More Seizures

Sturmey

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2018
648
354
68
Ireland
Seizures in Ireland too. The comment on throttles below is interesting. Although they are not specifically banned (once the motor cuts off when you stop pedaling), they do seem to draw unwanted attention, even from other bike users. I think I will look into some type of stealthy push button arrangement if these seizures become common, as there seems to be a perception here that if your bike has a throttle, its probably illegal.

PS. I notice some type of computer/tester in the background on the right of photo. I wonder is it some type of roller speed tester.

60743
 
Last edited:

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
11,530
3,276

Az.

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 27, 2022
2,087
927
Plymouth
I notice some type of computer/tester in the background on the right of photo. I wonder is it some type of roller speed tester.
 

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
11,530
3,276
"Using an electric bicycle or pedal-assisted e-bike that has software or hardware installed which can make the device travel above 25 km/h should be illegal, whether those modifications are turned on or off, Harbers argued."

Can't the speed limit of KT kits be increased via the display? Bafang BBSXX(X) kits too... unless of course it's limited by programming the controller's firmware, like mine. :cool:
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,996
3,237
Telford
Seizures in Ireland too. The comment on throttles below is interesting. Although they are not specifically banned (once the motor cuts off when you stop pedaling), they do seem to draw unwanted attention, even from other bike users. I think I will look into some type of stealthy push button arrangement if these seizures become common, as there seems to be a perception here that if your bike has a throttle, its probably illegal.

PS. I notice some type of computer/tester in the background on the right of photo. I wonder is it some type of roller speed tester.

View attachment 60743
I don't think it's anything to test ebikes because it looks too old.

Some of those bikes have 250w front motors, so the police were quite strict.

I can't believe that most of the owners were so stupid as to leave their expensive locks on the bikes when they were seized. Maybe that photo is not what they say it is.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,996
3,237
Telford
"Using an electric bicycle or pedal-assisted e-bike that has software or hardware installed which can make the device travel above 25 km/h should be illegal, whether those modifications are turned on or off, Harbers argued."

Can't the speed limit of KT kits be increased via the display? Bafang BBSXX(X) kits too... unless of course it's limited by programming the controller's firmware, like mine. :cool:
You can increase the speed of all ebikes, even Bosch, by software and/or hardware.
 

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
11,530
3,276
I can't believe that most of the owners were so stupid as to leave their expensive locks on the bikes when they were seized. Maybe that photo is not what they say it is.
Most batteries are more expensive than the locks - if I'm stopped by rozzers, I'll assume they'll crush my bike despite my protestations, and place the battery in my rucksack. The battery by itself isn't illegal. Then I'll buy another motor...
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,996
3,237
Telford
Most batteries are more expensive than the locks - if I'm stopped by rozzers, I'll assume they'll crush my bike despite my protestations, and place the battery in my rucksack. The battery by itself isn't illegal. Then I'll buy another motor...
Sounds like a good idea until you realise that you could put both the battery and lock in your rucksack - plus the LCD, lights, mirrors, driver avoidance devices, saddle, pedals and wheels.
 
  • :D
Reactions: Bikes4two and Az.

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
11,530
3,276
About 30 seconds for plod to rehearse "Ello ello ello" and walk over to my bike? Can they seize the bike if it's luggage? And are ninja smoke bombs illegal? Smoke would obscure my bike being folded and placed into a Dahon Bolus bag. It'd be a bit of a pain carrying this bag in my rucksack all the time, and I can't disappear and run carrying the bike folded and bagged, but a ninja on steroids might be able to. Where did Lance Armstrong buy his? Do steroid infused ninja smoke bombs exist?

https://www.cyclemotion.co.uk/worldwheels/elbolso.htm


 
Last edited:
  • :D
Reactions: Peter.Bridge

AndyBike

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 8, 2020
1,429
617
Once the seize it they seize the entire thing, battery, lights et all.

What gets me about their vid, is he lifts the back wheel, turns it up to max and proclaims that the speed of the whizzing wheel is proof. They even pointed to the speedometer showing 43mph

You do that with any Ebike that has no weight on it, it is going to go round at high speed and give what is effectively a false reading on the speedometer

So I reckon thats a bit misleading, and the only way any bike could be shown to be illegal is to put it on rollers and record the speed
 

Az.

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 27, 2022
2,087
927
Plymouth
What gets me about their vid, is he lifts the back wheel, turns it up to max and proclaims that the speed of the whizzing wheel is proof.
Well... it is a proof to some extent. I didn't see video you are referring to, but you can prove that throttle is assisting without pedaling above 6km/h or motor keeps assisting above 25km/h

the only way any bike could be shown to be illegal is to put it on rollers and record the speed
You can have closer look at motor and check power rating. No need for speed tests.
 

lenny

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 3, 2023
2,795
838
"We've taken action against the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, with 39 being seized in one day in Derby. This included an e-bike rigged to go at 50mph
99 e-scooters have been seized across the county in November, as they can't be used on public roads or pavements legally.
Planning your Christmas presents? Do your research on e-bikes and e-scooters before being left out of pocket! "

https://www.tiktok.com/@derbyspolice/video/7444258176444173601
 

guerney

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 7, 2021
11,530
3,276
Wish they'd seize escooters where I live.


 
  • Like
Reactions: eas2lv