Speed Pedelecs

[Wisper Bikes]

Just in from Bike Europe

Next Phase in E-Bike Trend Arrives

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands – Together with the growing market for electric assisted bicycles in Europe demand for faster e-bikes, the so called speed-pedelecs, is growing.

“Extensive tests at Koga have shown that this e-bike handles very well and safely at speeds of 30-35 km/h.”

In the past few months a large number of speed-pedelec concepts offering pedal assistance ranging from 25 to 45 km/h have been introduced. Dutch premium brand Koga sets the speed limit of its speed pedelec at 35 km/h. "The E-Xtension-S with a 500 W engine offers a healthy, sporty and environmental friendly alternative to using a car, particularly for commutes up to 25 km", says Koga MD Wouter Jager.

Safe at speeds of 30-35 km/h

"Extensive tests at Koga have shown that this e-bike handles very well and safely at speeds of 30-35 km/h. With this speed we can completely satisfy the desire of consumers for a comfortable, safe and fast e-bike."

The bike itself is not new as it been sold in Switzerland in the past two years. Currently Koga is working on small adjustments to meet the requirements which are slightly different in each country for this type of e-bike. Next to that Koga is also in the process of obtaining the European type approval.

Koga will launch the E-Xtension-S at Eurobike for the European market.

AVE goes for 45 km/h

The German Advanced Vehicle Engineering (AVE), distributed by among others Power to Wheels, decided to set their speed pedelec at 45 km/h. The SH6, featuring the Bosch 45S – 350 Watt engine, is designed for people who want to have the maximum support and speed.

"The SH6 meets the growing demand for e-bikes with more support than the usual 25 km/h and 250 W", says Martijn van Ouwerkerk of Power to Wheels. "Awaiting the European type approval the SH6 is expected to go on sale by the end of March."

 

[schoe]

Thankyou for the information they look really exciting. Are they legal in the UK?

 

[SRS]

I'd like to see "S" versions 28mph versions legally available throughout Europe, not just selective countries.

However, in this modern age, would a 20mph limit be a more sensible compromise?

We need to be careful that we do not end up in the same situations as car owners, speed cameras and fines all over the place.

Is it better that we all accept slower speeds that the current "S" class versions and retain the freedom to look at the scenery without fear or being penalised?

 

[waj1234]

Shame they are not legal here. They are a real solution to congestion and fuel costs as well as being a cost effective green solution.

Not enough tax can be made though so they will never be that begin the uk unfortunately.

I would love one but I would end up even fatter lol. I just would not bother to pedal at all.

 

[hoppy]

So how do AVE get 45kph from 350 watt motors?What true wattage is needed to maintain 45 kph on the flat?

 

[Scimitar]

So how do AVE get 45kph from 350 watt motors?What true wattage is needed to maintain 45 kph on the flat?

750W hub motor does me 41km/h

 

[GaRRy]

Shame they are not legal here. They are a real solution to congestion and fuel costs as well as being a cost effective green solution.

Not enough tax can be made though so they will never be that begin the uk unfortunately.

I would love one but I would end up even fatter lol. I just would not bother to pedal at all.

Not a chance 28mph is only 2 mph slower than a moped for which you need a licence,insurance,mot,road tax and approved helmet so cant see why a vehicle that is almost as fast but has worse handling,brakes and requires none of the previous will ever be allowed (or if is will require all of the later). I can see the argument for a 20-22 mph class but anymore is so close to a moped that cant see it happening.

 

[waj1234]

Yeah I guess that's a fair point. I get the wobbles down a big hill on a standard bike. A bike that can maintain 15 is probably fast enough especially on a short commute.

They do look fun though.

 

[SRS]

Yeah I guess that's a fair point. I get the wobbles down a big hill on a standard bike. A bike that can maintain 15 is probably fast enough especially on a short commute.

They do look fun though.

