I'll start by saying the chances of being caught in consequence of any of the following are minimal. However, it's only right that everyone should be aware of the law as it applies to them.
From today, to be a bureacracy free pedelec (EAPC), any new electric assisted bike bought must have it's power actuated by pedal control when riding, throttles acting independently without pedal rotation are not permitted, except on pre-existing bikes with "grandfather rights".
Some pedelecs may have a walk-assist throttle fitted which can act up to 4 mph. Nothing in pedelec law permits that, it's only legal due to the Pedestrian Controlled Vehicle Regulations of 1963, which only permits pedestrian control. It follows that if one of these new pedelecs throttles is used while on board to take off without pedalling, the rider is guilty of riding an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle. If they don't have a group Q, AM, P, A, A1 or A2 driving licence, they will be guilty of driving unlicenced too.
I stress that the chance of any police officer detecting and stopping anyone for that "take-off" usage is virtually zero. However, if you are aware of the law and if ever that did happen, you will know its best to act the innocent and not challenge the officer. They would then undoubtedly not bother to pursue the matter other than giving the relevant advice.
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