Throttle legal UK ebike 15MPH.
- Thread starter Chargeride
- Start date
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
CR: What is exactly the "L-class" of that e-bike, so you say it's legal? According to what law is it legal?
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Its a one a time certification as a low powered L class 1E Twist and go, no licence or insurance reqd as long as it stays under 250W,
which in itself is nonsense of course, its not clear if its still classed as a cycle path legal pushbike.
This new EAPC term is being use, Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles.
pedibal.com
which in itself is nonsense of course, its not clear if its still classed as a cycle path legal pushbike.
This new EAPC term is being use, Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles.
Pedibal E-Cruiza® Fat Tyre Electric Bike 80Nm
Pedibal Cruiza e-bike upto 15.5mph assist, 12.8Ah LG battery, BAFANG 80Nm 250W motor, 7-speed SHIMANO, 20" puncture-proof wheels, TEKTRO brakes, USB port, integrated lights. Perfect for all terrains, year-round comfort, and stylish rides.
pedibal.com
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
@Chargeride:
I have checked the Euro law (UK is not in the EU anymore but the country has inherited a lot of EU laws).
The EU law reads a bicycle may have an auxiliary electric motor (which must be activated by a human pedalling the bike), powered with no more than 48 V nominal, of the nominal continuous power up to 250 W, and where assistance gradually decreases and becomes zero at the speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Such a vehicle is just a bicycle treated exactly as a pedal bike. The only country with an exception is Austria, where the motor power is limited to 600 W actual peak power.
Now, there are two Type Approved vehicle classes:
The fact the moped you have shown has been Type Approved does not make it legal. Not sure whether the British Road Code has been changed for mopeds but my bets are it has been not. If the owner really tried, a Pedibal could be made road legal (see above) but I even cannot see a number plate holder on the mini-motorcycle.
I do not want to elaborate on that more, and only regret I wasted 15 minutes on watching the idiot chirping. Oh, she would not mention it was a moped, oh no.
The law of the countries I am familiar with does not make the "UK legal throttle e-bike" any different from a Vespa.
I have checked the Euro law (UK is not in the EU anymore but the country has inherited a lot of EU laws).
The EU law reads a bicycle may have an auxiliary electric motor (which must be activated by a human pedalling the bike), powered with no more than 48 V nominal, of the nominal continuous power up to 250 W, and where assistance gradually decreases and becomes zero at the speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Such a vehicle is just a bicycle treated exactly as a pedal bike. The only country with an exception is Austria, where the motor power is limited to 600 W actual peak power.
Now, there are two Type Approved vehicle classes:
- L1e-A: a low power moped that may have a throttle, the motor is limited to 1 kW, and the max speed is 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
- L1e-B: a high power moped that may be equipped with a throttle, the motor is limited to 4 kW, and the speed is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Such a vehicle (regardless L1e-A or B) is a moped that requires Type Approval and individual VIN
- A moped has to be equipped with safety features including STOP indicating tail-light, a horn, a rear-view mirror, Type Approved brakes and Type Approved headlight.
- A moped has to be registered (and carry a number plate), and be insured (Third-Party Liability)
- The rider has to be of certain age and hold the motorcycle driving license (AM)
- The rider must wear a helmet
- Only riding with traffic is allowed (no bike paths)
The fact the moped you have shown has been Type Approved does not make it legal. Not sure whether the British Road Code has been changed for mopeds but my bets are it has been not. If the owner really tried, a Pedibal could be made road legal (see above) but I even cannot see a number plate holder on the mini-motorcycle.
I do not want to elaborate on that more, and only regret I wasted 15 minutes on watching the idiot chirping. Oh, she would not mention it was a moped, oh no.
The law of the countries I am familiar with does not make the "UK legal throttle e-bike" any different from a Vespa.
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CodyDog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Colorado
Great info. Thanks for sharing.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
There is a UK classification for eapc vehicles with a throttle up to 15mph, its primarily for disabled use, the bike requires individual certification and requires extra safety features, a vin number, but no registration plate, insurance or license.
It is still classed as pedal assist, but the the road traffic act would say otherwise.
Looks like someone is balancing on technicalities and overlapping small print.
Lawyers rub hands and cackle.
It is still classed as pedal assist, but the the road traffic act would say otherwise.
Looks like someone is balancing on technicalities and overlapping small print.
Lawyers rub hands and cackle.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
The UK government are to consider raising the the 250w limit to 500w and allowing full speed throttle.
Considering being the key word, of course it's all a bit ridiculous considering they are already more than 500w.
www.eta.co.uk
Considering being the key word, of course it's all a bit ridiculous considering they are already more than 500w.
Is the UK about to green-light 500w e-bikes? | ETA
Electric bicycles powered by 500w motors may soon be legal on UK streets. The Department for Transport today launched a consultation on doubling the
www.eta.co.uk
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