Unfortunately due to the vagaries of Public Liability Insurance for participating companies and the refusal of City of Whitehorse to provide cover. Council responded to a request to do this with the following statement:

“As this event is on council land which council is a host we still should manage the event like council are the event holder.  The event should also be managed through the event permit process given you have several vendors attending on the day. As part of the process, a $20,000,000 current public liability certificate of currency is required. Council can’t be accepting liability on behalf of other organisations/groups. Council cannot agree to indemnify these organisations by signing any waiver. In the event there is any claim or personal injury/property damage following this event, they will be managed and triaged accordingly.  To explain further, the participant is using an e-bike and falls breaking their leg. The claim should be lodged against the e-bike company but council will be brought into the event due to it being on council land.  We may not necessarily be found liable but may have a possible 10% exposure due to hosting the event.  The majority of the liability will fall on the e-bike company which is why we don’t agree to indemnity clauses.  Additionally, the e-bike company having patrons signing waiver within their stores does not necessarily mean they can subrogates their rights from the injured party to not pursue a claim.  But, we (council) are also not in a position to comment on the waivers these organisations have or use within their day to day business.”

A compromise was also suggested – the companies attend, talk, have bikes on display, but NOT offer test rides, as that’s the high risk activity.  Unfortunately, Council has still found that while low risk, there is still a risk that providing advice could lead to a claim, and while most of the claim would go onto the bike shop, Council would still have some exposure.

WATAG is sorry that this situation has occurred. We still recommend the following companies because of their support for the event.

KWOLITY electric tricycles with a sturdy all-steel frame and patented innovative Tilting Frame Function so that when cornering, the rear wheels stay firmly on the ground to avoid the tricycle tipping over.

E-bike specialists Sparque will have information about a range of packages to buy, salary package, lease or even rent for a month to really try out your new bike. AND a special try-before-you buy offer.

The local branch of 99 Bikes – one of Australia’s largest bike stores – are terrific advocates for e-bikes. They will be there with some bikes to try and to give advice.

Local specialist e-bike suppliers REV-Bikes will be there too with some bikes you may not have seen before

Whilst here you might like to consider the following information about recumbent bikes

You’ll be surprised at how they help some older folk who want to keep active but are a little unsure how to do this safely and in a way which meets their changing physical needs.

And there is academic research to supports the use of e-trikes and e-bikes as a way to help older people stay active. For example:

1. A study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that e-bikes can increase physical activity levels in older adults, particularly among those who are less physically active.
2. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that e-bikes can have positive effects on older adults’ physical fitness and well-being, and can promote healthy aging.
3. A systematic review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research concluded that e-bikes have the potential to increase physical activity and reduce the risk of chronic disease in older adults.
4. A study published in the journal “Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment” found that e-bikes can increase the level of physical activity among older adults and improve their mobility and independence.
5. A study published in the “Journal of Transport and Health” found that e-bikes are a viable alternative mode of transportation for older adults, and can help to increase physical activity levels and improve quality of life.
6. Another study published in the “International Journal of Sustainable Transportation” found that e-bikes can provide older adults with a more accessible and convenient form of transportation, which can lead to increased physical activity levels and improved health outcomes.
7. Science Direct reported on “Physical activity of electric bicycle users compared to conventional bicycle users and non-cyclists” The study showed that •E-bikers take longer trips by e-bike and bicycle, compared to cyclists, •Physical activity gains from active travel are similar in e-bikers and cyclists.•Substituting all car trips with e-bike use leads to a g big gain in metabolic activity.• Transport modes substituted by the e-bike are still used frequently afterwards
8. These studies suggest that e-bikes and e-trikes can be beneficial for older adults in Australia and provide evidence that supports their use as a way to help older people stay active. However, it is important to consider the specific needs and abilities of each individual before deciding to use an e-bike or e-trike, and to ensure that proper training and support are received for safe use.
   As a starting point. come to the EXPO!!