Can we build 750 watt road legal bicycles?

Mutt

Finding my (electric) wheels
Feb 13, 2016
9
7
74
To me this restriction on power of such an excellent concept is sillier than the ancient window tax when they had to brick up there windows and cut out the light. I wonder if our law makers will ever see the light and look back on this restriction as a mistake.


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Kudoscycles

Official Trade Member
Apr 15, 2011
5,566
5,048
www.kudoscycles.com
To me this restriction on power of such an excellent concept is sillier than the ancient window tax when they had to brick up there windows and cut out the light. I wonder if our law makers will ever see the light and look back on this restriction as a mistake.


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If you look at what is happening in China,our government are probably giving themselves a pat on the back,for their foresight.
KudosDave
 
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flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,216
30,617
To me this restriction on power of such an excellent concept is sillier than the ancient window tax when they had to brick up there windows and cut out the light. I wonder if our law makers will ever see the light and look back on this restriction as a mistake.
That demands logic, so no chance. Look at this example of the thinking of governments for EU countries:

Pedelec, maximum assist speed 15.5 mph - No helmet wearing required.

Low Powered Moped
, maximum assist speed 15.5 mph - Must wear full motorcycle helmet.

S class pedelec, maximum assist speed 28 mph but able to be pedalled faster - Only cycle helmet necessary.

E-Moped, maximum speed 28 mph and cannot go faster - Must wear full motorcycle helmet.
.
 
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Artstu

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 2, 2009
2,420
925
My 250W powered cycle can't really help much on some of the steep hills in Devon and as I'm not ready for a mobility scooter yet,
Perhaps you could start a thread (If you haven't already) about the bike you have and see what alternatives there are, there are plenty of legal bikes that I'm sure would be perfectly acceptable.
 

craiggor

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 9, 2015
498
171
That demands logic, so no chance. Look at this example of the thinking of governments:

Pedelec, maximum assist speed 15.5 mph - No helmet wearing required.

Low Powered Moped
, maximum assist speed 15.5 mph - Must wear full motorcycle helmet.

S class pedelec, maximum assist speed 28 mph but able to be pedalled faster - Only cycle helmet necessary.

E-Moped, maximum speed 28 mph and cannot go faster - Must wear full motorcycle helmet.
.
flecc,the above looks like you are saying S pedelecs are legal.Can you edit it to say We wish.
 
Mar 9, 2016
833
402
That demands logic, so no chance. Look at this example of the thinking of governments:

Pedelec, maximum assist speed 15.5 mph - No helmet wearing required.

Low Powered Moped
, maximum assist speed 15.5 mph - Must wear full motorcycle helmet.

S class pedelec, maximum assist speed 28 mph but able to be pedalled faster - Only cycle helmet necessary.

E-Moped, maximum speed 28 mph and cannot go faster - Must wear full motorcycle helmet.
.
Who said any of our laws makes sense !
 
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D8ve

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 30, 2013
2,142
1,294
Bristol
There is sense in, a limited assist cycle is the same as a bicycle.
Mine is legal I've 25kph 250 watt motor. I can now out distance the majority of cyclists up hill and the bike is inherently quick elsewhere. If i needed to go faster my car has a 1.6 Diesel engine.
I can cycle on cycle paths and roads as I wish.
The law makes sense as a this will help the elderly and sick get on bikes.
If you want a moped buy one.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,216
30,617
flecc,the above looks like you are saying S pedelecs are legal.Can you edit it to say We wish.
This isn't a solely UK site and we have many international members, particularly in the EU, so I post with that in mind.

So I wouldn't use we. Instead, where I used "governments" (plural), I've added "for EU countries" to make it clear.
.
 
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flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,216
30,617
Flecc. Too right...some are from a different planet...
But the national governments are far from being the worst, local government is far worse. For example, the state laws in the USA have created a chaotic mess of e-bike law, as you can read in this previous post of mine.

They're not alone either, other countries with state law are doing the same, making crossing a state boundary rather risky.
.
 

anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
5,786
The European Union
flecc,the above looks like you are saying S pedelecs are legal.Can you edit it to say We wish.
Thread title says "overseas" so as they are legal no problem.
 

anotherkiwi

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2015
7,845
5,786
The European Union
They're not alone either, other countries with state law are doing the same, making crossing a state boundary rather risky.
.
I have to carry a helmet with me at all times just in case I decide at the last minute to pop over...
 
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trex

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 15, 2011
7,703
2,671
yes
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,216
30,617
Are S pedelecs legal in France ??
The intention is to legalise the S class in France from 1st January 2017, making them the third EU country, plus Switzerland outside the EU, to legalise them.
.
 
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the_killjoy

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 26, 2008
822
226
Surel.y the easiest way is to take a light weight moped ~ something like the old Honda P50 with engine in the rear wheel and just swap it for an electric motor.
Still has to be submitted for SVA though, since it has to go into a new registration class.
But one would imagine as the donor vehicle is legal it should be a formality.
 
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craiggor

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 9, 2015
498
171
If its all ready a L1e-B and your changing the motor to one under 4kw it does not mater what type of motor.I thought a L1e-a had to be electric,it says in the legislation it does not mater what type of motor it is.

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Mar 9, 2016
833
402
But one would imagine as the donor vehicle is legal it should be a formality.
You,d think so but afraid not. If its deemed engine change changes class ( which it must do here???) you,d have to go through msva..
But worth a try, I,ve said it before but we found stations way more amenable than the actual rules..go and speak with one..
There is a category RAV ( radically altered vehicle) with less stringent rules but think its more for rebodying lorries/ vans ( ie if you changed a Transit into a pick up)

Completely off topic but...we had a nightmare putting a brand new ( with all emission test past) motorbike engine into a Westfield..Had to re SVA it....failed emissions 4 times.. We were setting it up to pass bike test ...car test different ? Don't ask me why ??? No idea..( didn't need cat in bike but did in car !!! Hows that make sense!)
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,216
30,617
If its all ready a L1e-B and your changing the motor to one under 4kw it does not mater what type of motor.I thought a L1e-a had to be electric,it says in the legislation it does not mater what type of motor it is.
No, you still have to go through SVA as Flud says.

Its not only a technical matter, there is a re-registration and VED difference that has to be accounted for. For example, as a petrol vehicle VED was payable, but as an electric, it isn't.
.
 

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