Josh Hunter has been organizing nighttime rides on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for five years. A diverse array of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds on a recent Friday evening for an early season tour. While PEVs are commonly used as cheap and eco-friendly transportation for commuters during the day, they are increasingly popular for leisure activities in Canadian cities after sunset.
PEV Edmonton, led by Hunter, typically starts its official season in June. However, due to favorable weather conditions, a group of around two dozen riders eagerly embarked on an after-hours journey through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Hunter humorously likened the group to a modern-day biker gang, emphasizing that riders of all ages are welcome as long as they have a personal electric vehicle and a helmet, which is strictly enforced as a safety measure.
During the ride, many participants customized their PEVs with vibrant lights and mirrors, showcasing the power of their motors. While some riders were seasoned enthusiasts, others, like Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, enjoyed the novelty of the experience, considering it a fun date idea. The allure of nighttime riding was echoed by Kyson Fitzner, who relished the thrill and adrenaline rush, showcasing his skills by performing stunts like jumping curbs.
Companies offering rental e-scooters in Edmonton, such as Lime, Neuron, and Bird, also witnessed groups of sightseers exploring the city core without a set destination. Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak from Bird mentioned a surge in ridership during evenings and weekends, reflecting a trend seen in other Canadian cities. Neuron’s Isaac Ransom highlighted that a significant portion of trips on their e-scooters and e-bicycles occur during nighttime hours, with many users engaging in recreational rides.
The appeal of shared e-scooters for group outings was emphasized by Ransom, citing the convenience of coordinating trips with friends. This sentiment was echoed in cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax, where similar groups organize nighttime e-vehicle excursions. These rides often attract attention from passersby, evoking curiosity and excitement among onlookers.
Despite the growing popularity of PEVs, data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information indicated a rise in e-scooter-related injuries nationwide. Safety precautions, including wearing protective gear and adhering to traffic rules, were underscored by riders like Trevor Neufeld, who expressed a deep passion for his e-scooter adventures. Damon Spence, a visitor from Athabasca, emphasized vigilance while riding rental scooters in downtown Edmonton, stressing the importance of being mindful of traffic signals and road signs.
As the popularity of PEVs continues to soar, riders like Neufeld and Spence find joy in exploring the cityscape on electric vehicles, making it a regular summer activity. The affordability and convenience of renting e-scooters further contribute to the growing appeal of nighttime rides in Canadian urban centers.