Moving to the US - are there any models that can be legally converted to class 1?

[Skelshy]

I wanted to pick up a bike. We currently live in Germany. We are moving back to the US by end of the year. The regulatory differences are like this: Germany has a 25 km/h (15.5 mph) speed limit, and a 250W nominal, continuous output power limit. Pedal assist only (no throttle). WA state restricts class 1 to 750 watts, fully operative pedals, maximum speed of 20 mph.

Do we know if a dealer can flash a bike or motor to US spec once we arrive there? Will it be the same hardware? Do manufacturers allow this? Would it need to be certified in any way?

Interested in legal and technically safe procedures only. Not asking for hacks or DIY.

 

[LaszloB]

Would it be cheaper to just sell your current bikes in Germany and get new one's when you move back?

 

[6zfshdb]

Would it be cheaper to just sell your current bikes in Germany and get new one's when you move back?

This may be an even more attractive solution when you consider shipping costs for the bike and lithium battery. There may be shipping damage as well to consider.

 

[Skelshy]

The units of international household moving are 20 ft containers or so-called LCL (less than container load). LCL essentially isn't much cheaper... we tried LCL getting here and it just wasn't worth it. Once you have a 20ft container, additional items are basically free, we don't have a 20ft container worth of stuff.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Skelshy, unless your current e-bike is very valuable, perhaps it would be smarter to follow the advice of LaszloB. You could get yourself not only the U.S. Class 1 e-bike there but also could think of Class 3 that is not as restrictive in the States as it is in Europe.

If your current e-bike is, however, valuable, you should ask the question of reprogramming the bike the respective manufacturer's representative.

 

[Skelshy]

I don't have one at the moment. I need one for the summer. If I have to unload it in the fall, better not buy expensive.

 

[steve mercier]

The units of international household moving are 20 ft containers or so-called LCL (less than container load). LCL essentially isn't much cheaper... we tried LCL getting here and it just wasn't worth it. Once you have a 20ft container, additional items are basically free, we don't have a 20ft container worth of stuff.

If you can ship it home I say buy a bike with a Bosch Gen 2 or 3 ( just not gen 4) motor and install a bikespeed de-limiter. https://www.bikespeed.de/RS_en.html for example a bike like this :https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/focus-planet-5.7-889207