DIY Mechanical Dongle

Nev

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 1, 2018
1,507
2,520
North Wales
Despite all the scare stories, nobody can produce any evidence that anybody has ever been prosecuted for using an illegal bike in the UK.
No idea what you mean by scare stories. From what I have read on here and other sites is that you are extremely unlikely to be prosecuted for using an illegal bike. If however you use an illegal bike and are involved in a serious accident where bad injuries or worse occur then people need to be aware that they could end up with massive fines or prison depending upon the circumstances. The fact that this has not happened so far (lets hope it never happens) does not mean that it wont.
 

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,985
Basildon
That's the same as saying that the entire human population could be wiped out by an asteroid. Just because it hasn't already happened. doesn't mean it won't.

Until now, there's more chance of you winning the national lottery jackpot than getting prosecuted on an electric bike, since it's happened 3000 times. That's about a one in 20,000 chance.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,761
30,348
Until now, there's more chance of you winning the national lottery jackpot than getting prosecuted on an electric bike, since it's happened 3000 times. That's about a one in 20,000 chance.
But the two have very different jackpots.
.
 
Nov 10, 2006
178
14
Midlands
Despite all the scare stories, nobody can produce any evidence that anybody has ever been prosecuted for using an illegal bike in the UK.
.. scooters. Or as the cops see them "illegal electric vehicles". It is indefensible and you run a risk. Sounds like you like a gamble.



On the balance of probabilities what do you think the chappy who ran off after fatally mowing down Cihan Sakine in London was doing as he disappeared with his ebike for 24h? If you were in a genuine accident with your bike what would you do if it were chipped/dongled?

If you topple over Mrs Mop at 8am from Keynsham walking her cute terrier on a crazy long -nearly invisible- extensible dog lead. Just an example ahem. Even if you aint speeding you'll be under extra scrutiny as he broken hip heals. You'll be shitting yourself because you derated your bike to lightspeed or gobby because you think you know best and want to be a test case.. It's worse still if you leave the scene of the accident to tamper with evidence.

The easiest thing to do for a road traffic cop to do is give the wreckage to the vehicle examiner who are.. famed for being assiduous in their role. If they can't get you on that, you'll have “injuring persons by furious driving" chucked at you. That law simply by it's name would instantly have a jury sitting up with interest.

blah blah just my opinion blah etc. By all means keep telling yourself and others it's fine. Things are changing and we are all responsible for the way ebikes are seen by the public and the police.

Personally? I'm for 15.5mph on the paths, 30mph (insured) on roads. Ideally we'll be trusted to not require an MOT.
 
Last edited:
Nov 10, 2006
178
14
Midlands
Heres the "Be ambassadors or the tech rather than abusers" speeeeeech.

Want legit faster bikes? Get organised, start a petition and lobby lawmakers. Start a crowdfund, get pledges from manufacturers and sellers, hire a green lobbyist and offer a compromise in a bright new Britain. Today is the day with the zero emissions yada yada on the news.

Push for 15.5mph on paths 30mph (insured) on roads. Insurance would be paltry anyway. Saves your arse when you get sued. Might even get ebike insurance through your car guys. Also keeps your two ton box off the road.

or just tldr and gamble against being caught.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Phil Dryden

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,761
30,348
Push for 15.5mph on paths 30mph (insured) on roads. Insurance would be paltry anyway.
Trouble is that also means registration, number plate, driving licence and MOTs.

That's inevitable, since all those apply to 28 mph L1e-B mopeds.

Might as well buy a moped, often just as cheap, far more reliable and better weather protection, so a successful petition but with those added impositions could kill e-bike sales.
.
 

Phil Dryden

Pedelecer
Jun 20, 2018
230
124
70
Leicester
.. scooters. Or as the cops see them "illegal electric vehicles". It is indefensible and you run a risk. Sounds like you like a gamble.



On the balance of probabilities what do you think the chappy who ran off after fatally mowing down Cihan Sakine in London was doing as he disappeared with his ebike for 24h? If you were in a genuine accident with your bike what would you do if it were chipped/dongled?

If you topple over Mrs Mop at 8am from Keynsham walking her cute terrier on a crazy long -nearly invisible- extensible dog lead. Just an example ahem. Even if you aint speeding you'll be under extra scrutiny as he broken hip heals. You'll be shitting yourself because you derated your bike to lightspeed or gobby because you think you know best and want to be a test case.. It's worse still if you leave the scene of the accident to tamper with evidence.

The easiest thing to do for a road traffic cop to do is give the wreckage to the vehicle examiner who are.. famed for being assiduous in their role. If they can't get you on that, you'll have “injuring persons by furious driving" chucked at you. That law simply by it's name would instantly have a jury sitting up with interest.

blah blah just my opinion blah etc. By all means keep telling yourself and others it's fine. Things are changing and we are all responsible for the way ebikes are seen by the public and the police.

Personally? I'm for 15.5mph on the paths, 30mph (insured) on roads. Ideally we'll be trusted to not require an MOT.
Sad for those involved, but it was always coming. Plod cottons on eventually; especially if offences are pushed under his nose.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: flecc