Tour of Britain – Stage 3 , eZee vs Kalkhoff

[Wisper Bikes]

Hi Flecc

I agree with you 100%.

I wrote the posts purely because when I asked Riggo if I we could become involved declaring we used a 250w motor, his reply was as follows;

"Does the hub run at 200w when in restricted mode? If this is not the case then I would class it as not street legal, wouldn't you? The law is meant to be black and white after all.

One of the points of this challenge is to show the public and potential consumers what street legal electric bikes are capable of.

It will be interesting to see which manufacturers/suppliers can put forward truly UK street legal machines?"

So I am still unsure of the rules, maybe it were best if Wisper simply did not get involved.

Best regards David

[flecc]

With regard to Riggo's comment, of course this arises precisely because the law is not black and white on this issue. The Department of Transport has acknowledged this in stating that a test case is needed to decide the issue as it stands currently. Legal opinion has subsequently been that it's for the DoT to decide, so a state of limbo was left in place

Both 200 and 250 watt bikes are on the road legally in the absence of that test case or action to tidy up the laws on this. We now know that there is an intent to clear up this matter quickly, and that is certain to bring conformity to the EU 250 watt law since it is an obligation under EU law to comply with an order to do so. This clarification action is to satisfy the request from the Royal Mail prior to their bulk purchase of e-bikes.

A successful prosecution could be made impossible anyway, since an appeal to Europe would bring the certain ruling that our passing into UK legislation the EU order as instructed, which we did on 10th November 2003, made the EU law absolute, superceding the English 1983 legislation which only remained in force due to the Civil Service mistake in not making arrangements to rescind it it at the same time.

In view of all this, I can see no grounds for barring a 250 watt e-bike from any public road event.
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[50cycles]

Hi Wisper

The Kalkhoff is 250W but we will not be taking part in Chings Adventure due to being far too busy with resources and effort being needed in other areas.

However we will lend a bike to David Henshaw for the more scientific test that is taking place if neccasary, I am sure the more types of bikes that take part the more valid the event would be.

Cheers

Scot

[Wisper Bikes]

Hi Scot,

I am sure you are absolutely correct and the event is as about as scientific as the one at Presteigne.

I just like any excuse to get out for a jolly!

I think it is now down to Riggo to cnfirm that 250w motors are OK.

'Pleased to hear you are so busy.

All the best David