Rider Waiver & Liability Release

Last updated: March 2026

This Rider Waiver & Liability Release (the "Waiver") is a legally binding agreement between you (the "Rider") and Westlake Adventure Sports Inc., operating as RideNet (collectively, the "Company", "we", "us", or "our"), together with our fleet operators, land partners, affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives (collectively, the "Released Parties"). By signing this Waiver electronically through the RideNet mobile application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions set forth herein.

1. Acknowledgment of Risks

The Rider acknowledges that the use of electric bicycles ("e-bikes") involves inherent risks, dangers, and hazards that may result in serious personal injury, permanent disability, or death, as well as property damage or loss. E-bikes are motorized vehicles capable of speeds up to 32 km/h (20 mph) or more and present unique operational risks beyond those associated with conventional bicycles.

The Rider specifically acknowledges, without limitation, the following risks:

  • Falls and Loss of Control: Loss of balance, loss of control of the e-bike, or ejection from the e-bike, including due to rider inexperience, road surface conditions, speed, or sudden braking.
  • Collisions: Collisions with motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, fixed objects, or other obstacles, whether caused by the Rider, third parties, or environmental conditions.
  • Mechanical or Electrical Failure: Failure of brakes, tires, steering, motor, throttle, electrical systems, or any other component of the e-bike, whether due to manufacturing defects, wear and tear, improper maintenance, or any other cause.
  • Battery Hazards: Risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, including but not limited to overheating, thermal runaway, fire, explosion, or electrical shock.
  • Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, wind, extreme temperatures, reduced visibility, and any other adverse weather conditions that may impair the Rider's ability to safely operate the e-bike.
  • Terrain and Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, potholes, gravel, sand, mud, wet pavement, steep grades, construction zones, railroad crossings, and unmarked hazards on roads, trails, or paths.
  • Wildlife: Encounters with wildlife, domestic animals, or insects that may startle the Rider or obstruct the riding path.
  • Other Road Users: The negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of other motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, or persons in the vicinity of the Rider.
  • Theft and Vandalism: Theft of or damage to the e-bike while in the Rider's possession.
  • Unforeseen Hazards: Any other risks, dangers, and hazards that are not specifically enumerated herein but are inherent in or related to the operation of an e-bike.

2. Physical Fitness

The Rider certifies and warrants that they are in adequate physical condition and health to safely operate an e-bike. The Rider confirms that they have no medical condition, disability, or impairment that would prevent them from safely operating the e-bike or that would be aggravated by such activity. The Rider acknowledges that e-bike operation requires physical coordination, balance, alertness, and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions. If the Rider has any doubt regarding their physical ability to safely operate an e-bike, they agree not to proceed with the rental.

3. Assumption of Risk

The Rider voluntarily assumes all risks associated with the use of e-bikes rented through the RideNet platform, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, including but not limited to the risks described in Section 1 above. The Rider understands that these risks may result in serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis, death, or property damage, and the Rider freely and voluntarily assumes all such risks and accepts full responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by the Rider or caused by the Rider to any third party.

The Rider expressly agrees that this assumption of risk is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the Province of Ontario and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full legal force and effect.

4. Release of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to rent and operate an e-bike through the RideNet platform, the Rider, on behalf of themselves and their heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and personal representatives, hereby releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue the Released Parties — including Westlake Adventure Sports Inc. (operating as RideNet), its fleet operators, land partners, property owners, municipalities, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, and representatives — from any and all liability, claims, demands, causes of action, damages, costs, expenses (including legal fees), and judgments of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which the Rider now has or may hereafter have, arising out of or in any way connected with the Rider's use of an e-bike, including but not limited to:

  • Personal injury, illness, disability, or death;
  • Property damage or loss;
  • Economic loss or consequential damages;
  • Claims arising from the negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct of any of the Released Parties;
  • Claims arising from defective equipment, inadequate maintenance, or failure to warn of hazards;
  • Claims arising from the actions or omissions of third parties, including other riders, motorists, or pedestrians.

This release is intended to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law. The Rider understands that this release means the Rider is giving up the right to bring any claims, including claims for negligence, against the Released Parties.

5. Indemnification

The Rider agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and court costs) arising out of or in any way connected with:

  • The Rider's use or misuse of the e-bike;
  • Any injury to or death of any person caused or contributed to by the Rider;
  • Any damage to or destruction of property caused or contributed to by the Rider;
  • Any violation of applicable laws, regulations, or ordinances by the Rider;
  • Any breach of this Waiver by the Rider;
  • Any claim brought by a third party arising from the Rider's actions or omissions while using the e-bike.

