i understand that it makes no sense, the law needs to change, a diesel car will cause you more damage in the lung than a e bike going 28mph..the law is stupid and needs to change, even if we have to register the bike and use a number plate and pay a little fee each year..for gods sake its 28mph in the usa....whats the point of spending out £2-£4k on a bike when you have it limited and have to buy aftermarket product to unlock it....
It's not 28 mph in the USA Simon, Federal law there for e-bikes is 20 mph maximum assist speed.
But you still haven't got it, what you are saying is nothing to do with pedelecs as I explained. There is a 28 mph bicycle class as you've described which also permits up 500 watts rating, and it has minor restrictions, registration with a rear number plate and insurance. It's called the S class, the EU permits it and it exists in Germany, The Netherlands and soon in France.
Unfortunately so far here the DfT have refuse to permit it, so your argument should be directed that way, lobbying them to get permission here for the S class, not trying to get pedelecs unnecessary restrictions.
The DfT do show signs that they may at some time allow the S class, but unfortunately have put in place a category AM driving licence for it. Anyone who has a group P moped licence or motorcycle licence won't need that of course, nor will anyone who passed their car driving test before 1st February 2001.
So there's the facts, the 28 mph S class e-bikes may eventually be permitted with a suitable driving licence, but there will never be an increase of pedelec speed to that so it's a waste of effort trying to argue for it.
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