As Flecc points out, I have been riding that bike since February 2010, so nearly 2 years.
I have been stopped by the police twice, but not specifically because of the bike.
1: One night I got pulled in the city centre. They alleged that I went through a red light. It actually turned red as I passed it. They also breathalised me because I was in the area of all the nightclubs but I passed, and they let me keep the tube as a 'souvenir' apparently. Very little was said about the bike, although they kept referring it to as "like the one in Banbury" and had no idea what speed it was supposed to do, the copper reckoned 30mph!
2: The second time I got pulled with a passenger, who wasn't wearing a helmet. As soon as they realised the bike was electric they disappeared.
I ride past police all the time, one even asked me if he could have a go once, without issues. I've only seen one other person riding a bike like mine, but it was a 24 volt version and a lot slower. I do see a lot of regular e-bikes as well and frequently see a bloke riding a Powacycle/Powabyke, and lots of older women riding them, but never close to the 15mph limit though. I've also seen a proper electric scooter being ridden around.
As for the pedals, I have a lengthy answer.
When I first got the bike, the chain seemed very slack, and would jump off if I tried pedalling it. Since I had a new freewheel fitted in summer, they sorted the chain and I can now pedal it. I find it quite useful on standing starts, especially on a hill, and can easily beat cars until they are well in 2nd gear, and all other cyclists until the speed tops out. Also on hills, if I put effort in it goes quite quick (over 10mph) but I can't maintain that effort for long. The single gear isn't very efficient. If I try pedalling as fast as the pedals will go when the speed maxes out (between 15 and 20mph) then I can only just feel the chain engaging.
Without the motor assistance, it is very tricky to get the bike moving, but once its moving, I can pedal at double the walking pace for a short distance before getting tired. On smooth road surface on level ground it isn't too bad actually, but very few places here are like that. I therefore wouldn't suggest pedalling these bikes without power, although a better cyclist than me could do a better job.
Like pedelecs, you can also disable the throttle and set it so the motor comes on when you pedal, but you don't get the fine control of speed and power as you do with the throttle.
It is relatively comfortable for me (63kg 5'7") although the seat is starting to feel very hard now. However it is still much more comfortable than the majority of bike saddles I've sat on, and is the main reason I went for that bike. It can also cope with a passenger of my size for short distances, though the seat is too small and it feels cramped.
I use it for short trips in the city (up to 5 miles each way) and frequently carry heavy large loads on it. If it could be fitted with a trailer and had a bit more power it would be perfect. Today I had a 14kg microwave on the back, just like a few months ago, and still have space on the floorboards for more items!
Electric bike negotiating heavy traffic on Botley Road, Oxford - YouTube
