Is the 8FUN Kit still the one to beat?

[flecc]

Your right about the UK law, but we have a sort of amnesty on bikes that comply with EN15194 plus throttles.

THe DfT haven't made any mention of EN15194 though, these are their two statements on the amnesty. They haven't mentioned throttles since they are already legal here at present:

"The Department for Transport has considered the responses to this consultation and supports recommendations to harmonise power limits (from 200 Watts to 250 Watts) with similar provisions in place across Europe. This will provide consumers with access to a wider range of electrically assisted cycles". (Response to the consultations)

"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". (Extract of Intentions)

The acceleration test isn't mandatory. It's an alternative if the motor doesn't have a rating from it's manufacturer.

Not mandatory, it is a choice as stated. But I understand that one of the two power test options* has to be undertaken by the testing lab for the EN15194 certification to be granted, and the bike has to pass.

*The acceleration test or direct measurement of the motor power at the motor shaft.
.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Not mandatory, it is a choice as stated. But I understand that one of the two power test options has to be undertaken by the testing lab for the EN15194 certification to be granted, and the bike has to pass.
.

These are the requirements for power measurement:
4.2.7 Maximum power measurement
4.2.7.1 Measurement at the engine shaft
The maximum continuous rated power shall be measured according to EN 60034-1 when the motor reaches its thermal equilibrium as specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE Thermal equilibrium: temperatures of motor parts do not vary more than 2K per hour.
In circumstance where the power is measured directly at the shaft of the electronic motor, the result of the measurement shall be decreased by 1,10 to consider the measurement uncertainty and then by 1,05 to include for example the transmission losses, unless the real values of these losses are determined.
4.2.7.2 Alternative method
When the power is measured at the wheel, the result of the measurement is the reading value.
Annex D gives guidance on how to measure the power at the wheel.

EN 60034-1 is the test for thermal equilibrium. To pass, the temperature must remain stable. Note this phrase "thermal equilibrium as specified by the manufacturer"

 

[flecc]

Agreed, that gives some tolerance, as does the time factor in the acceleration test, but the power isn't completely unlimited. Either test method will of course allow at least double the legal limit as we've noted before. The snag though as I posted earlier is that we don't have EN15194 approval in law at the moment, that can't happen until 2016 at the earliest. Legally speaking we're stuck with the British Standard inflexible power measurement methods at present, so EN15194 isn't currently relevant.

Of course all this just a technicality, no-one is going to start checking any of this following the DfT's tolerance statements.

 

[trex]

Assuming average motor efficiency factor of 0.6, allowing 10% to cover measurement fluctuations and 5% road friction, I calculated that continuous 14A are justified, 15A OK-ish.
I think the 8-Fun is laudable for not allowing users to change maximum speed on their LCD panel and keep the controller limited to 15A although the LCD can be replaced and the controller can be modified, at least it's good that they try.

 

[Caph]

Hi Caph,

When you say the mount snaps do you mean the plastic side covers or the metal base and do you have any photo's of the damage?

The metal. I don't have any photos but if I did they would look exactly like d8ve's photo for both of mine which went the same way.

 

[jackhandy]

It seems to me that much of the problem lies with that lovely big handle moulded into the rear of the battery case:

It's natural to use it to lift the back of the bike.

Mine has a large warning label now.