Josh Hunter has led night rides on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for five years. A diverse mix of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles assembled at the Alberta Legislature grounds on a recent Friday evening for an early season tour. While PEVs are often seen as affordable and eco-friendly transportation for commuters during the day, they are gaining popularity as a social leisure activity in Canadian cities after dark.
Although Hunter’s group, PEV Edmonton, typically kicks off its season in June, warm weather and clear skies enticed a group of about twenty riders to embark on an after-hours journey through the city’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the experience as akin to a contemporary biker group, Hunter noted that all age groups are welcome as long as riders have a personal electric vehicle and wear helmets, which is strictly enforced.
During the Friday night ride, many participants had customized their PEVs with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly discussing the motor wattage of their machines. However, not everyone gliding through Edmonton’s streets on PEVs that evening was an enthusiast. Several groups of people were seen leisurely riding rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird, simply enjoying the sights without a specific destination in mind.
Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, a newlywed couple, mentioned that they chose to scoot together as a fun date activity. Baalbaki likened the experience to “walking on steroids,” expressing his excitement as a first-time e-scooter rider. On the other hand, Kyson Fitzner, riding with friends a few blocks away, shared his enjoyment of nighttime rides for the thrill and adrenaline, showcasing his skills by performing tricks like jumping curbs.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada have observed a surge in ridership during the evening hours. Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak of Bird highlighted increased usage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends, while Neuron’s Isaac Ransom reported that a significant portion of trips occur during the nighttime economy, particularly for recreational purposes.
In addition to Edmonton, other cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax also host groups that organize nighttime e-vehicle rides and share their experiences on social media. Participants in PEV Edmonton’s tours, such as Kara Dejong and Trevor Neufeld, noted the attention they receive from onlookers, with Dejong mentioning the surprised reactions of passersby.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information raised concerns about the rising number of e-scooter injuries nationwide, with a notable increase in hospitalizations over a one-year period. Safety regulations regarding e-scooter use vary across cities, with Lime emphasizing safe riding practices and discouraging riding under the influence of alcohol.
Despite the risks, passionate riders like Neufeld invest in safety gear and modifications for their PEVs, emphasizing their dedication to the activity. Damon Spence, a visitor from Athabasca, Alberta, highlighted the importance of vigilance while riding rental scooters with friends in downtown Edmonton, emphasizing the affordability and convenience of the experience.
As PEVs gain popularity in Canada, the culture of nighttime rides continues to attract enthusiasts and casual riders alike, fostering a vibrant community of electric vehicle enthusiasts across the country.