Why I'm Challenging Manitoba's E-Scooter Trailer Ban

The government says this trailer is illegal. I say that's unconstitutional. Let's see who wins in court.

Over the past several years, Manitoba has taken steps toward recognizing electric scooters as a legitimate form of transportation. Through pilot projects and legislative changes, governments have acknowledged that e-scooters are becoming a practical mobility option for thousands of people. However, despite this progress, Manitoba's current rules still contain restrictions that make little sense when compared to how other forms of transportation are treated. One of those restrictions is the prohibition on towing a trailer behind an electric scooter, even when that trailer is designed and operated safely. That restriction is what this challenge is about.

The trailer pictured on this website is not a reckless modification or an unsafe experiment. It is a purpose-built trailer designed to carry cargo while travelling at reasonable speeds. It features a visible safety flag, reflective elements, lighting, and a wide wheelbase for stability. It is used responsibly and in a manner similar to how bicycle trailers have been used throughout Manitoba for decades. Parents pull children in bicycle trailers every day. Cyclists pull groceries, camping equipment, and cargo trailers on city streets and multi-use paths. These activities are widely accepted and legal. Yet under Manitoba's current rules, attaching a trailer to an electric scooter is prohibited, even though the practical function is nearly identical.

This raises an important question: why should two nearly identical forms of transportation be treated differently without a compelling safety justification? Both bicycles and electric scooters are small, personal mobility devices. Both operate at relatively low speeds. Both share many of the same roads, pathways, and transportation corridors. If a bicycle can safely tow a trailer, then the government should be required to demonstrate why a properly equipped electric scooter cannot. So far, no convincing evidence has been presented that justifies such a distinction.

The issue becomes even more significant when viewed through the lens of constitutional rights and fairness. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms exists to protect individuals from arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by government. While governments have the authority to regulate transportation, those regulations should be rational, evidence-based, and applied consistently. When one class of road user is permitted to engage in an activity while another, substantially similar class is prohibited from doing so, legitimate questions arise about equal treatment under the law. In my view, Manitoba's trailer prohibition creates exactly that kind of inconsistency. If the government wishes to restrict electric scooters differently than bicycles, it should be prepared to justify that distinction with evidence, not assumptions.

This issue is also about accessibility and transportation choice. Many people use electric scooters because they are affordable, efficient, environmentally friendly, and practical. Adding the ability to tow cargo expands their usefulness and reduces dependence on larger vehicles for everyday tasks. Whether someone is transporting groceries, supplies, event equipment, or personal belongings, a trailer can significantly increase the utility of a small electric vehicle. Restricting that capability without a clear and demonstrable public safety reason undermines the very goals of encouraging alternative transportation and reducing congestion on our roads.

For me, this challenge is about more than a trailer. It is about ensuring that laws are created fairly, applied consistently, and supported by evidence. Throughout my advocacy work, I have always believed that public policy should be guided by facts, practical experience, and meaningful public consultation. When governments get it right, they deserve credit. When governments create rules that appear arbitrary or unsupported, those rules deserve scrutiny. I have raised these concerns through official channels, participated in committee discussions, and presented my arguments publicly. Those efforts have not resolved the issue, so the next step may ultimately be determined through the courts.

If you've arrived here after seeing the sign on my trailer, thank you for taking the time to learn more. Whether you agree with my position or not, I encourage you to examine the issue for yourself. Look at how bicycle trailers are treated. Look at the actual design and safety features of this trailer. Ask whether the distinction makes sense. Then decide whether Manitoba's current approach reflects sound public policy, or whether it's time for the law to catch up with reality

For me, this challenge is about more than a trailer. It is about ensuring that laws are created fairly, applied consistently, and supported by evidence. If you would like to voice your concern, share your input, or express your frustration with what you see as a waste of government resources, I urge you to email Premier Wab Kinew at premier@manitoba.ca Minister Lisa Naylor at minmti@manitoba.ca Your voice matters—together, we can push for a more balanced and just approach to mobility in Manitoba. 

Safe riding!