At Canrover, our mission is to bring Manitoba its first locally owned and operated e‑scooter and e‑bike sharing service.
We have spent months designing our app, building our backend systems, and planning a launch that is safe, sustainable, and affordable.
There is one thing standing in the way of launching an e‑scooter pilot in Winnipeg. The Highway Traffic Act in Manitoba has not yet caught up to modern transportation needs.
The Current Challenge
In Manitoba, the Highway Traffic Act does not yet classify or regulate shared e‑scooters in a way that allows cities to authorize pilot programs.
Even though the City of Winnipeg expressed interest in micro‑mobility in 2020, no operators could step forward at the time because there was no legal framework to support it.
Without an update, cities cannot run structured, safe, and regulated e‑scooter trials even when demand is clear.
Why This Matters to Manitobans
From Canrover’s perspective as a local operator, an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act would:
- Support Net Zero Goals
Manitoba, like the rest of Canada, is working toward Net Zero 2030.
E‑scooters replace short car trips, reduce emissions, and contribute to cleaner air in our cities. - Empower Local Innovation
Canrover is ready to launch a pilot designed for Manitoba’s climate, infrastructure, and community. This is something foreign operators cannot easily replicate. - Boost the Local Economy
E‑scooters make it easier for residents and tourists to visit local businesses. In other cities, users spend more in nearby shops, cafés, and attractions. - Improve Everyday Mobility
Too many Winnipeggers take two or three buses to travel a few kilometres.
E‑scooters offer a quick, affordable, and convenient alternative for short-distance travel. - Bring Regulation to Private Use
Without official programs, e‑scooters will still appear on our streets but without safety standards or oversight.
Updating the Highway Traffic Act would allow cities to set clear rules, speed limits, and parking zones.
What a Safe Program Could Look Like
We are not asking for a free‑for‑all.
At Canrover, we believe in responsible, well‑managed e‑scooter programs with measures such as:
- Geofencing to control riding and parking zones
- Insurance and licensing requirements for operators
- Helmet and safety education
- Data sharing with municipalities for better planning
These tools are already working in other Canadian cities such as Calgary, Ottawa, and Edmonton. They can work here too.
Our Call to Action
Canrover is ready to invest, deploy, and manage a pilot program in Winnipeg starting in 2025.
We have the technology, the fleet, and the local partnerships in place.
What we need now is for Manitoba’s legislation to give cities the authority to say yes to innovation.
Updating the Highway Traffic Act is not just about e‑scooters. It is about modernizing Manitoba’s approach to transportation, making our cities more connected, and keeping our economy competitive.
Let us give Manitobans the choice to travel cleaner, faster, and smarter.
The demand is here. The operators are ready. It is time for the rules to catch up.