Are you happy with your UK spec ebike?

[krismusic]

I read a lot of people very happy with their High Speed Ebikes. Is there anybody who is perfectly happy with their UK restricted model?

 

[minigrrl]

Not in the UK, but Australia, which I think has similar laws. Perfectly happy with my 250w, 25km/h limit eBike.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@krismusic: I wonder why anybody mishappy with their 15.5 mph e-bike in the UK just doesn't but an S-Pedelec (the 28 mph one) that just needs to be registered, insured (and a motorcycle helmet has to be worn there).

I would say the 15.5 mph (25 km/h) Euro e-bikes are the best in the MTB/off-road role. For a general e-bike, the Euro speed limitation is somewhat too strict.

 

[krismusic]

@krismusic: I wonder why anybody mishappy with their 15.5 mph e-bike in the UK just doesn't but an S-Pedelec (the 28 mph one) that just needs to be registered, insured (and a motorcycle helmet has to be worn there).

I would say the 15.5 mph (25 km/h) Euro e-bikes are the best in the MTB/off-road role. For a general e-bike, the Euro speed limitation is somewhat too strict.

The real PITA about Pedelecs is that they are not allowed in cycle lanes or on cycle paths.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

True. That's why I have one S-Pedelec and other "normal" e-bikes. That allows me riding with my e-MTB in national parks, for instance.

 

[kmccune]

While regulations can be onerous, there is usually a loop hole- I would build a nice fast one ( and keep the legal one) and insurance and license be complied with .The real bad part it seems to Me is the not being able "to bike lane.Of course I havent an inkling about the insurance cost.
Can anyone fill me in?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Not sure about the United Kingdom but assume the insurance cost to be same as for the 50 cc moped. There is worse thing than that: To register your own build, you might need to obtain the Certificate of Compliance for your bike, and that might be hard. That's why S-Pedelecs are rather rare in Europe and tend to be expensive: the manufacturer needs to bear a lot of cost to produce/certify a street-legal L1e-B vehicle. Are you from the UK, kmccune?

 

[kmccune]

Not sure about the United Kingdom but assume the insurance cost to be same as for the 50 cc moped. There is worse thing than that: To register your own build, you might need to obtain the Certificate of Compliance for your bike, and that might be hard. That's why S-Pedelecs are rather rare in Europe and tend to be expensive: the manufacturer needs to bear a lot of cost to produce/certify a street-legal L1e-B vehicle. Are you from the UK, kmccune?

No sir, on the other hand the state police can actually certify certain" built" vehicles( such as trailers, do not know about the rest) How much is the insurance for a 50 cc moped? I know the cap on certain types is 49cc and I believe some of these need to be registered( have a friend who takes 100 + mile daytrips on 49 cc scooters, don't ask His "mold was broke before they could cast another like Him{He was German born}

 

[RabH]

Not in the UK, but Australia, which I think has similar laws. Perfectly happy with my 250w, 25km/h limit eBike.

Same and I'm in the UK, I have a motorbike if I want to go fast!

 

[percymon]

I’m 99% happy with my Giant. The 375Wh is a bit puny for some riders but it’ll be plenty for my needs. I’m yet to need the top two assist levels and I’ve no need to go beyond 25mph even on downhill sections; especially on public roads with less than observant car drivers

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Kmccune: This thread discusses European or British matters that are completely irrelevant for the U.S.

 

[kmccune]

Sorry mate, thought ebikes were universal( its one globe after all- don't worry this forum is starting to turn exclusive- so I will not be around much longer)

 

[Stefan Mikes]

No, e-bikes are not universal. Regional laws have shaped the e-bike world. You can legally enjoy 20 mph on any e-bike in the U.S., and you can ride up to 28 mph just by buying a Class 3 e-bike there. The OP was very UK-specific not without the reason.

 

[minigrrl]

Same and I'm in the UK, I have a motorbike if I want to go fast!

Same here... Though, I'm actually thinking of selling my motorbike to fund more eBikes. There is only so much leisure time and I'd honestly rather ride my ebike (or go jet skiing on the bay when it's really hot) than ride my motorbike.

 

[RabH]

Same here... Though, I'm actually thinking of selling my motorbike to fund more eBikes. There is only so much leisure time and I'd honestly rather ride my ebike (or go jet skiing on the bay when it's really hot) than ride my motorbike.

I was thinking of doing the same but its hard to part with my motorbike, even though its hardly turned a wheel this year! Mainly due to Covid....

 

[minigrrl]

I was thinking of doing the same but its hard to part with my motorbike, even though its hardly turned a wheel this year! Mainly due to Covid....

Exact same situation (not because of Covid though, just not enough time). I love that thing, but maybe it deserves to go to someone who can actually show it the love it deserves.

 

[kmccune]

No, e-bikes are not universal. Regional laws have shaped the e-bike world. You can legally enjoy 20 mph on any e-bike in the U.S., and you can ride up to 28 mph just by buying a Class 3 e-bike there. The OP was very UK-specific not without the reason.

How much is moped insurance,I saw a Video of Andy Kirby getting His build certified.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

In the UK?

 

[kmccune]

Yes, even in the US if applicable( do not think Lloyds would underwrite a Moped- do not know if the "Gecko" would do it in the "States" either)

 

[MartsEbike]

Not sure about the United Kingdom but assume the insurance cost to be same as for the 50 cc moped. There is worse thing than that: To register your own build, you might need to obtain the Certificate of Compliance for your bike, and that might be hard. That's why S-Pedelecs are rather rare in Europe and tend to be expensive: the manufacturer needs to bear a lot of cost to produce/certify a street-legal L1e-B vehicle. Are you from the UK, kmccune?

In the UK you could register under the MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval) scheme. Its for Self-Builds / bikes without other compliance documentation. It basically means your bike will need to be tested by a VOSA vehicle inspector. All in all its not too hard to meet "moped" spec approval...