Electric bicycles (yes, that old chestnut) ;-)

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"Most of the electric bikes you see for sale in the UK, and the rest of Europe, are pedal-assist bicycles. In other words your pedalling is boosted; you don?t get propelled without pedalling.*

Reply to
Bod
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"WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC BIKE? An electric bike is a normal bicycle that has been adapted or manufactured to incorporate the assistance of an electric motor, while keeping the usual pedals and bicycle transmission. The motor assistance can help the rider go further than they would under their own power. With an electric bike you can tackle bigger hills, or simply ride with less effort.

Assuming they comply with the regulations (as almost all reputable electric bikes sold in the UK do), they do not require vehicle tax, insurance or a licence to use, and can be used wherever a standard bicycle can go, including cycle paths."

Reply to
Bod

And your point is?

Chris

Reply to
Chris J Dixon

I was just wondering that. I seem to remember though that the old Zike could self propell, though not from a standing start. Brian

Reply to
Brian Gaff

An electrically assisted bicycle is exactly what it says on the tin.

Reply to
Bod

You need to go back to uk.rec.cycling: or are you pissed off with losing your argument on this very subject there.

Reply to
Judith

He is hoping someone will disagree with what is an electric bike. he's just lost the plot and his argument in uk.rec.cycling on this same subject.

Reply to
Judith

"Note that it is important that pedelecs be legally classed as bicycles rather than classed as mopeds or motorcycles. Other kinds of e-bikes, such as the more powerful S-Pedelecs and power-on-demand e-bikes (those whose motors can provide assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedalling or not) are often classed as mopeds or even motorcycles and the rider therefore must conform to the conditions that riders of those vehicles are subject to, e.g. being licensed, wearing a helmet, vehicle registration etc."

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Reply to
Bod

Why not just refer to the UK governments rules on it, rather than some other websites?

An Electrically assisted bicycle doesn't need to only have the electric motor work when pedaling.

They do however need to have pedals you can use to propel it, and various other limitations - max speed under electric power, 15mph, max power limits.

Reply to
Chris French

Hear, hear.

For anyone thinking of DIY-ing (I did briefly) there are also more detailed regulations about weight, brakes etc; and the whole lots about to change. There's a consultation document:

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That includes bits which deal direct with the question whether pedalling is compulsory

"8. Because of the particular benefits for elderly and disabled users, pedal cycles providing electrical assistance without initial use of the pedals - usually called "twist and goes" - would continue to be covered by these regulations. "

"However, in GB, "twist and goes" are classified as electrically assisted pedal cycles for use on roads provided the vehicle is fitted with pedals that are capable of moving the vehicle and all the other EAPC requirements are met "

Reply to
Robin

Interesting, thanks.

Reply to
Bod

I thought it was so for legal reasons, ie you don't need a licence to ride it.

Reply to
harryagain

Yes it is basically.Small electric motors that can only give assistance when the rider is actually pedaling (a Pedelec). This (apparently) allows them to be classed as bicycles in Europe.

Reply to
Bod

Here's a link that explains:

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Reply to
Bod

It is not the rule in the UK (other EU countries may be different.) as pointed out in another reply.

Reply to
Chris French

I had an electric bike, it provided assistance by sensing how hard you were pressing the pedals and providing more power if you were pressing less hard on the pedals.

It could have been set up, prior to purchase, with a "throttle" which meant it was capable of being fully powered so you didn't need to pedal at all, but it would apparently flatten the battery far more quickly.

Reply to
Murmansk

What was it like up very steep hills, if you had any hills where you rode it?

Reply to
Bod

Well it made the hills seem less steep so a very steep hill felt like a ste ep hill and so on. Very effective actually and I'd recommend one but you ne ed to pay decent money - a replacement battery for mine cost more than some cheap bikes.

Mine was an Urban Mover and was £1,000 or so six years ago.

Reply to
Murmansk

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