New electric Haibike for kids, not as sensible as I thought :(

[Fordulike]

When I came across the new electric Haibike aimed at young riders, I thought, hey, respect to Haibike for catering for the younger generation.

http://www.fullycharged.com/Haibike-2016-sDuro-HardFour-RX

Then I saw the ' for off-road use only ' statement and realised that maybe this bike isn't such a good idea.

On looking at the EAPC law again, I see that under 14's would not be allowed to ride this bike, even though it meets all the requirements of an EAPC.
Many over 14's would probably fit on a normal 17" framed bike with 26" wheels anyway. Even if they had to wait a year to fit on a bigger bike, then the Haibike's usefulness is extremely limited for such an expensive bike.

Bit pointless from Haibike really!

 

[flecc]

On looking at the EAPC law again, I see that under 14's would not be allowed to ride this bike, even though it meets all the requirements of an EAPC.

Bit pointless from Haibike really!

Actually not pointless of Haibike, it's only nanny-state Britain that has this ridiculous lower age limit.

The rest of Europe can ride pedelecs at any age they can ride any other bike, for example this in The Netherlands:

 

[Fordulike]

Actually not pointless of Haibike, it's only nanny-state Britain that has this ridiculous lower age limit.

The rest of Europe can ride pedelecs at any age they can ride any other bike, for example this in The Netherlands:

View attachment 12906

Aha, thanks for the info flecc. Never thought of checking European laws, just assumed they would be the same.

Maybe more kids would be out on bikes, socialising, and not on their gaming consoles if we abolished this age restriction.

 

[flecc]

Maybe more kids would be out on bikes, socialising, and not on their gaming consoles if we abolished this age restriction.

I'm sure that's true, judging by the way under 14s have always been fascinated by my e-bikes.

This age limit dates back to another bit of over-restriction. Our 1983 EAPC law originally had a 12 mph assist limit as well as 200 watts. That was later partly brought into line with the EU's 25 kph (15.6mph) assist speed limit by raising it to 15 mph. But our idiot MPs and civil servants apparently thought that such a terrifying speed couldn't be handled by the young, so they introduced the 14 years lower limit, including it in the 1988 Road Traffic Act.

The reason for 14 is that it's considered in British law to be a point where more responsibility can be accepted. For example, limited criminal law liability starts at 10 years old, but at 14 there is a major step up in criminal liability and punishments that can be administered.

How different things are in the mainland Europe. You may be aware of the two seater Renault Twizy light e-car, but perhaps not aware that a lower powered version can be driven by 16 year olds in France. Far safer than a moped for one or two teenagers of course so a very sensible measure.

Then there was the BMW C1 scooter in which one didn't need a helmet. That was generally accepted, but not in Britain where the DfT refused to allow it to be ridden without a helmet, killing it's sales prospects.
.

 

[anotherkiwi]

When I was 14 I could sprint to around that speed over 100 metres, heck even over 200...

 

[gray198]

I'm sure that's true, judging by the way under 14s have always been fascinated by my e-bikes.

This age limit dates back to another bit of over-restriction. Our 1983 EAPC law originally had a 12 mph assist limit as well as 200 watts. That was later partly brought into line with the EU's 25 kph (15.6mph) assist speed limit by raising it to 15 mph. But our idiot MPs and civil servants apparently thought that such a terrifying speed couldn't be handled by the young, so they introduced the 14 years lower limit, including it in the 1988 Road Traffic Act.

The reason for 14 is that it's considered in British law to be a point where more responsibility can be accepted. For example, limited criminal law liability starts at 10 years old, but at 14 there is a major step up in criminal liability and punishments that can be administered.

How different things are in the mainland Europe. You may be aware of the two seater Renault Twizy light e-car, but perhaps not aware that a lower powered version can be driven by 16 year olds in France. Far safer than a moped for one or two teenagers of course so a very sensible measure.

Then there was the BMW C1 scooter in which one didn't need a helmet. That was generally accepted, but not in Britain where the DfT refused to allow it to be ridden without a helmet, killing it's sales prospects.
.

We really are run by a set of muppets

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Also worth noting Haibike have revised the electrical system for children, unlike other bike manufacturers who have just slapped on the same motor across the board.

They have offered a simplified display, restricted assistance to 12.5mph & removed the walk assist for safety (no little fingers getting caught).

Along with other children specific revisions on the bike itself. It's not just the smaller wheel size, but frame geometry too. In fact it's also 55mm shorter (toptube) than the smallest 35cm frame. So it does differentiate itself from a small framed adult bike.

More info here - Haibike HardFour Kids eBike

Regards
Martin

 

[EddiePJ]

KTM Macina Mini ME

http://velomotion.de/2015/12/40464/

 

[SRS]

I think these are a terrific idea, especially if mum and or dad have an ebike too.
My little one is too small at the moment but i'd happily buy one when she is a bit older.

At the end of the day I can't see a 10 year old doing too much time if caught riding one out in the sticks.