However, inexperienced older cyclists are not the only outdoors enthusiasts contributing to an increase in injuries in the Otago region, as some locals feel trails can be too dangerous due to speed-obsessed experienced riders.
ACC figures show the number of injuries in Otago have steadily risen over the past three calendar years for which regional data is available, from about 2600 in 2019 to about 3100 in 2021.
National figures show the annual numbers of active e-bike-related claims has also risen steadily, from about 90 in 2016 to almost 1300 in the first nine months of 2021.
The majority of e-bike-related claims were from people aged between 55 and 75, the figures show.
In 2021, up to September, 961 claims were made, 569 of which were related to people in that age bracket.
Cycling Action Network national project manager Patrick Morgan, of Wellington, said he had a great experience riding the trail in Central Otago last week.
He thought the rise in e-bike injuries was likely due to people returning to cycling, possibly after a years-long break, and maybe being overconfident or lacking some of the skills they needed to stay safe.
Compared with traditional bicycles, e-bikes tended to be heavier and faster, he said.
As a bike skills trainer, Mr Morgan saw a lot of demand from customers in their 50s, most of whom were women.
In his experience, men were more likely to overstate their abilities and to shun formal training.
Over the past few years, there had been a massive boom in cycling so it came as no surprise injuries had increased, though it was important to keep in mind the vast majority of serious bike accidents came from collisions involving vehicles, Mr Morgan said.
Trail manager for the Dunstan, Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge trails Shayne O’Connor said there was definitely an increase in the number of people using e-bikes, including those who would not otherwise ride a conventional bike.
"If you are not a hugely experienced rider, you need to think carefully if the Lake Dunstan trail is right for you.
"Like any trail or any outdoor adventure, you need to make sure you’re adequately prepared and your skills are up to it," Mr O’Connor said.
A more immediate problem was inconsiderate displays by experienced riders, he said.
He had two recent close calls while out performing trail maintenance on a narrow section of track.
"We need to get the message out that these people need to respect other trail users," Mr O’Connor said.
A week ago, a competent rider was pushed off the trail by another experienced rider who was going too fast on the wrong side of the trail.
Central Otago resident Laurel Graham, who lives between Bannockburn and Cromwell, said there was a problem with some cyclists, who appeared to be experienced, going "hell for leather" on the nearby section of the Dunstan trail.
As a result, her children could not go for walks there and some other residents drove elsewhere to walk their dogs.
"It’s pretty sad," Ms Graham said.
Central Otago Health Services chief executive Dr Kathryn de Luc said she was anecdotally aware of a lot of bike and e-bike injuries, and the numbers did seem to be increasing.
She urged cyclists to follow safety guidelines, including picking the level of trail appropriate for their experience, making sure they were clearly visible, wearing sunscreen, keeping hydrated and paying attention to other traffic — particularly foot traffic.
