Legality of power ratings

[Deleted member 4366]

4.2 above that you highlighted just means that you have to test the motor within 5% of the rated power for 30 mins, for which it mustn't overheat or break.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I found a DoC on the Decathlon site:

http://www.decathlon.fr/content/Documents/btwin/Certificat et notice VAE 700/Declaration-conformite-CE OR700E-Moteur AR.pdf

This is one of their "town and country" bikes with a Bafang rear hub motor and rack mounted battery which is just like any other Bafang kit on the market but with Decathlon transfers on the DP C08.232 LCD.

I have seen a Bafang CE and RoHS certificate somewhere they seem to be very serious about EN 15194 conformity.

Mounting a 8Fun kit and using this DoC as inspiration you will be as road legal as a major sporting goods company. If you put decent brakes on your bike you will be even closer to passing EU braking distance standards than they are - these bikes are VERY heavy I can't see them being EN 14764 compliant with the added weight and the standard non motor version brakes...

 

[flecc]

I can't see them being EN 14764 compliant with the added weight and the standard non motor version brakes...

The new type approval legislation requirements being phased in January 2016 or 2017, depending on vehicle class etc, have changed braking requirements. No precise details as yet, but the braking requirements are reduced for e-bikes below 35 kilos, which I'm sure these will be.

As with power levels, the EU seems to be veering in the direction of practicality.
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[anotherkiwi]

That is insane! Reducing braking requirements = increasing risks in my book. My feeling is that disk brakes or hydraulic rim brakes should be compulsory on any bike over 20 kg, EPAC or not, I don't know what you gals and guys think...

 

[flecc]

I don't agree, rim brakes can easily equal cable operated disc brakes and they frequently better them, a rim after all is just a very big disc. The larger the disc diameter, the more effective a disc brake can be, and the rim is the biggest disc of all. Many cable disc brakes have been quite poor.

There is a case for saying e-bikes and similarly heavier bikes should have hydraulic brakes, rim or disc, but that's what the EU is moving away from by putting the higher efficiency step higher at 35 kilos.
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[Alan Quay]

I agree, rim brakes are fine for most people. I'm heavy (100k plus) and I ride in a 'spirited' manner. Decent v-brakes are enough for me.

 

[anotherkiwi]

What brand of rim brakes are you using? I am guessing not cheap no name made in China ones.

Stopping power of my rear brake was multiplied by two by changing the pads. I replaced the original pads that looked like new with ones that are actually wearing out!

 

[flecc]

Currently a hybrid of Tektro and Shimano parts. However, I don't think no-name is necessarily bad. When I tested and reviewed the first Kalkhoff Agattu to hit these shores back in November/December 2007, it had unbranded V brakes which were about the best I have ever experienced in both smoothness and stopping power. Couldn't ask for more. Some of that was down to good design, in particular the front V brake sensibly mounted on the rear of the front fork.
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[Alan Quay]

...but beware, as in everything there are some truly awfull V-brakes out there. A friend asked me to look at the brakes on his B.S.O the other day. I was shocked to discover the arms were made of plastic. Bendy, cheap plastic at that. As were the levers, and even the crank arms.

As Flecc says, Tektro and Shimano are both good.

 

[selrahc1992]

...but beware, as in everything there are some truly awfull V-brakes out there. A friend asked me to look at the brakes on his B.S.O the other day. I was shocked to discover the arms were made of plastic. Bendy, cheap plastic at that. As were the levers, and even the crank arms.

As Flecc says, Tektro and Shimano are both good.

for the money I found these
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/avid-single-digit-5-brake/rp-prod22386
absolutely great on a self build town bike

 

[flecc]

for the money I found these
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/avid-single-digit-5-brake/rp-prod22386
absolutely great on a self build town bike

Yes, I like the Avid stuff, I've often used their V brake pads and prices for their products are very low