Josh Hunter has been leading evening excursions on personal electric vehicles in Edmonton for five years. A diverse mix of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles congregated at the Alberta Legislature grounds on a recent Friday night for an early season tour. While PEVs are commonly used as economical and eco-friendly transportation for commuters by day, they have also gained popularity as a social and recreational activity in Canadian urban centers after sunset.
Despite PEV Edmonton’s official season kickoff slated for June, warm weather and clear skies enticed around two dozen riders to embark on a nighttime adventure through Edmonton’s river valley paths and streets. Describing the group as a contemporary biker gang, Hunter humorously emphasized the inclusivity of all age groups as long as riders have a personal electric vehicle and a helmet, which is strictly enforced.
Many participants customized their PEVs with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly highlighting the motor wattage of their machines. However, not everyone cruising on a PEV in Edmonton that Friday night was an enthusiast. Numerous groups of individuals on rented e-scooters from Lime, Neuron, and Bird were also exploring the city core, enjoying a leisurely ride without a specific destination.
For Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, a newlywed couple, scooting together was a delightful date idea. Baalbaki, a first-time e-scooter rider from Montreal, likened the experience to “walking on steroids.” On the other hand, Kyson Fitzner, riding with friends, expressed his joy in nighttime rides for the excitement and adrenaline rush, showcasing some tricks to his companions.
Rental e-scooter and e-bike operators in Canada noted a significant increase in ridership during evening hours. Bird’s Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak highlighted the spike in usage between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and on weekends, particularly Friday to Sunday nights. Neuron’s Isaac Ransom shared data indicating that a substantial portion of trips, around 20 to 25 percent, occur during the “nighttime economy,” with recreational riding being prevalent in places like Red Deer, Alta.
Beyond Edmonton, cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax have similar groups organizing nighttime e-vehicle rides and sharing their experiences on social media. Participants on PEV Edmonton tours, such as Kara Dejong and Trevor Neufeld, recounted the positive reactions they received from motorists and pedestrians, with Dejong noting the astonishment on onlookers’ faces.
Despite the growing popularity of PEVs, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reported a rise in e-scooter-related injuries nationwide. Regulations on where scooters can operate and the minimum age for rentals vary across cities. Safety measures, including wearing protective gear and adhering to traffic rules, are emphasized by operators like Lime to promote responsible riding habits.
Enthusiasts like Neufeld, who invest time and resources in their PEVs, expressed their passion for these activities. Neufeld, who upgraded to a $5,000 scooter with modifications, highlighted the anticipation he feels for his weekend rides. Visitors like Damon Spence also find joy in exploring cities on rental scooters with friends, making it a weekly summer tradition due to its affordability and convenience.
