Josh Hunter has been leading night rides on personal electric vehicles in Edmonton for five years. Recently, a diverse collection of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles assembled at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour. These personal electric vehicles, known as PEVs, are gaining popularity as a social leisure activity in Canadian cities after dark, despite being primarily used for commuting during the day.
While Hunter’s group, PEV Edmonton, officially starts its season in June, a group of enthusiastic riders gathered for a nighttime cruise through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets due to warm weather and clear skies. Hunter humorously described the group as a modern-day biker gang that welcomes riders of all ages as long as they have a personal electric vehicle and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced.
Many riders customized their PEVs with colorful lights and mirrors, showing off the power of their motors. In addition to PEV Edmonton, numerous groups of people on rental e-scooters from Lime, Neuron, and Bird were leisurely exploring Edmonton’s core without a specific destination. Some riders, like Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, viewed scooting as a fun date idea, while others, like Kyson Fitzner, enjoyed the thrill and adrenaline of nighttime rides, showcasing stunts like jumping curbs.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada observe strong ridership after work hours. Bird’s Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak notes increased usage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends. Neuron’s Isaac Ransom highlights that a significant portion of trips occur during the “nighttime economy,” with recreational riding being popular, especially during evenings and weekends.
The group riding trend extends beyond Edmonton, with cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax hosting similar after-hours e-vehicle rides. Participants in PEV Edmonton’s tours garner attention from motorists and pedestrians, eliciting reactions of curiosity and amazement. Despite the growing popularity of PEVs, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reports an increase in e-scooter-related injuries nationwide.
Safety remains a priority for riders and companies alike. Lime emphasizes safe riding practices, including visibility and adherence to traffic rules. Riders like Trevor Neufeld take personal safety seriously, wearing protective gear during their rides. E-scooter rules and regulations vary between cities, with some municipalities restricting their use. Nevertheless, the appeal of shared e-scooter rides continues to attract enthusiasts seeking affordable and enjoyable urban experiences.
