Josh Hunter has been organizing night rides on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for the past five years. Recently, a diverse mix of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour. While PEVs are typically promoted as affordable and eco-friendly transportation for commuters during the day, they have also gained popularity as a social leisure activity in Canadian cities after sunset.
Although Hunter’s group, PEV Edmonton, officially starts its season in June, a group of enthusiastic riders, anticipating warm weather and clear skies, embarked on an after-hours journey through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the group as a modern-day biker gang, Hunter emphasized that individuals of all ages are welcome as long as they have a personal electric vehicle and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced.
During the night ride, many participants showcased their personalized PEVs adorned with colorful lights and mirrors, proudly discussing the motor wattage of their machines. However, not all PEV enthusiasts in Edmonton that night were experienced riders. Several groups of individuals on rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird were also exploring the city’s core, enjoying a leisurely ride without a specific destination.
For Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, who recently tied the knot, riding together on e-scooters was a fun date idea. Baalbaki likened the experience to “walking on steroids,” highlighting the excitement of his first e-scooter ride. Meanwhile, Kyson Fitzner, cruising with friends, expressed his love for nighttime rides, citing the thrill and adrenaline as major attractions.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada have observed a significant increase in ridership during the evening hours. Bird’s Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak noted a surge in riders between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and on weekends, while Neuron’s Isaac Ransom highlighted that a substantial portion of trips are made during what he termed the “nighttime economy.”
Moreover, shared e-scooter services offer features allowing users to add companions to their rides, enhancing the recreational aspect. In cities without this capability, there is a growing demand among users for such options. The appeal of shared e-scooters for group outings has been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an engaging activity for evenings.
In Edmonton, PEV Edmonton’s group rides attract attention from motorists and pedestrians, with onlookers often expressing surprise and amusement at the sight of the electric vehicles. Participants like Trevor Neufeld, a long-time e-scooter rider, emphasized the passion and anticipation they feel for their weekend rides, demonstrating their commitment to the activity.
As the popularity of PEVs grows, public health data has shown an increase in PEV-related injuries across Canada. To address safety concerns, companies like Lime emphasize safe riding practices and discourage riding under the influence. Riders like Neufeld prioritize safety by wearing protective gear such as knee and shin pads, ensuring a safer riding experience.
Overall, the trend of nighttime e-vehicle rides is not unique to Edmonton, with cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax also witnessing similar group activities. These recreational rides offer a cost-effective and enjoyable way for individuals to explore urban environments and socialize with friends, contributing to the growing appeal of electric micro-mobility options.