Registering a "non" legal ebike

[Ettica]

Has anyone or does anyone know of someone who has actually got a non legal ebike and gone down the route of registering, insuring and taxing it as a vehicle for use on the UK highway?

Someone asked me the other day, how easy (or not) it was to do.

I didn't know anyone who had done it and are riding round legally 'now' on a 1000w machine or such like, with a helmet and full insurance. I suppose the insurance might be the main stumbling block wouldn't you think?

 

[flecc]

It would have to be presented to the Vehicle Inspectorate for inspection to get single vehicle approval. There are two classes which can apply. One is the low-powered moped class which is intended for bicycle like machines, still limited to 16 mph but with up to 1000 watts motor rating, and this should be less difficult to get acceptance for. The other is the moped class for maximum 30 mph machines.

Both will require a rear number plate after registration, annual free "tax" disc, horn/bell, third party moped insurance, brake light. I'm not sure of the lighting requirement for the low powered one, but the faster class will definitely need to be equipped with lights and high-standard cycle brakes. Legally a motor cycle helmet has to be worn on either, but some of the motorcycle-like cycle helmets would probably pass as ok.

SINGLE VEHICLE APPROVAL

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/ImportingAndExportingAVehicle/DG_4022105

FEES

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/ImportingAndExportingAVehicle/DG_10018282
.

 

[easycommuter]

FEES

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/ImportingAndExportingAVehicle/DG_10018282
.

For reference:-

1) Low power moped (a moped with pedals, with auxiliary propulsion not exceeding 1kW and a maximum design speed not exceeding 25 km/h (16mhph) £55.00
2) Two-wheeled vehicle (including motor cycle and sidecar) £85.00

 

[Deleted member 4366]

There was a guy that managed it. He wrote a blog about it, but I can't find a link just now. I think I posted a link in a previous thread on this subject abut a year ago if you search back. It's not very easy unless you know what you're doing. He had to have several meetings with the tester and persuaded him to change his interpretation of the regulations because they weren't practical for his bike. Luckily, the tester was quite helpful.

There's also this guy that did it:
Endless-sphere.com • View topic - 30mph UK road legal electric bicycle

Edit: That's the one because I remember the wiring being in that trunking. He must have told the story somewhere else as well.

 

[Kudoscycles]

Has anyone or does anyone know of someone who has actually got a non legal ebike and gone down the route of registering, insuring and taxing it as a vehicle for use on the UK highway?

Someone asked me the other day, how easy (or not) it was to do.

I didn't know anyone who had done it and are riding round legally 'now' on a 1000w machine or such like, with a helmet and full insurance. I suppose the insurance might be the main stumbling block wouldn't you think?

I think the biggest downside is in your first paragraph...'for use on the UK highway'.....that would mean no use on bridle ways,cycle tracks,promenades. For example,it would eliminate all off the nicest bike riding routes near to the Kudos warehouse,that would for me defeat the object of owning an ebike.
KudosDave

 

[Gdread]

It's pretty clear that a strong electric moped is where this type of build is heading? I had a Motobecane SP93 in the 1970's and the Mobylette type of moped would easily make a viable option? As per the ES post some of the more robust purpose built electric bikes would lend themselves well to that style of bike?