E-Bike Type Approval

[danielwestgate]

Hi All,

I've got an e go max bike which is brand new and fitted with a throttle up to 15.5mph.
I want to get type approval so its legit but am stuck on a few things.
I've checked the requireemnts for kick stand, mirrors, reflectors and lights etc but have a couple of queries on the lights.

Does the front light have to be e marked to be road legal? Or will a bright led light be ok? not e marked but is CE marked
Does the rear light have to be operated by the same switch as the front light?
Front light is controlled by the LCD display but rear light has its own battery and button on it.

Hopefully someone can help please!
Looking for anyone else that may have done it

Many thanks,
Dan

 

[StuartsProjects]

https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/how-to-get-legal-approval-for-a-pedelec-throttle.34008/

 

[AndyBike]

Pretty much any light is legal, unless it challenges the Beachy Head lighthouse for supremacy.
Mine is 3200lmn, which i like to have full beam and pointing slightly to the right when on footpaths. It knocks dog walkers night vision for six

 

[AntonyC]

Mine is 3200lmn, which i like to have full beam and pointing slightly to the right when on footpaths. It knocks dog walkers night vision for six

Think what'll happen to your face if a blinded dog walker calls their dog back but can't see to control it and it takes you down, possibly injuring the dog. Hint, I don't mean gravel rash.

Sorry if you were trying to be funny with not a grain of truth in it. Getting better acceptance of cyclists is still hard work in some areas.

 

[StuartsProjects]

Is it not the case that lights, to the required standard, are only required if the eBike is being used at night.

So does the type approval process require you to fit lights, even if its only used during the day ?

 

[AndyBike]

Think what'll happen to your face if a blinded dog walker calls their dog back but can't see to control it and it takes you down, possibly injuring the dog. Hint, I don't mean gravel rash.

It was a joke ya nutter.

But in all honesty, they dont put lights on their dogs who wander all about. Chances of seeing a jet black lab in the dark - zero.

 

[flecc]

Is it not the case that lights, to the required standard, are only required if the eBike is being used at night.

So does the type approval process require you to fit lights, even if its only used during the day ?

Lights are optional. If fitted they have to comply with the rules, but they don't have to be fitted to get approval.
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[danielwestgate]

Lights are optional. If fitted they have to comply with the rules, but they don't have to be fitted to get approval.
.

Can you tell me where (which page) it says lights are optional?
Section 6 Annex 1 specifies obligatory lights and both front and rear are listed there
Then it says they have to be e marked for beam pattern and controlled from the same switch

 

[StuartsProjects]

Section 6 Annex 1 specifies obligatory lights and both front and rear are listed there

I would read that bit very differently, the section does not specify lights as obligatory;

06 Lighting
Application
This examination applies to all obligatory and optional lamps (where fitted).

So if the lights are not obligatory the examination is not required.

 

[danielwestgate]

I would read that bit very differently, the section does not specify lights as obligatory;

06 Lighting
Application
This examination applies to all obligatory and optional lamps (where fitted).

So if the lights are not obligatory the examination is not required.

so how do you know if the lights are obligatory?
Theres a few people online who say lights were requested and checked as one of the main parts of the LPM test

 

[flecc]

Can you tell me where (which page) it says lights are optional?
Section 6 Annex 1 specifies obligatory lights and both front and rear are listed there
Then it says they have to be e marked for beam pattern and controlled from the same switch

None of that applies. You are reading the MSVA mnual which has this header note:

"This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology."

There's a simplified set of rules for 250LPM, which are treated as bicycles by the DfT, which of course do not have to have any lights if only ridden in daylight.
.

 

[danielwestgate]

None of that applies. You are reading the MSVA mnual which has this header note:

"This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology."

There's a simplified set of rules for 250LPM, which are treated as bicycles by the DfT, which of course do not have to have any lights if only ridden in daylight.
.

ok - so if i go for MVSA approval for LPM and i have a light on my bike, then take it off so it isnt tested? I was just hoping for a proper list of exactly what is tested. But doesnt seem like i can find one

 

[StuartsProjects]

You would not expect the document describing the test to also include all the detail of regulations on cycles.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs-in-great-britain-information-sheet

Lights and reflectors

The ‘Road vehicle lighting regulations’[footnote 8] as amended[footnote 9] set out the requirements for lights and reflectors. These are the same as for ordinary pedal cycles. Lights and reflectors must be fitted to any EAPC used on a public road between sunset and sunrise.

 

[danielwestgate]

You would not expect the document describing the test to also include all the detail of regulations on cycles.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs-in-great-britain-information-sheet

Lights and reflectors

The ‘Road vehicle lighting regulations’[footnote 8] as amended[footnote 9] set out the requirements for lights and reflectors. These are the same as for ordinary pedal cycles. Lights and reflectors must be fitted to any EAPC used on a public road between sunset and sunrise.

ok thats handy thank you. Have requested a VIN so will go from there

 

[flecc]

ok - so if i go for MVSA approval for LPM and i have a light on my bike, then take it off so it isnt tested? I was just hoping for a proper list of exactly what is tested. But doesnt seem like i can find one

Following Stuart's answer, Type Approval law exempts EAPCs from being motor vehicles, they remain bicycles.

When the 250LPM class was introduced the DfT said they will be treated as EAPCs in all respects.

Put those together and any vehicle inspector demanding lights be fitted should be challenged, since that contravenes EAPC law and the DfT's ruling.
.

 

[flecc]

ok thats handy thank you. Have requested a VIN so will go from there

??? Wisper who supply 250LPMs use the bicycle frame number as the VIN, which the inspectors accept.

You don't need a VIN from the DVLA, be careful what you do or you'll end up with it needing registration and a number plate.
.

 

[danielwestgate]

??? Wisper who supply 250LPMs use the bicycle frame number as the VIN, which the inspectors accept.

You don't need a VIN from the DVLA, be careful what you do or you'll end up with it needing registration and a number plate.
.

LPM dont need registration or number plate

 

[flecc]

LPM dont need registration or number plate

You misunderstand. If you apply for a VIN number from the DVLA they may treat your application as for a full LPM, which is a motor vehicle requiring registration. Don't go down that route, just use the bicycle's frame number to get 250LPM approval.
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