There is a lot of talk about new laws on restricting bikes,and manufacturers seem to be trying to play safe,this happened years ago with 50cc mopeds and scooters restricted to 30mph,although sold restricted most can now be derestricted at first service to allow 40mph,considering these are proper motor vehicles needing insurance mot etc,i have never heard of anyone being charged with riding a derestricted motorbike (probably at least 75 percent are),which would also invalidate insurance.with an an assisted electric bike it would be almost impossible, to prove that the bike was travelling faster than allowed,due to the bike may be on a slight downhill or being pedalled.bikes will sell a lot better if they have an easilly removeable restrictor,and manufacturers will still be selling legal bikes.
Speed restriction
- Thread starter fishingpaul
- Start date
M
mk1
Guest
Can I ask where the maximum 15mph figure came from, who decided it and for what reason?. Around 20mph would seem a more reasonable maximum speed to me.
Martin
Martin
The European one is 25 kph of course, and in their utility cycling market slower speeds are the norm. Look at Dutch cyclists ambling about, and few are riding at anywhere near 15.5 mph / 25 kph, so that limit would seem generous to them.
Here in Britain, our e-bike legal limit was originally 12 mph for years, later upped to 15 mph, presumably to get us into line with Europe as usual.
So in neither 15 mph case was there any consideration given to cycling habits here.
.
Here in Britain, our e-bike legal limit was originally 12 mph for years, later upped to 15 mph, presumably to get us into line with Europe as usual.
So in neither 15 mph case was there any consideration given to cycling habits here.
.
The "new regulations" on the way are an EU directive called EN15194 designed to to ensure that only safe pedelecs can be sold in the EU. This will of course include compliance with existing EU regulations along with appropriate standards of design and construction.
As it will be against the law to sell bikes that do not comply, the directive will effectively outlaw the sale of bikes that only comply with the old UK law (Non-pedelecs).
Similar EN standards already apply to conventional cycles, which is why cycles must be sold with a bell amongst other things.
I don't know how much difference it will make to some Ebay sellers. but it will give trading standards a tool to determine whether a bike is OK or otherwise to sell, how effective this will be though given that some certification will undoubtedly be faked remains to be seen.
EN15194 will only apply to products on sale after it's implementation date so existing bikes that are currently legal will remain OK to use. It will also only apply to complete bicycles so the sale of kits and components will be unaffected, it may well have an impact on shop fitted kits though.
As it will be against the law to sell bikes that do not comply, the directive will effectively outlaw the sale of bikes that only comply with the old UK law (Non-pedelecs).
Similar EN standards already apply to conventional cycles, which is why cycles must be sold with a bell amongst other things.
I don't know how much difference it will make to some Ebay sellers. but it will give trading standards a tool to determine whether a bike is OK or otherwise to sell, how effective this will be though given that some certification will undoubtedly be faked remains to be seen.
EN15194 will only apply to products on sale after it's implementation date so existing bikes that are currently legal will remain OK to use. It will also only apply to complete bicycles so the sale of kits and components will be unaffected, it may well have an impact on shop fitted kits though.
Last edited:
There may be some cheap non pedelec bikes, being cleared out before the new law then,these should still be ok to use,the new law should only affect sellers.
I wouldn't hold your breath waiting Paul, EU bureaucracy usually being as slow as it is silly. It could well be that non-complying bikes manufactured or imported into the EU before the implementation date will be OK to sell after that date. This is what happened with the directive regarding toxic substances (ROHS).
Either way the directive only affects the seller, once you have the bike you can use it without worry, as long as you're not too blatant with any illegal modifications.
If the new legislation is so far away why are the suppliers,eg ezee so keen to comply with it.is it trying to cover up battery problems.
No. The regulations announcement was made long ago and is imminent, and the bike manufacturers can't rely on bureaucratic delays.
Batteries are nothing to do with it, since Wisper are also complying but have now got their improved battery, and others are hard on their heels.
.
The legislation is there it keep ebike's, bike's.
There's always someone trying to get somewhere faster.
