Josh Hunter, a seasoned leader of nocturnal expeditions on private electric modes of transport in Edmonton, has been at the helm for half a decade. A diverse array of electric-powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and unicycles congregated at the Alberta Legislature grounds on a recent Friday evening for an early season excursion.
While commonly touted as cost-effective and eco-friendly commuting alternatives by day, Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are increasingly becoming a favored and sociable recreational pursuit in Canadian urban centers after dusk.
PEV Edmonton, the group led by Hunter, typically commences its season in June. However, buoyed by a favorable weather forecast, a group of about twenty riders eagerly embarked on an after-hours journey through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets.
“It’s akin to a contemporary motorcycle club,” quipped Hunter. “All age groups are welcome, provided they possess a personal electric vehicle and a helmet. Adherence to helmet usage is strictly enforced — a key rule of our group.”
Many of the vehicles in the group expedition boasted customized features like vibrant lights and mirrors, with owners proudly showcasing the motor wattage of their rides. Nonetheless, not all individuals traversing Edmonton on a PEV that Friday night were enthusiasts.
In addition to Hunter’s group, numerous clusters of people on rented e-scooters from companies such as Lime, Neuron, and Bird strolled through the downtown area, engaging in leisurely sightseeing with no specific destination in mind.
Recently wedded couple Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada shared that they opted for a scooter outing as a “fun date idea.” Baalbaki, a first-time e-scooter rider from Montreal, likened the experience to “walking on steroids.”
Concurrently, Kyson Fitzner, in the company of friends a few blocks away, expressed his fondness for nighttime rides due to the “thrill and adrenaline” they offer. Decked in an Edmonton Oilers jacket and a baseball cap, Fitzner even showcased his skills by jumping a curb, using a sloped concrete driveway curb as a makeshift ramp.
Operators running the rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada acknowledge limited data on group riding but highlight robust ridership post-business hours. Bird’s Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak noted a significant surge in ridership from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends, particularly from Friday to Sunday nights.
Isaac Ransom, Neuron’s Canadian head of corporate affairs, revealed that data indicates 20 to 25 percent of trips on their e-scooters and e-bicycles occur during the “nighttime economy.” In Red Deer, Alberta, a company survey found that around half of users engaged in recreational riding.
In certain cities where Neuron operates, users can add up to five companions to their account, facilitating group excursions. Ransom emphasized the appeal of shared e-scooters, particularly for recreational purposes, noting its popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as an evening activity.
Various cities, including Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax, feature groups on social media documenting their nighttime e-vehicle escapades. Kara Dejong, a participant in PEV Edmonton’s tours on an e-bike, remarked on the attention these rides attract from motorists and pedestrians, evoking expressions of awe from onlookers.
Trevor Neufeld, a four-year veteran of PEV Edmonton’s e-scooter rides, recounted braving winter outings in January, clad in a snowsuit. Initially a rental scooter user, Neufeld now owns a $5,000 e-scooter with $1,000 in modifications, underscoring the passion driving his weekly rides.
Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information indicates a rise in e-scooter-related injuries nationwide, with a 32 percent increase in hospitalizations over a year. Regulations governing e-scooter usage and rental age requirements vary across cities, with Toronto currently prohibiting their operation.
Promoting safe riding practices, Lime underscores visibility measures, advocating for the use of protected bike lanes. The company’s terms and conditions prohibit riding under the influence, advising impaired individuals to opt for alternative modes of transportation.
Neufeld, prioritizing safety, dons knee and shin pads, with elbow protection integrated into his motorcycle-style jacket. Visitors like Damon Spence, exploring Edmonton on rental scooters with friends, stress vigilance in navigating traffic signals and road signs.
For Spence and his companions, these outings have become a regular summer ritual, offering an affordable recreational option. Their weekly excursions, priced at approximately $17 per hour, have evolved into a cherished pastime.
With PEVs gaining popularity, public health data reflects an uptick in related injuries, necessitating heightened safety awareness among riders. As enthusiasts continue to embrace these alternative modes of transportation, a balance between enjoyment and safety remains paramount.
