Josh Hunter has been leading night rides on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for five years. Recently, a diverse collection of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour. While PEVs are known for cheap and eco-friendly commuting during the day, they are increasingly popular for leisure activities in Canadian cities after dark.
Although PEV Edmonton’s official season doesn’t start until June, warm temperatures and clear skies drew a group of about two dozen riders eager for an after-hours cruise through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. The group, humorously described as a modern-day biker group by Hunter, welcomes riders of all ages as long as they have a personal electric vehicle and helmet, which is strictly enforced.
During the ride, many participants had customized their PEVs with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly showcasing the power of their motors. Not every rider in Edmonton that night was an enthusiast, as various groups of people on rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird were also exploring the city core aimlessly.
For Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, scooting together was a fun date idea, describing it as “walking on steroids.” On the other hand, Kyson Fitzner, enjoying the thrill and adrenaline of night rides, showcased his skills by jumping a curb with his friends.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada have observed a significant uptick in ridership post-work hours. According to Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak of Bird, ridership peaks between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and on weekends. Neuron’s Isaac Ransom noted that a substantial portion of trips, between 20 and 25 percent, occur during the nighttime economy, with recreational riding being popular in cities like Red Deer, Alta.
In some cities, Neuron allows users to add up to five companions to their accounts, facilitating group rides. Shared e-scooters are particularly appealing for recreational use, offering a unique bonding experience for friends. Similarly, in cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax, groups organizing after-hours e-vehicle rides also engage with social media audiences.
Despite the growing popularity of PEVs, injuries related to e-scooters are on the rise in Canada, prompting concerns about safety measures. Various cities have differing rules on where scooters can operate and age requirements for rentals. Safety precautions such as wearing protective gear, avoiding riding under the influence, and staying vigilant on the roads are essential for riders like Trevor Neufeld and Damon Spence.
As the popularity of PEVs continues to soar, riders like Neufeld express their passion for the activity, eagerly looking forward to their weekly rides. The affordability and thrill of exploring the city at night make PEV riding a sought-after recreational activity for many Canadians.