If the ebike speed freaks Had their way and the hate bike clubs had their way, then all ebike riders would be wearing motorbike helmets and have a number plate attached.
Im only buying a ebike for one reason !
It get me up the hills faster. After that I expect to use it just like a normal bike and use my legs.
There's always someone trying to get somewhere faster.
If the ebike speed freaks Had their way and the hate bike clubs had their way, then all ebike riders would be wearing motorbike helmets and have a number plate attached.
Im only buying a ebike for one reason !
It get me up the hills faster. After that I expect to use it just like a normal bike and use my legs.
M
mk1
Guest
But if I can ride at 20mph+ on the flat or 30mph+ downhill without assistance, why shouldn't I be allowed to ride at 20mph uphill with assistance?
Martin
M
mk1
Guest
I agree they should remain as proper bikes, but as far as I know the new laws will make bikes 'pedelec only' and they will be limited to 15.5mph. So wouldn't it make more sense for them to be 'pedelec only', limited to 20mph?
Martin
I've just ordered a pedelec, but no I dont agree. Some people who cannot pedel fully due to health reasons would miss out on the benefits of cycling, which would be a shame. I just feel the restriction is fine !
Again if people want speed then pedel harder or get a motorbike.
You carnt have you cake and eat it ( as the saying goes).
Again if people want speed then pedel harder or get a motorbike.
You carnt have you cake and eat it ( as the saying goes).
M
mk1
Guest
Dont know, dont care. You should read Fleccs review of the Agattu.
Without reading it directly I feel that it is the average speed that matters most in a trip/route. You can do 60mph down a road and then to 2mph up a steep hill. An ebike should keep your speed as constant as possible, despite the terrain I suppose. I feel that more important than anything else.
Without reading it directly I feel that it is the average speed that matters most in a trip/route. You can do 60mph down a road and then to 2mph up a steep hill. An ebike should keep your speed as constant as possible, despite the terrain I suppose. I feel that more important than anything else.
M
mk1
Guest
I will be surprised if after you have ridden your new bike for a while, you keep the original 22 tooth rear sprocket!
Martin
Martin
M
mk1
Guest
In Germany they ride their bikes on the sidewalk, where 15 mph is fast with people walking all over the place.
In Denmark we have beautiful wide cycle paths along most main roads, but with very sparse cycle traffic.
We have two sort of mopeds, 30 km/h 19mph requring insurance, helmet, recently a special license plate, and a moped driver license if you're between 16 and 18 years old. These are allowed to drive the same places as cycles, except in some recreational areas.
The other type, 45 km/h 28mph (this being the lowest speed EU allows the national governments to setfor these, other countries allow up to 80km/h), requires car or motorbike license, license plate, insurance and MOT when changing owner.
The 45 scooters MUST drive on the road everywhere, and if you use the empty cycle path along a main road with heavy traffic, instead of risking your life and p****** the motorists your blocking off, you pay a considerable fine if cought by the police.
All this leads to that this speed segment is quite complicated and regulated.
In Denmark we have beautiful wide cycle paths along most main roads, but with very sparse cycle traffic.
We have two sort of mopeds, 30 km/h 19mph requring insurance, helmet, recently a special license plate, and a moped driver license if you're between 16 and 18 years old. These are allowed to drive the same places as cycles, except in some recreational areas.
The other type, 45 km/h 28mph (this being the lowest speed EU allows the national governments to setfor these, other countries allow up to 80km/h), requires car or motorbike license, license plate, insurance and MOT when changing owner.
The 45 scooters MUST drive on the road everywhere, and if you use the empty cycle path along a main road with heavy traffic, instead of risking your life and p****** the motorists your blocking off, you pay a considerable fine if cought by the police.
All this leads to that this speed segment is quite complicated and regulated.
Related Articles
-
MTF Enterprises announces acquisition of EMU Electric Bikes- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Wisper 806T folding bike wins Which? ‘Best Buy’- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Sustrans calls for protected cycle lanes- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Amazon launch their first UK e-cargo micromobility hub- Started by: Pedelecs
