Difference in manufacturer speed cutoff points

[mfj197]

In the UK we are of course currently limited to a 25kph cutoff speed (15.5mph). However anecdotal evidence in this forum indicates some manufacturers have allowed a little leeway in their legal bikes. For example JohnCade mentions that his Kalkhoff cuts off smoothly at about 17.3mph whilst EddiePJ said the KTM eCross P cuts off if anything a bit too soon (on that particular bike) whereas his BH has a bit of overrun. I wonder if the differences are purely down to the drivetrain manufacturer (so all Bosch performance line would be the same for example) or if some other factors come in to bear.

So at what speeds are people experiencing the cutoff, and is it a complete cessation of assistance above that?

Michael

 

[axolotl]

My BH with Panasonic crank drive cuts at about 15.5mph, according to my CatEye cycle computer. I'm not completely confident in the accuracy of the CatEye, but there's definitely not much overrun.

 

[JohnCade]

I can't remember where I read it now but it seems that Kalkhoff takes the ten percent leeway into account and that all their bikes cut out at just over 17 mph. Certainly if you read the reviews the reviewers all say that the assist runs out then. I think it has ramped down at that point but it is still very noticeable.

Particularly if you're pedaling on the flat past the cut off and come to a rise where you start to slow. Then you really feel the power cutting back in at over 16 mph.

 

[Eaglerider]

Freego Eagle, hub drive. Full power to 15.5 mph, although current continues to be drawn on a reducing basis up to 17.5 mph. No assistance at all at higher speeds. It makes for a smooth transition and I can't really tell when the power has gone other than observing when the current draw is zero. I have ridden other bikes with an abrupt 15.5 mph cutoff and found it most frustrating.

That extra 2 mph makes all the difference, for my legs anyway.

 

[JohnCade]

Freego Eagle, hub drive. Full power to 15.5 mph, although current continues to be drawn on a reducing basis up to 17.5 mph. No assistance at all at higher speeds. It makes for a smooth transition and I can't really tell when the power has gone other than observing when the current draw is zero. I have ridden other bikes with an abrupt 15.5 mph cutoff and found it most frustrating.

That extra 2 mph makes all the difference, for my legs anyway.

Yes the abrupt cut out at 15.5 is a pain. It feels like you've been grabbed from behind and tugged back by a giant hand it's so sharp. On the Woosh CD I had I tickled it up to just over 19 mph which was much smoother. The Kalkhoff is very smooth cutting in and out too. Another couple of mph would be nice when I change the gearing though.....

 

[mfj197]

JohnCade, which Kalkhoff do you have? Impulse or Bosch drive?

 

[JohnCade]

Impulse. The 2013 Impulse 1 with the Sport software upgrade.

 

[flecc]

The DfT has stated that 10% leeway is allowable, in common with all other UK speed limit control.

That results in circa 17 mph being allowable, if not strictly legal.
.

 

[Gringo]

Yup, I'm up there close to 17 on my cube (Bosch) but only really notice it on the flat with full power, that's not very often as I usually save the juice for those hilly bits

 

[neptune]

Re the 10% allowance on speed limits. Back in the 1960s, my brother was convicted of speeding. His speed was measured over a fixed distance as required by law. He was driving in a 30MPH zone.The words on summons were as follows. " Minimum speed 30 MPH, Maximum speed 33 MPH, most consistent speed, 31 MPH. He was found guilty.

 

[Artstu]

My Bosch KTM cuts the power at 16 mph, always has done, higher speeds were just wishful thinking.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

Yes, but the computer you're using to measure it could also be 10% out

 

[EddiePJ]

Putting my comment into context and by looking back it, I'd say that the KTM was set bang on, but to obviously achieve the cut off there would need to be a point where the power drops. If there wasn't, then the cut off would had been over the limit. The Bosch motor on the Haibike is more like hitting wall with it's cut off.

The BH is a different story, and there is no way that it cuts off before the 15.5mph limit. In fact last week it was registering between 18-20mph before cutting off, and sometimes even beyond this. I have already advised the supplying dealer of this issue, and by now BH UK should also be aware of it.

 

[Julie]

My Mum's Freego Wren will do 19mph pedal assisted on a flat road and 17.5 mph just using the throttle.

Measured using a Garmin Edge 200 GPS bike computer

 

[Cyclezee]

According to a Cateye bike computer or Cycle Analyst with the correct parameters set for wheel size eZee motors cut off speed is 17mph.

 

[flecc]

Re the 10% allowance on speed limits. Back in the 1960s, my brother was convicted of speeding. His speed was measured over a fixed distance as required by law. He was driving in a 30MPH zone.The words on summons were as follows. " Minimum speed 30 MPH, Maximum speed 33 MPH, most consistent speed, 31 MPH. He was found guilty.

Typical of 1960s magistrates courts, rubber stamps for the police who used to be very active in their Wolseleys chasing speeders. The old rules about lamp posts less than a certain distance apart automatically indicating a 30 limit were helpful to them in trapping motorists.
.

 

[D C]

Cyclotricity kit throttle only, had it for just over 12 months, cuts out at just above 21mph.
Dave.

 

[Wicky]

Re the 10% allowance on speed limits. Back in the 1960s, my brother was convicted of speeding. His speed was measured over a fixed distance as required by law. He was driving in a 30MPH zone.The words on summons were as follows. " Minimum speed 30 MPH, Maximum speed 33 MPH, most consistent speed, 31 MPH. He was found guilty.

Recently on a speed awareness course as an alernative to points and fine there were folk who'd been doing anywhere in a 30 limit from 33mph and 48mph.

My KTM eRace P is quite abrubt on its own speedo at cutting off at the 15.5 mark and on my other calibrated speedo it indicates at least a 1 mph faster. Another 3-4mph of assistance wouldn't go amiss.

 

[jackhandy]

According to a Cateye bike computer or Cycle Analyst with the correct parameters set for wheel size eZee motors cut off speed is 17mph.

Mine's a bit higher as it has 29" wheels

 

[Cyclezee]

Mine's a bit higher as it has 29" wheels

You mean vertical height JH don't you