Josh Hunter has been organizing night rides on personal electric vehicles (PEVs) in Edmonton for five years. A diverse group of electric scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour on a recent Friday evening.
PEVs, initially promoted as affordable and eco-friendly commuting options, have now evolved into a popular recreational activity in Canadian cities after dark. Hunter’s group, PEV Edmonton, typically starts its season in June, but with pleasant weather on the horizon, around two dozen riders were eager to embark on an after-hours adventure through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets.
Describing the experience as a modern-day biker group, Hunter emphasized that individuals of all ages are welcome as long as they have a PEV and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced. Many riders customized their vehicles with vibrant lights and mirrors, showcasing the power of their motors. However, not all participants were enthusiasts, as several groups on rental e-scooters from Lime, Neuron, and Bird were also exploring the city core aimlessly.
For some like Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, riding together on e-scooters was a fun and unique date idea. Others, like Kyson Fitzner, found thrill and excitement in cruising the streets at night, performing stunts like jumping curbs. Companies operating rental e-scooters and e-bikes have observed a significant uptick in ridership during evenings and weekends, indicating a growing interest in nighttime leisure activities.
In various cities across Canada, groups engage in similar after-hours e-vehicle rides, attracting attention from both motorists and pedestrians. Despite the increasing popularity of PEVs, concerns about safety persist, with a rise in PEV-related injuries reported nationwide. Regulations regarding e-scooter use and rental vary by city, with Lime emphasizing safe riding practices and discouraging riding under the influence.
Enthusiasts like Trevor Neufeld invest heavily in their PEVs, viewing it as a passion that brings them joy and excitement. While injuries are a concern, riders like Damon Spence prioritize safety by staying vigilant and adhering to traffic rules while enjoying the affordable and thrilling experience of riding e-scooters in Edmonton and beyond.