thumb throttle and walk assist

Museumman

Finding my (electric) wheels
Aug 15, 2025
14
5
72
Burton on Trent
so i have buit a bike with used componants a 250 watt rear hub motor hall effect pedal sensor applied to the DVLA for a VIN number paid my fee got the local printer. to make a VINplaque with my name on it print out all the relevent ebay invoices can i now fit a thumb throttle and walk assist controller can i now take it to a sva test. centre i am a disabled pensioner not all that confident on busy roads will i be. able to ride it on cycle paths at up to restricted 15mph without a motorbike licence or insurance and without fear of plod taking it off me does anybody really know?!!!!!!!!!
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,579
30,862
What you have created is a bicycle in law and NOT a motor vehicle, so it does not need an SVA, VIN number or any other DVA approval before use, even with a thumb throttle and walk assist.

It can be ridden on cycle paths, but on shared use paths should be ridden slowly with due care in the vicinity of pedestrians.

If taking it to a test centre for a VIN or MAC for 250LPM, do not mention that if stopped since it might create suspicion that it is capable of more than the EAPC limits.

Bear in mind that police officers in general have a very poor knowledge of our cycling and EAPC law so there is never any guarantee of not being stopped or even having a legal bike confiscated temporarily. It's a risk we all have until the current hysteria about e-bikes abates.
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saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
9,145
4,079
Telford
These are the requirements for an electrically assisted bicycle that doesnt need registration, insurance, licence, etc:
1. Max motor speed 15.5 mph
2. Motor must be rated at 250w or less
3. The bike must be able to be pedalled when switched off.
4. The power must stop when you stop pedalling
5. The bike must be marked with a label that shows manufacturer, motor power and max assisted speed.

You can avoid number 4 by getting an SVA test, but then you must comply with all relevant motorcycle construction and use regulations such as lights, indicators, mirror, ball ends on the levers, stand, electric cables protected, etc.
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
21,581
8,800
62
West Sx RH
LPM 250w category doesn't require indicators, don't see them on Wisper bikes.
Do lights have to be fixed wired ones ?
 

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
21,581
8,800
62
West Sx RH
For a light switch I would use a dual wuxing 22mm handle bar mounted one .
Buy a 6v - 60v front wired light which has an integrated horn and buck converter and a 36v/60v rear red light both in parallel. Take the sW power supply from the battery to controller power supply . Add an inline covered blade fuse on the V+ power supply line.

When I was commuting this is what I did never had to bother with charging separate lights as one always had power for them from the bikes battery.
My rear light was as bright as a rear fog light, on ecan get them for about £3 - £5.
 
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