Matter of opinion. Try a 30 mile commute and see how you get on at 15mph.

If you're getting the wobbles, I'd have a look at your wheel bearings.

 

[Oxygen Bicycles]

Thankyou for the information they look really exciting. Are they legal in the UK?

Yes they are legal as much as driving the car without the tax disc and the MOT

All the best

Andrew

 

[waj1234]

Matter of opinion. Try a 30 mile commute and see how you get on at 15mph.

If you're getting the wobbles, I'd have a look at your wheel bearings.

The wobble bit was more of a joke lol. Now a 30 mile commute needs an engine in my opinion. A 125 cc scooter or a real motorbike. 30 miles is like going on holiday for a Yorkshire man!

 

[GaRRy]

Thankyou for the information they look really exciting. Are they legal in the UK?

if you get them registered etc as a moped (in theory simple in practice ???) ,have a valid license,can find insurance and wear a motorcycle helmet then yes

 

[GaRRy]

Yes they are legal as much as driving the car without the tax disc and the MOT

All the best

Andrew

Actually far worse as it would be a unregistered, uninsured, untype approved vehicle as well

 

[GaRRy]

Matter of opinion. Try a 30 mile commute and see how you get on at 15mph.

Would not even want to do that on a moped !!!!

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Thankyou for the information they look really exciting. Are they legal in the UK?

Hi Schoe, sorry not at the moment, but BEBA are in discussions with the DfT. However as far as we can see legalisation in the UK will not be anytime soon.

If introduced the class of EAPC would require the wearing of an approved helmet, although probably not a full motor cycle helmet, having a license to ride a moped, having the bike registered, displaying a current "tax" disc (FOC), having third party insurance in place, displaying a registration plates (as per mopeds) and possibly the bike would need to have a current MOT.

If you were to be caught riding such a vehicle on the public highway in the UK before the class has been introduced here, the penalties could be the same as if a rider were caught riding a moped without any of the above. I don't know how many penalty points this would add up to but I dare say the chance of being disqualified from driving any motor vehicle for a period could be on the cards especially in the rider already had points on their license.

I understand though if a "Speed EAPC" has already been Type Approved anywhere in the EC there would be the possibility of legally using the bike in the UK but you would need to find out for yourself the legalities and would still need to fulfill all the requirements in the previous paragraph.

The reason for posting this thread was to find out the depth of feeling in the community for or against the legalisation of such a machine in the UK.

All the best

David

 

[jackhandy]

Good chance the bike would be taken - but probably not crushed until the traffic plods have ridden it to death.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

If you passed your test before February 2001 you would not need a CBT.
https://www.gov.uk/cbt-compulsory-basic-training/overview

Also worth pointing out that some companies are already selling s pedelecs in the UK. Often with no mention of the legal side, unlike 250 watt motors there is no grey area.
Example:
Kalkhoff Endeavour BS10 XT 50cm

Wisper - David, just wondered what would happen if someone tried to register this bike and adhered to the laws currently set out for mopeds? (i.e. registered, registration plates, insurance, pre 2001 licence or CBT etc).

 

[RobF]

If you register your new S-pedelec properly, you will not be allowed to ride on cycle or shared paths.

This would be the worst of all worlds, a slow two-wheeler with dodgy riding dynamics which you could only use on the road.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Wisper - David, just wondered what would happen if someone tried to register this bike and adhered to the laws currently set out for mopeds? (i.e. registered, registration plates, insurance, pre 2001 licence or CBT etc).

Hi David, this is an area that we are currently working on, however my understanding is that the bike would need to be Type Approved before it could be registered. If and when the model had been TAd then, in my opinion only, as long as the rider met the moped regs there would not be a issue.

Best Regards

David

 

[flecc]

I'd like to see "S" versions 28mph versions legally available throughout Europe, not just selective countries.

It's not "selected countries", within the EU the S class is only legal in Germany, there is no S class in the other 26 countries of the union.