Transformers E-Bike Trial named a finalist in the 2026 ZEST Awards

We’re thrilled to share that the Transformers E-Bike Trial has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 ZEST Awards in the category of Outstanding Project – Climate and Environmental Resilience.

The ZEST Awards celebrate the unsung heroes, community leaders and innovative projects making a difference across Greater Western Sydney. To have the Transformers E-Bike Trial recognised among this year’s finalists is a proud moment for Addventageous Bike Community and all the partners, participants and supporters who helped bring this project to life.

A community-led approach to low-emissions transport

Led by Addventageous Bike Community, the Transformers E-Bike Trial was designed to help Parramatta residents, workers and students explore e-bikes as a practical, affordable and low-emissions transport option.

Across the trial, 42 participants attended an eight-week e-bike education program, combining supported access to e-bikes with practical riding skills, guided rides, local route confidence and everyday transport education.

For many participants, this was their first real opportunity to experience an e-bike in a safe, supported and community-based setting. Importantly, many were not regular cyclists, and 62% were trying an e-bike for the first time.

This shows the program reached beyond existing cycling audiences and helped open the door for more people to consider active transport as part of everyday life.

Powered by partnership

The Transformers E-Bike Trial demonstrates the power of partnership to deliver meaningful community outcomes.

The project brought together:

• Addventageous Bike Community as project lead

• City of Parramatta

• University of Sydney

• Western Sydney University

• Bicycle NSW

• Pedal Set Go

• e-bike suppliers Zoomo and Lug+Carrie

• community-based locations and local supporters

Each partner contributed distinct strengths. Addventageous Bike Community led the local delivery, participant support and community-based education. Pedal Set Go provided instructor support, helping strengthen the delivery of practical riding skills, e-bike handling and confidence-building sessions. Council supported promotion and local engagement; the University of Sydney led research and evaluation; Western Sydney University supported participant engagement; Bicycle NSW provided insurance; and suppliers enabled access to standard and cargo e-bikes.

Together, this coordinated approach created an inclusive, place-based program that supported participants in building confidence, developing practical riding skills, connecting with others, and exploring more sustainable ways to move around Parramatta.

More than an e-bike trial

The Transformers E-Bike Trial was about much more than simply giving people access to e-bikes.

It was about education, confidence, behaviour change and connection. Participants explored local routes, learned how to ride safely and responsibly, and gained a better understanding of how e-bikes can support everyday trips.

By combining access, skills, support and community connection, the trial helped reduce barriers to low-emissions transport and created more affordable pathways into active travel.

Recognition for community-based climate action

Being named a finalist in the 2026 ZEST Awards is a wonderful recognition of the role that community-led active transport programs can play in climate and environmental resilience.

We are proud to see this project acknowledged alongside so many outstanding initiatives across Greater Western Sydney.

Thank you to Western Sydney Community Forum and the ZEST Awards for recognising the value of local partnerships, active transport education and practical climate action.

Most importantly, thank you to the participants, partners and supporters who helped make the Transformers E-Bike Trial possible.

Celebrating local action, one ride at a time

At Addventageous Bike Community, we believe that small, practical steps can create lasting change. The Transformers E-Bike Trial has shown that when people are supported with the right education, equipment, encouragement and local knowledge, active transport becomes more achievable.

We’re honoured to be a finalist and excited to keep building confidence, connection and low-emissions transport opportunities across Parramatta and Western Sydney.

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