We have queried this.

A lot.

The advice we have received is that anything that isn’t on private property is public land and therefore subject to the relevant legislation.

We completely understand how disappointing this is, especially after everyone has been looking forward to getting back out there. And after we have just re-launched our wonderful adaptive MTB coaching program. Now that the management committee knows that the bikes are not compliant with the legislation, if we put our participants on our bikes, or out for rides, we would be knowingly engaging in an illegal activity, and all insurances (public liability, product liability, professional liability, volunteer workers insurance) would be void, putting our participants, volunteers and directors at risk.

Technically, the bikes have always been outside of the legislated requirements of what makes our equipment “a bicycle”. With the associated media attention of the recent enquiry, these legislated requirements were brought to our attention by a member of the public. Now we know that the bikes aren’t compliant under the legislation, our insurance will not cover us in a relevant claim. We cannot in good conscience expose participants, volunteers or directors to that risk.

At the moment, any adaptive electric bike that falls outside the current legal requirements of EN15194 may not be compliant under the law. We encourage you to seek your own advice. WestCycle has been very helpful so far.

We can’t take that risk. If something were to happen, participants and volunteers may not be covered by insurance, and the organisation could be exposed legally. Our responsibility is to keep everyone safe and protected. We’re here to Break the Boundary, not Break the Law ;)

Unfortunately, our bikes don’t fit neatly into existing categories, which is exactly the problem we’re now trying to fix. If we were to register our bikes as motorcycles, we wouldn’t be able to operate on the trail network in Calamunnda as it is National Park/ State Forest.

We’re moving as quickly as we can. We are submitting an organisational exemption immediately, but government processes can take time and may take several months. Once we receive this exemption, we will be able to resume aMTB services at BTB.

We’re also working on longer-term legislative change, which may take longer again.

We’re taking a two-track approach. First, we’re applying for an exemption so we can get back up and running as soon as possible. Second, we’re working with WestCycle and government to push for changes to the law so this doesn’t happen again.

The legislation hasn’t changed re: EN15194. However, the recent review focused on mainstream eRideables like e-scooters and standard e-bikes. Unfortunately, adaptive cycling wasn’t specifically considered, and we weren’t invited to contribute to the review.

Adaptive bikes are heavier and often used by riders who’s capacity is supported by the technology of the bike. Additional motor support is needed to safely move across off-road terrain like hills and uneven surfaces. This is about accessibility, not speed or performance.

Yes. Our adaptive hiking programs are not affected and will continue as planned.

Yes. We have a clear plan and are already in action. It may take time, but we are committed to getting our community back out on the trails safely and legally.

Not yet. We ask that you please hold off for now. We first need to submit a clear proposal so government has something to act on. Engaging too early may slow the process. We will let you know when it’s time to mobilise.

Yes. We will absolutely call on our community to support advocacy efforts when the timing is right and provide clear guidance on how to do this effectively. In the interim, we invite you to complete a short participant impact form. When you’re ready, we’d love you to share what adaptive mountain biking means to you and what it enables in your life.

Yes. While we may not be riding for a short period, we will stay connected as a community and keep you updated as things progress.