Hello everyone.
I'm currently using a 250W 36V Bafang G310 rear hub motor and a 25A controller that can do 36V and 48V.
I'd like a bit more speed when going off-road and considering building a 48V battery but limiting it to 15.5mph when ON the road.
Would the bike still be road-legal in the 48V 15.5mph configuration?
OFF ROAD SWITCH - the position in UK law
I hadn't seen this thread earlier or I'd have joined in.
There is no UK law which specifically states that an off road switch incorporated in a pedelec is illegal.
There is no UK law specifically stating a pedelec rider cannot use an off road switch.
Nowhere in UK pedelec law is the term Off Road Switch ever used.
The terms "Off Road Switch/Button" were created by the Department of Transport (DfT) to describe any means for a pedelec rider to alter the legal operating conditions of a pedelec.
The first instance of them using these terms that I know of was in a joint meeting of the DfT, the Police and pedelec trade and interested parties on 13th April 2013 to clarify the position of pedelec legal maximum power. That meeting agreed that the police would not prosecute 250 watts, despite the UK law stating 200 watts, pending the DfT's intention to alter the UK law to 250 watts.
However, to prevent this being a signal that a "free for all" was being given, the DfT incorporated the following in their statement of intentions:
"The DfT and Police are aware that electric bikes currently sold and used in the UK are fitted with 250W motors, they do not intend to become involved in prosecuting those that sell or ride them. The use of an "Off Road Button" however is strictly forbidden now and is specifically mentioned in documents appertaining to new and existing guidelines."
Note the word "use", not fitment.
You can see that is only their legal opinion, not supported in any parliamentary law. Since such a use will undoubtedly breach the law on the use of a pedelec, the courts will of course support their view should a prosecution arise and duly convict, but it is not the law until so ruled in a test case in a senior court, meaning the High Court or its Appeal Court, or the Supreme Court.
So Vulcanears, your bike is not illegal as a pedelec at present, nor at risk of confiscation and destruction, so long as you don't get caught using the ability to defeat the usage law on assist speed and power.
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