Josh Hunter has been organizing night rides on personal electric vehicles in Edmonton for five years. Recently, a diverse mix of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds for an early season tour. While PEVs are known for being affordable and eco-friendly for daily commuters, they are increasingly becoming a popular and sociable leisure activity in Canadian cities after sunset.
Although Hunter’s group, PEV Edmonton, typically kicks off its season in June, the warm weather and clear skies enticed around two dozen riders for an after-hours adventure through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the group as a modern-day biker gang, Hunter humorously emphasized the inclusivity of all age groups as long as riders have a personal electric vehicle and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced as a key safety rule.
During the ride, many participants showcased their personalized PEVs adorned with vibrant lights and mirrors, proudly discussing their motor wattage. Notably, not all individuals cruising on PEVs in Edmonton that Friday night were enthusiasts. Numerous groups were spotted on rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird, casually exploring the city center without a specific destination in mind.
Among them, Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, a recently married couple, enjoyed scooting together as a fun date idea. Baalbaki likened the experience to “walking on steroids,” expressing excitement during his first e-scooter ride. Meanwhile, Kyson Fitzner, riding with friends a few blocks away, highlighted the thrill and adrenaline rush of nighttime cruising.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada reported a strong ridership surge post-work hours. According to Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak from Bird, the company witnesses a substantial increase in ridership from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and over weekends. Isaac Ransom, Neuron’s head of corporate affairs in Canada, shared that a significant portion of trips on their e-scooters and e-bicycles occur during the nighttime economy, with recreational riding being a prevalent trend.
In cities where Neuron operates, users can add up to five companions to their account, facilitating group rides. Ransom emphasized the appeal of shared e-scooters for recreational purposes, particularly during the evening, as a popular and social activity. Other cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax also host social media groups organizing post-sunset e-vehicle rides, attracting attention and smiles from onlookers.
Trevor Neufeld, a long-time member of PEV Edmonton, expressed his passion for e-scooter riding, even braving winter nights in a snowsuit. He emphasized the personal investment and dedication to the activity, eagerly anticipating his weekend rides. However, as the popularity of PEVs grows, public health data indicates a rise in PEV-related injuries across Canada, prompting concerns and safety precautions among riders.
Overall, the recreational appeal and camaraderie of nighttime e-vehicle rides continue to draw enthusiasts and casual riders alike, fostering a vibrant and social scene in Canadian cities after dark.
