Josh Hunter has been organizing night rides on personal electric vehicles in Edmonton for five years. Recently, a diverse array of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour. While personal electric vehicles are primarily seen as affordable and eco-friendly transportation for commuters during the day, they are increasingly becoming a popular leisure activity in Canadian cities after sunset.
PEV Edmonton, led by Hunter, typically starts its season in June. However, with favorable weather conditions forecasted, a group of around two dozen riders eagerly embarked on an after-hours journey through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the group as a modern-day biker gang, Hunter highlighted the inclusivity of participants of all ages, as long as they have a personal electric vehicle and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced.
During the evening ride, many riders customized their vehicles with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly showcasing the power of their motors. Notably, not all individuals seen on personal electric vehicles in Edmonton were enthusiasts; numerous groups on rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird were spotted wandering through the city core, sightseeing without a specific destination in mind.
Among the riders were newlyweds Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, who considered scooting together as a fun date idea. Expressing his excitement, Baalbaki likened the experience to “walking on steroids,” mentioning it was his first time on an e-scooter. Meanwhile, Kyson Fitzner, accompanied by friends, shared his love for night rides, citing the thrill and adrenaline as his motivation.
Companies offering rental e-scooter and e-bike services in Canada reported a surge in ridership during the evening hours. Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak from Bird noted increased usage between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., especially on weekends. Neuron’s Isaac Ransom highlighted that a significant portion of trips on their e-scooters and e-bicycles occur during the evening, with recreational riding being a prevalent activity, particularly in locations like Red Deer, Alta.
In cities where group riding is popular, users are provided options to include additional riders on their accounts, facilitating shared experiences. This feature has been well-received, with many riders preferring to explore together, especially during evenings. The social aspect of riding with friends to a common destination has been a key selling point for shared e-scooters.
Apart from Edmonton, other cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax have also witnessed the emergence of groups engaging in after-hours e-vehicle rides, garnering attention from onlookers. Riders like Kara Dejong and Trevor Neufeld from PEV Edmonton shared their passion for night rides, emphasizing the thrill and enjoyment it brings.
Despite the growing popularity of personal electric vehicles, concerns about safety remain prevalent. Public health data indicates an increase in PEV-related injuries as these modes of transportation gain traction across the country. Riders are urged to adhere to safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and following traffic regulations, to minimize risks while enjoying their rides.
In conclusion, the trend of night rides on personal electric vehicles is on the rise, offering a unique and exhilarating way to explore cities after dark. As more riders embrace this leisure activity, ensuring safety measures and responsible riding practices are essential to mitigate potential risks and enhance the overall experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
