if you are using an s-pedelec ''illegally'' eg, on road without licence / insurance etc you run the RISK of getting caught, having your bike seized in order to carry out a full examination and then suffer the consequences if it is discovered that it is an s-pedelec or a pedelec that has been doctored by fitting of a dongle or other similar device.....
Yes, you could probably run around on it for years without getting caught , but is it worth it ? Worrying that today may be the day ??
The police service have their own in house vehicle examiners - All fully trained city and guilds etc trained mechanics / examiners - These are classed as ''expert witnesses'' for court purposes. If the in house bods are unable to fully satisfy the requirements for a vehicle examination - then they call in experts with more qualifications than pages of Oxford Dictionary. They also call on the MANUFACTURERS to inspect the vehicle and then request a full report / statement and APPEAR IN COURT to state that the vehicle is an S- PEDELEC / ADAPTED PEDELEC ...resulting IN HEAVY FINES and confiscation of your pride and joy - squashed in a crusher and never seen again !!! Yes you can go down the road of a High Court case review on the courts sentencing but your money will run out first.
So in a nutshell what I am trying to say is;-
The manufacturers have to cover their backsides, in laymans terms, legally against possible future litigation. If they cant do that then they can choose who / where they sell their products.
Its like going into a pub - Yes they sell beer - but the Licensee can choose who to sell it to and does not have to give a reason.
Unfortunately its the odd bad apple that spoils it for everyone...Yes there will be those amongst us that want an S-PEDELEC so we can use it on our own ' private land' or want to compete in races designed purely for that type of vehicle, however some then decide '' well its only a quick burst along the high street , or a short blast along a tow path or forest track'' which ends up in a collision / complaints of anti social behaviour and results in the heavy hand of the law being involved...and ultimately a review on the use / legaility of electric bikes....
Until the laws change - be happy with what we have got..Dont muck it up for the rest of us. Many forget that using an s-pedelec on roads or public places ( ref Road Traffic Act 1988 ) has the same requirements / restrictions as those using motorcycles.
If you want to buy and ride a de-restricted electric cycle - Register / insure it and get a licence etc..