pedestrians and for mobility devices moving at a walking pace.
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