As e-bike and e-scooter usage increases, local leaders are encouraging riders to prioritize safety.
A recent report from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) shows that usage of these devices is outpacing existing safety laws.
Meanwhile, data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows a 32 per cent increase in e-scooter-related injuries between 2022/23 and 2023/24.
The Mayor of Steinbach and Reeve for the Rural Municipality (RM) of Hanover are paying attention, and weighing potential responses.
The RM of Hanover is keeping tabs on the situation
Jim Funk, reeve for the RM of Hanover, says he and the municipality's councilors have not seen many e-bikes and e-scooters being used. As such, they haven't posed much of an issue.
However, he says they are on the RM's radar.
"I have seen some on the sidewalk, and I can see the potential of danger being on the sidewalk because they do have some speed to them. When you have little children on bicycles on the sidewalk, that could very easily create an accident," he says.
Other concerns include the lack of helmets he has seen.
Before the municipality gets involved in creating bylaws around the usage of these devices, the reeve encourages parents to speak to their children about safe riding habits, especially since there is currently no minimum age for operating e-scooters.
"I think we need to take the initiative and take ownership and responsibility of our children. When we do purchase these units...there comes a ruling with them and that is (to) respect others, drive safely, and a helmet is something that needs to be used," the reeve says.
If the devices become a noticeable issue in the RM of Hanover's communities, he says council will need to discuss what comes next.
Regulation for e-scooters may be considered in Steinbach
In Steinbach, mayor Earl Funk says e-bike and e-scooter usage has been quite noticeable within city limits.
On one hand, he says it's good as people are getting out and being active. On the other, he says the devices can travel quite quickly, which can be a safety issue.
It's been a topic of conversation between him and community members.
"No one really has an issue or any concerns with e-bikes. It's more the e-scooters," the mayor explains. "I'm getting some comments from residents about the speed, (saying) they are too fast for some of the sidewalks, or many of the young kids are not using helmets."
When it comes to e-bikes, the mayor encourages Steinbach residents to obey traffic laws outlined by the Manitoba government.
Otherwise, there may be future discussions at City Hall regarding the regulation of e-scooters.
"I think that's definitely something we should be looking at in the next little while," Funk says. "If we're going to address anything at all, I think we should be addressing the speed of them, and I would think there should be some sort of minimum age."
Safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter riders
"I think all things are good as long as we are using them safely," mayor Funk says, and offers some safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter riding:
- Before riding, check the device's brakes, tires and lights.
- Always wear a helmet and dress to be visible.
- Always ride sober and distraction free.
- When riding, start slow, stay alert, ride solo, and in single file.
- Beware of road rules.
- Be mindful of pedestrians.
- Stay off of the sidewalks.
The mayor also encourages residents to put a bell on their bikes.
"Otherwise, I would encourage people to get out, and ride their bikes. It's good for physical health and mental health. We have such a good city where everything is relatively close," he says.
More safety information and resources on e-bikes and e-scooters can be found on CAA's website under the "Sustainability" tab.