This thread is for all manufactured pedelecs sold after 1st January 2016 which have had no legal permission for throttles, and amateur builds such as those using motor kits. They can now be MSVA tested for a certificate of compliance with a new 250 LPM low powered moped class of pedelecs but still classed as bicycles. Over 95% of the moped MSVA doesn't apply to 250 LPM, so I've been through with a fine toothcomb and extracted what does apply for kit builders:
Definition of 250 watt LPM250 Low Powered Moped class
LPM250 250 Watt Low Powered Moped. This is a sub-group of Low Powered Moped that meets the criteria laid down in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1168) as amended by SI 2015 No. 24. The requirements are that the vehicle: Be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled. Be fitted with no motor other than an electric motor, which has a maximum continuous rated power, which does not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15.5 mph. (Note:the official speed is 25 km/h, MSVA will accept declarations up to and including 16 mph as per low powered mopeds).These vehicles will be required to meet the standards applied to Low PoweredMopeds except where specified.
Amateur built vehicles definition
A vehicle constructed or assembled for the use of a relevant individual; and the construction or assembly or asubstantial part of the construction or assembly was carried out by the individual and/or persons acting on his behalf, and the individual/other persons acting on his behalf during the period of construction did not carry on a business in which motor vehicles are normally constructed or assembled.
MSVA (Motor Cycle Single Vehicle) test for approval certificate
1. Check that the machine has at least a prop or centre stand; a) fitted, b) which is secure, c) which has a system that retains the stand in the travelling position. It does not need to auto retract.
2) An adequately loud audible warning of approach device, which can be a mechanical bell.
3) Check the tyres are appropriate for the use of the machine. Should be no problem. Surprisingly under inflation is not an acceptable reason to deny approval.
4) Brakes: All low power mopeds can have pushbike brakes and need to meet the requirements of 2 wheeled vehicles. i.e. A brake on each wheel, front and rear. Brake performance is checked using an electronic decelerometer and its associated mounting kit, the front brake for 32% efficiency, the rear brake for 25%. It's unlikely that any bicycle brakes in reasonable condition could fail. To calculate the braking force for the check a rider weight of 75 kilos is assumed.
5) Pedelec tricycles must have brakes on all three wheels. The unpowered tricycle permission to have only two brakes both on the front wheel does not apply once motorised.
4) Lights are optional, but if fitted should comply with the following positional rules:
Single lamps must be fitted on the centre line of the vehicle. Multiple lamps must be fitted symmetrically to the centre line of the vehicle. Twin headlamps may be fitted one above the other. Obviously if you have any lights not compliant for position, take them off before the test.
Items not necessary for 250 LPM
Mirrors, Speedometer. Any fitted will be ignored for test purposes.
Although manufactured pedelecs require a plate detailing one of two forms of information, the MSVA test for 250 LPM does not require any plate, leaving the way clear for kit bikes and other home builds.
The test costs £55 and is bookable at any of the motor vehicle testing stations dealing with two wheelers that are included on this map.
Always phone to check first if they cover the vehicle type.
.
Definition of 250 watt LPM250 Low Powered Moped class
LPM250 250 Watt Low Powered Moped. This is a sub-group of Low Powered Moped that meets the criteria laid down in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1168) as amended by SI 2015 No. 24. The requirements are that the vehicle: Be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled. Be fitted with no motor other than an electric motor, which has a maximum continuous rated power, which does not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15.5 mph. (Note:the official speed is 25 km/h, MSVA will accept declarations up to and including 16 mph as per low powered mopeds).These vehicles will be required to meet the standards applied to Low PoweredMopeds except where specified.
Amateur built vehicles definition
A vehicle constructed or assembled for the use of a relevant individual; and the construction or assembly or asubstantial part of the construction or assembly was carried out by the individual and/or persons acting on his behalf, and the individual/other persons acting on his behalf during the period of construction did not carry on a business in which motor vehicles are normally constructed or assembled.
MSVA (Motor Cycle Single Vehicle) test for approval certificate
1. Check that the machine has at least a prop or centre stand; a) fitted, b) which is secure, c) which has a system that retains the stand in the travelling position. It does not need to auto retract.
2) An adequately loud audible warning of approach device, which can be a mechanical bell.
3) Check the tyres are appropriate for the use of the machine. Should be no problem. Surprisingly under inflation is not an acceptable reason to deny approval.
4) Brakes: All low power mopeds can have pushbike brakes and need to meet the requirements of 2 wheeled vehicles. i.e. A brake on each wheel, front and rear. Brake performance is checked using an electronic decelerometer and its associated mounting kit, the front brake for 32% efficiency, the rear brake for 25%. It's unlikely that any bicycle brakes in reasonable condition could fail. To calculate the braking force for the check a rider weight of 75 kilos is assumed.
5) Pedelec tricycles must have brakes on all three wheels. The unpowered tricycle permission to have only two brakes both on the front wheel does not apply once motorised.
4) Lights are optional, but if fitted should comply with the following positional rules:
Single lamps must be fitted on the centre line of the vehicle. Multiple lamps must be fitted symmetrically to the centre line of the vehicle. Twin headlamps may be fitted one above the other. Obviously if you have any lights not compliant for position, take them off before the test.
Items not necessary for 250 LPM
Mirrors, Speedometer. Any fitted will be ignored for test purposes.
Although manufactured pedelecs require a plate detailing one of two forms of information, the MSVA test for 250 LPM does not require any plate, leaving the way clear for kit bikes and other home builds.
The test costs £55 and is bookable at any of the motor vehicle testing stations dealing with two wheelers that are included on this map.
Always phone to check first if they cover the vehicle type.
.
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