Trustees call for e-scooter safety education
School trustees are urging the province to improve public education on e-scooter and e-bike safety as the new school year approaches. Alan Campbell, executive director of the Manitoba School Boards Association, expressed concern over the lack of safety knowledge among Manitoba youth. While acknowledging they are not curriculum developers, trustees are responsible for ensuring health lessons, including those related to transportation, remain current.
Campbell emphasized the importance of teaching students about helmet usage, designated bike lanes, and adhering to the Highway Traffic Act when riding e-scooters. He highlighted the need for an updated curriculum that warns against riding e-scooters on sidewalks, as this can pose risks to both riders and pedestrians.
Recent research conducted by Canadian pediatricians revealed that at least 10 children died from using e-bikes, e-scooters, or similar technologies in 2025. The survey of 800 colleagues identified 57 incidents involving these devices, with head injuries being the most common. Boys aged 10 to 15 were found to be at the highest risk.
The study also reported 26 hospitalizations lasting over 48 hours and 12 admissions to intensive care units. Although the report did not break down incidents by province, it acknowledged the presence of incident reports from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
The Manitoba government responded to the pediatricians' concerns, stating that student safety is a top priority for Premier Wab Kinew's administration. They emphasized their commitment to addressing the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt hinted that details regarding an updated health curriculum will be released soon.
Transportation-related resolutions were also discussed at the school boards association's annual general meeting in March, with dozens of trustees voting to petition the province for increased emphasis on bike safety and the safe use of power-assisted bicycles and e-scooters. Campbell stressed that school leaders in both urban and rural communities share concerns about unsafe operating habits on these popular devices.
He argued that public education should extend beyond traditional subjects, focusing on active transportation habits such as walking to school.
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