Amusingly little anomaly. Not powerful enough for motorway, but too powerful at the same time.
Have the rules changed on e-bikes again?
- Thread starter ericmark
- Start date
Amusingly little anomaly. Not powerful enough for motorway, but too powerful at the same time.
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As far as I'm aware, the regulations have been in place since the 1980s
www.legislation.gov.uk
As others have said, max 250W, Max 16 MPH and you have to at least turn the cranks to get the assistance.
However, no limit on torque...
...and yes, they're very easy to hack but Plod will impound your bike (if they catch you) and you can kiss your warranty goodbye!
The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983
1. These Regulations are made pursuant to section 24 of the Transport Act 1981 (which has been brought into force by the Transport Act 1981 (Commencement No. 9) Order 1983 (S.I. 1983/576 (c.16))). That section provided for the addition to section 103 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 (by...
As others have said, max 250W, Max 16 MPH and you have to at least turn the cranks to get the assistance.
However, no limit on torque...
...and yes, they're very easy to hack but Plod will impound your bike (if they catch you) and you can kiss your warranty goodbye!
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Yeah, but just think what a hero it makes you to hack it into a state of contravention.
How it makes you a real man sticking it to the man.
Because we can't have road traffic laws, can we.
I've got to say it, you are quite good fun to "trigger"...
I know you won't feel in the slightest bit abashed - never mind "contrite", when I tell you that I haven't hacked mine, but it was fun to watch you jumping to conclusions anyway...
No contrition required, as I wasn't suggesting you had hacked yours.
I was just pointing out to you, in case you had missed it, the wonderful opportunity such hacking would provide you to expand your disregard of road traffic laws.
I was just pointing out to you, in case you had missed it, the wonderful opportunity such hacking would provide you to expand your disregard of road traffic laws.
Yeah... that's exactly how it came across...
...and, for the avoidance of doubt, is this you also "not suggesting" I disregard traffic laws?
Probably not...and, for the avoidance of doubt, is this you also "not suggesting" I disregard traffic laws?
But for the avoidance of any doubt, I will state, categorically, that I would not be the slightest bit surprised were I to find that you did disregard (some of) them given your attitude to (some of) them.
Anything faster or more powerful, though, and it’s basically treated like a motorbike—so you’d need plates, insurance, and all that. When I got my e-bike, I made sure it was all legal, especially since I use it on cycle paths a lot. Also, because they’re not cheap, I sorted out bicycle insurance just in case it gets nicked or something.
Mine is 250w and a standard setting of 15.5MPH (but adjustable through the controller to 25MPH) and using the pedals brings on the (adjustable) assistance but it also has a trigger on the handlebars so it can be used without pedalling. Does that make it illegal?
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As I understand the situation.. Yes.
However I have not looked into the Ebike laws, just picked up snippets in social conversation.
govuk can only go faster than 15.5 by pedal power unassisted ---faster and powered is a motorcycle with tax 'insurance and normal road requirement and not allowed on pavements
Electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance
Electric bikes meeting the EAPC regulations can be ridden on the road without being taxed, licensed or insured
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Given that these bikes are the chosen mode of transport for local drug runners and other ne'er-do-wells, and are often seen wheelieing (sic?), without lights, down the main road at night, voiding a warranty is not likely to be any concern......
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