Josh Hunter has been leading nighttime excursions on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for half a decade. A diverse mix of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds on a recent Friday evening for an early season ride. PEVs, primarily used as eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation by day, are now emerging as a popular leisure pursuit in Canadian cities after sundown.
Although PEV Edmonton’s official season kickoff is in June, warm weather and clear skies prompted around two dozen riders to embark on an after-hours journey through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the group as a contemporary biker gang, Hunter humorously emphasized that all age groups are welcome as long as riders have a personal electric vehicle and wear a helmet, a rule strictly enforced by the group.
Many participants customized their vehicles with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly showcasing their motor wattage. While some rode personalized PEVs, other city dwellers enjoyed leisurely strolls on rental e-scooters from Lime, Neuron, and Bird without a specific destination in mind. Newlyweds Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada found scooting together to be a fun date idea, likening it to an exhilarating form of walking.
Kyson Fitzner, riding with friends, expressed his enjoyment of nighttime rides for the thrill and adrenaline rush. Demonstrating a daring move, he showcased his skills by jumping a curb, adding an element of excitement to the excursion. Companies managing rental e-scooters and e-bikes have observed a surge in ridership post-work hours and on weekends, indicating a growing trend of nighttime recreational rides in urban areas.
In addition to Edmonton, cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax host groups engaging in after-hours e-vehicle rides, garnering attention from passersby. Despite the appeal of shared e-scooters for group outings, concerns over safety have been raised as PEV-related injuries are on the rise across Canada. While regulations regarding e-scooter usage vary by city, safety measures like wearing protective gear and adhering to traffic rules are emphasized by both riders and rental companies.
Enthusiasts like Trevor Neufeld and Damon Spence find joy in their weekly summer excursions on e-scooters, citing affordability and enjoyment as key factors driving their participation. As PEVs continue to gain popularity, maintaining a balance between fun and safety remains crucial for riders across the country.