This indemnification obligation shall survive the termination of the Rider's rental and the expiration of this Waiver.

6. Equipment Responsibility

The Rider acknowledges that, upon taking possession of the e-bike, they accept the vehicle in its present condition and deem it to be in safe, working order suitable for use. The Rider agrees to:

  • Inspect the e-bike before each use and immediately report any defects, damage, or mechanical issues to RideNet through the mobile application or by contacting support@ridenet.ca;
  • Not operate any e-bike that appears unsafe, damaged, or defective;
  • Use the e-bike only for its intended purpose and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and all applicable laws;
  • Return the e-bike to a designated drop-off location in the same condition as received, subject to normal wear and tear;
  • Be financially responsible for any damage to, theft of, or loss of the e-bike occurring during the rental period, including the cost of repair or replacement at the Company's sole discretion;
  • Not attempt to repair, modify, tamper with, or disassemble any part of the e-bike, including the motor, battery, electronics, locking mechanism, or GPS tracking device.

7. Rules of Use

The Rider agrees to comply with the following rules at all times while operating an e-bike rented through RideNet:

  • Helmet Required: The Rider must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets applicable safety standards (CSA, CPSC, ASTM, or Snell certified) at all times while operating the e-bike. Failure to wear a helmet constitutes a breach of this Waiver and may void any coverage or liability protections.
  • No Impairment: The Rider shall not operate the e-bike while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, prescription medications that impair motor skills or judgment, or any other substance that may impair the Rider's ability to safely operate the vehicle.
  • Traffic Laws: The Rider must obey all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal traffic laws, regulations, by-laws, and ordinances, including speed limits, traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and designated cycling infrastructure requirements.
  • Operating Area: The Rider must operate the e-bike only within the designated operating area as displayed in the RideNet mobile application. Leaving the operating area may result in automatic penalties, service suspension, or additional charges.
  • No Unauthorized Passengers: The e-bike is designed for single-rider use only. The Rider shall not carry passengers, tow other vehicles or objects, or allow any other person to operate the e-bike.
  • No Modifications: The Rider shall not modify, alter, or tamper with any component of the e-bike, including removing or disabling safety features, GPS tracking, speed limiters, or the IoT locking mechanism.
  • Age Requirement: The Rider must be at least 18 years of age. Riders under the age of 18 are not permitted to use the RideNet platform or operate any e-bike rented through the service.
  • Valid Identification: The Rider must hold a valid government-issued photo identification and, where required by local law, a valid driver's licence.

8. Medical Authorization

In the event that the Rider is injured or becomes ill during or as a result of the use of an e-bike and is unable to provide informed consent for medical treatment, the Rider hereby authorizes the Released Parties and any emergency medical personnel to obtain and provide such emergency medical care, first aid, hospitalization, and treatment as may be deemed necessary or advisable by qualified medical professionals. The Rider agrees to be financially responsible for all costs associated with such medical treatment, including ambulance services, emergency room visits, hospitalization, and any follow-up care. This authorization shall remain in effect for the duration of each rental period.

9. Governing Law

This Waiver shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles. The Rider irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario for any dispute, claim, or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Waiver. Any legal action or proceeding relating to this Waiver must be commenced within one (1) year from the date of the incident giving rise to the claim, failing which such claim shall be forever barred.

10. Severability

If any provision of this Waiver is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal, and enforceable, or if such modification is not possible, such provision shall be severed from this Waiver. The invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Waiver, all of which shall continue in full force and effect.

11. Electronic Signature

The Rider acknowledges and agrees that by signing this Waiver electronically through the RideNet mobile application, such electronic signature constitutes the Rider's legal signature and is legally binding and enforceable to the same extent as a handwritten signature. This electronic signature satisfies the requirements of the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 (Ontario) and any other applicable electronic signature legislation. The Rider waives any right to challenge the validity or enforceability of this Waiver solely on the basis that it was executed electronically.

12. Date and Signature

The Rider's signature, full legal name, and the date of acceptance are captured electronically via the RideNet mobile application at the time of onboarding. By completing the electronic signature process within the app, the Rider confirms that they:

  • Have read this Waiver in its entirety and fully understand its contents;
  • Voluntarily agree to all terms and conditions set forth herein;
  • Understand that they are giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Released Parties;
  • Are at least 18 years of age and legally competent to enter into this agreement;
  • Acknowledge that this Waiver shall remain in effect for all subsequent e-bike rentals made through the RideNet platform until such time as the Waiver is updated and a new signature is required.

For questions regarding this Waiver, please contact us at legal@ridenet.ca.