Josh Hunter has been organizing nighttime rides on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for five years. Recently, a diverse array of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour. While PEVs are typically seen as economical and eco-friendly commuter options during the day, they are gaining popularity as a social leisure activity in Canadian cities at night.
Although Hunter’s group, PEV Edmonton, officially starts its season in June, a group of enthusiastic riders, attracted by warm weather and clear skies, embarked on an after-dark adventure through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the group as a modern-day biker gang, Hunter humorously highlighted that participants of all ages are welcome as long as they have a PEV and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced.
During the ride, many riders showcased their personalized PEVs adorned with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly discussing the motor wattage of their vehicles. Notably, not all individuals cruising on PEVs in Edmonton that night were enthusiasts. Numerous groups of people were spotted on rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird, casually exploring the city core without a specific destination.
Among the riders were Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, a recently married couple, who described their scooting experience as a fun date activity. Baalbaki likened it to “walking on steroids” and expressed his excitement as a first-time e-scooter rider. On the other hand, Kyson Fitzner, riding with friends, shared his thrill-seeking motive for nighttime rides, showcasing his skills by jumping a curb with his Edmonton Oilers attire.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada noted a significant increase in ridership during evening hours and weekends. Bird’s Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak highlighted peak ridership between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends, while Neuron’s Isaac Ransom pointed out that a substantial portion of trips occur during what he terms the “nighttime economy.” In cities like Red Deer, Alberta, recreational riding accounts for a significant portion of users.
Shared e-scooter services are becoming increasingly popular for group outings, with some cities allowing users to add multiple companions to their accounts for a collective riding experience. The appeal of shared rides and recreational activities, particularly during the evening, has drawn a diverse range of riders seeking adventure and social interaction.
As the popularity of PEVs grows, public health data indicates a rise in PEV-related injuries, prompting safety concerns. Rules regarding e-scooter usage and rental age vary across cities, with some cities like Toronto prohibiting their use entirely. Lime emphasized safe riding practices, including visibility and avoiding impaired riding, with Neufeld, a seasoned rider, advocating for protective gear to mitigate risks.
In conclusion, the trend of nighttime PEV rides is not unique to Edmonton, as cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax also witness groups organizing similar excursions. These rides attract public attention and curiosity, providing participants with an exhilarating and cost-effective recreational opportunity in the urban landscape.