Bike Europe draws attention to illegal tuning kits

[Stalkingcat]

The kickstarter guys I was talking about a while back are looking for type approval on their range of MX style bikes. Thinking about it they have put it on hold, maybe waiting for the new EU regs to come into existance.

 

[flecc]

Ok, what if I then 'enduro' them up for road use as that's the plan?

That will mean type approval if that is to be a normal usage method. The expression "primarily" in the off road unpaved exemption won't stretch very far in officialdom's mind.

I don't think the 2017 regulation will be very much different and there are signs of some easing in parts. For example the visual hydraulic reservoir requirement that you suffered will no longer exist due to two easements for L1e-A and B classes in the UNECE 78 regulation.

There's also braking test concessions for rim widths <45 mm.
.

 

[Stalkingcat]

Thanks very informative

 

[oldtom]

Wouldn't this thread be more appropriately placed in a motorcycle forum?

Tom

 

[Stalkingcat]

Wouldn't this thread be more appropriately placed in a motorcycle forum?

It was Tom, come over for a chat
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/maybe-a-thread-for-5kw-conversions.19988/

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/fast-legal-bike.19861/page-7#post-248544

 

[Stalkingcat]

A great build thread for anyone interested in the 'getting a powerful bike road legal'

 

[trex]

ES Dlogic:
.. Oh and yes, I spent almost four times the money my bomber once cost me. Not only on bike parts, but for the tools necessary to make this machine. Money buys you everything, but nothing is more satisfying than building your own stuff!!

Love it!

 

[mfj197]

Each to his own and I wouldn't want to stop you. However, I see no commercial future in that ratio of powers, 4 kW motor to 0.2 kW human addition, 95% to 5%. The human addition will be almost imperceptible in performance or consumption.
.

Completely agree for the world of pedelecs. However there could be an application in the field of electric motorbikes, purely for control. A decent torque sensor is such an intuitive form of throttle control you could retain cranks on an e-motorbike for control purposes only rather than adding any meaningful power to the drivetrain. It would be back to the bionic man!

Michael

 

[flecc]

I agee Michael, though there would need to be some additional safety measure at a standstill. I found I could slightly wheelie a Panasonic powered 250 watt pedelec by pressing hard on a pedal at a standstill. With up to 10 kW on instant tap, life taking off from the lights could get very scary!
.

 

[mfj197]

I agee Michael, though there would need to be some additional safety measure at a standstill. I found I could slightly wheelie a Panasonic powered 250 watt pedelec by pressing hard on a pedal at a standstill. With up to 10 kW on instant tap, life taking off from the lights could get very scary!
.

Yes, but that's not much different to opening up the throttle on any motorbike at a standstill. Although maybe trying to get your balance on a bike pedelling away from the lights might not be as easy as gently twisting a throttle if you have that sort of power on tap!

 

[flecc]

Yes, that's what I meant, plus e-power torque from zero revs dwarfs that from ic engines. From Panasonic unit experience there tends to be little finesse in that initial thrust in taking off during traffic lights Grand Prix!
.

 

[Stalkingcat]

Throttle response can be programmed to use more volts than amps at take off. That is one of the great advantages of an electric powered bike, all aspects can be changed to desired perimeters.

I posted it on another thread but my hope one day soon is to build a base bike, which is very powerful and capable. Controllers can be bluetooth programmed from a phone, along with instant suspension tweaking, 101 preprogrammed settings, replicating different bike characteristics throughout the ages could be available at the touch of a button.

Variable regen settings mean that you could also replicate the terrible braking of older classic bikes for a really authentic feeling of riding by the seat of your pants, if really required.

The technology is all there, its just not been implemented yet.

I love pedaling around and just using an occasional throttle blip when needed. I wouldn't want to loose the pedals.
A powerful build doesn't mean using lots of power all the time, or being crazy and dangerous. This is an image they unfortunately have from the irresponsible few.

 

[scoiatollo]

I have registered a Riese & Muller Cruiser Nuvinci HS with DVLA - L1 licence No. 31 granted 26th January 2015 - it only took 5 months owing to encountering a shoal of red herrings...

However I have not been able to fully insure the "vehicle" yet as neither the Home & Contents nor the EAPC insurers will cover anything that has to be registered under the Road traffic Act, and the moped/motorcycle insurers will not cover any make/model which is not on their database.

So the bike and a collection of helmets, brake lights and horns is gathering dust in the garage...

I am happy to exchange information on the process in exchange for suggestions on sources of insurance (I joined CTC which in theory means I have third party cover up to £10M..or does it?).

 

[trex]

I called and talked to Carole Nash 0800 144 4645 last month about insuring an e-moped.
They said they will quote when I have the bike registered.
Another company is https://www.bikesure.co.uk - they specialize in e-bikes.

 

[scoiatollo]

Thanks trex - I tried Bikesure last week but they could only find one underwriter - The Market Study - who would quote for a 50cc moped limited to 1000 miles p.a. and wanted £200 for third party only...

I also tried Carole Nash and sent them a copy of the Certificate of Conformity
which their underwriter turned down - however that was before I had the registration so I will try them once more..

 

[trex]

a friend told me (unverified information) that if you have a multicar insurance policy (2 cars or more), they can include your s-pedelec or e-moped in their cover for free.

 

[anotherkiwi]

If you were on the continent and / or in the eurozone you could use a German insurance company.

See the EU is useful for something!

Tony

 

[Stalkingcat]

I'm pretty sure Adrian Flux would help you out...

 

[scoiatollo]

Thanks all for suggestions.

Trex - I tried Carole Nash again and they declined to quote after checking with their underwriter - let me know how you get on with your e-moped.

The problem for me seems to be that the German s-pedelec manufacturers & models are not on the moped/motorcycle database, although some e-bike brands likelike Cyclotricity show up.

It is interesting that on the Certificate of Conformity:

• item 26 - Maximum net power or maximum continuous rated power as applicable is stated as 0.25 kW at 1200-3600 (min -1 superscript)
• item 44 - Maximum speed is stated as 15km/h (min-1 superscript)

Then at the end in item 50 Remarks is shown

• No 26. Indicates maximum continuous rated power
• No 44. while pedalling motor supports up to 45km/h.

Is this a variant of "weasel words"? I guess in the worst case it looks like I may have to put the registration on SORN and insure as a pedelec!

 

[scoiatollo]

The quote I had from Bikesure shows they are part of Adrian Flux but £235 for 3rd party only is a bit steep...