Full Throttle ebike legal again!

Any bike that has a throttle and is certified by an independent testing house can be Type Approved to have a full working throttle. The bigger questions are 1. Does the supplier want all the hassle of going through the TA process. 2. Will the bike work well with a full throttle?

Normally we void the warranty if the throttle is opened or if the bike is changed from factory settings. An open throttle puts a lot mots pressure on the wiring, connections and other electronic and mechanical parts.

We charge £199.00 plus the £55.00 test fee for an open throttle. This cover the changes we need to make to the programming, keep the Warranty at 2 years and do all the running around to get the bike Type Approved, this currently involves a member of staff taking each bike from Sevenoaks Kent down to Southampton for testing.

All the best, David

Apologies if this is a stupid question but I thought once you get type approval for a bike model, any bikes you sell of that model are automatically type approved? i.e. the 806 torque in your screenshot above (which I assume is the folding bike on your website) is now always type approved for anyone that buys one?

I'm completely new to the ebike scene and am looking to buy a bike to ride to the station and back each day (1.1 miles each way). The problem is that I live at the top of a long hill so getting to the station is all down hill, but getting back is a killer without a throttle. Ideally, I'd like the option to use the throttle without having to pedal (even if I don't really use it).

TheBag said

Apologies if this is a stupid question but I thought once you get type approval for a bike model, any bikes you sell of that model are automatically type approved?

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Trouble is this method is not Type Approval, it's SVA, Single Vehicle Approval, each one tested and separately certified and documented.

But of course if it's a model they've certified previously, that should speed up the test.

Type Approval is only available to manufacturers and is a very expensive process, costing around £10,000 a model typically. And once type approved a powered bike becomes a motor vehicle in law, no longer a pedelec with all the regulations that entails
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Ideally, I'd like the option to use the throttle without having to pedal (even if I don't really use it).
If the bike has pedal rotation sensing the motor will give as much as it can (on a given power setting) as long as the pedals are going round. No need to put any pressure on them; if you are in a low enough gear the motor can pull the bike faster than your (very slow) pedalling. And if it can't pull you up the hill that way on full power, it won't be able to do it with the throttle either.

With torque sensing you do need to put some pedal power in; but on a typical bike the motor will give you 3 parts for every one part you put in.

Even so, it can be nice just to get pulled along without rotating the pedals at all.

Trouble is this method is not Type Approval, it's SVA, Single Vehicle Approval, each one tested and separately certified and documented.

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Ahh, I assumed the certificate in the screenshot above was a type approval and not SVA.

So just to make things clear, if you get a type approval, it essentially registers the vehicle as a motorbike subjecting it to tax, registration and insurance requirements but if you do a single vehicle approval, it allows you to continue as if it were a regular pedelec but makes using a full twist and go throttle (without pedalling) legal?

We charge £199.00 plus the £55.00 test fee for an open throttle. This cover the changes we need to make to the programming, keep the Warranty at 2 years and do all the running around to get the bike Type Approved, this currently involves a member of staff taking each bike from Sevenoaks Kent down to Southampton for testing.

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Do you have a recommendation for one of your bikes to get an SVA for my situation? (riding 1.1 miles each way to the station almost completely uphill on the way back).

Wisper Bikes said

Any bike that has a throttle and is certified by an independent testing house can be Type Approved to have a full working throttle. The bigger questions are 1. Does the supplier want all the hassle of going through the TA process. 2. Will the bike work well with a full throttle?

Normally we void the warranty if the throttle is opened or if the bike is changed from factory settings. An open throttle puts a lot mots pressure on the wiring, connections and other electronic and mechanical parts.

We charge £199.00 plus the £55.00 test fee for an open throttle. This cover the changes we need to make to the programming, keep the Warranty at 2 years and do all the running around to get the bike Type Approved, this currently involves a member of staff taking each bike from Sevenoaks Kent down to Southampton for testing.

All the best, David

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Do you have any bikes that you recommend to have an open throttle for my situation? (riding 1.1 miles each way to the station, almost completely uphill on the way back)

TheBag said

Ahh, I assumed the certificate in the screenshot above was a type approval and not SVA.

So just to make things clear, if you get a type approval, it essentially registers the vehicle as a motorbike subjecting it to tax, registration and insurance requirements but if you do a single vehicle approval, it allows you to continue as if it were a regular pedelec but makes using a full twist and go throttle (without pedalling) legal?

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That's it exactly, it's because the type approval regulations are motor vehicle law, with a specific exemption for compliant pedelecs.

This SVA arrangement to allow throttles is unique to Great Britain, the DfT allowing it here to meet this uniquely British demand. It doesn't seem to worry the continentals, probably because they never had them in the first instance.
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TheBag said

And just to clarify, even if you convert your regular bike to electric with a full throttle, you are required to obtain an SVA prior to it being road legal?

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Yes, because the 6th April 2015 amendments to the 1983 EAPC regulations made fully acting throttles on pedelecs illegal to use unless the machine was type approved to L1e-A. This SVA permission by the DfT in lieu of type approval satisfies that requirement sufficiently.
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flecc said

Yes, because the 6th April 2015 amendments to the 1983 EAPC regulations made fully acting throttles on pedelecs illegal to use unless the machine was type approved to L1e-A. This SVA permission by the DfT in lieu of type approval satisfies that requirement sufficiently.
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I'm pretty sure I have seen exactly the opposite statement from Woosh, based on grandfather rights.

Easiest option is to have a throttle that is activated by pedal first, as little as one crank rotation needed to jolly away with the throttle. Have the bike in low gear to to start with.

sjpt said

I'm pretty sure I have seen exactly the opposite statement from Woosh, based on grandfather rights.

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Those rights only apply to machines created before 1st January 2016. Following that type approval/SVA is needed as I've posted.

This is made clear in the 6th April 2015 amendments to the 1983 EAPC regulations.
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flecc said

Those rights only apply to machines created before 1st January 2016. Following that type approval/SVA is needed as I've posted.

This is made clear in the 6th April 2015 amendments to the 1983 EAPC regulations.
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Thanks. Just confirming ... The 'creation' is the creation of the original unpowered bike, and the date of conversion to electric is not relevant?

Whether or not a bike can be powered by throttle alone seems pretty irrelevant (in common sense, not in law which is completely different) as long as there is an appropriate speed restriction for unregistered ones. 15.5 mph seems a sensible speed restriction to me; but maybe that is just because it suits our way of riding.

sjpt said

Thanks. Just confirming ... The 'creation' is the creation of the original unpowered bike, and the date of conversion to electric is not relevant?

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The creation is when the motor is added, making it into a pedelec. If that is after 31st December 2015, it needs an SVA to have a throttle since it has no grandfather rights before that date as a pedelec.
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TheBag said

And just to clarify, even if you convert your regular bike to electric with a full throttle, you are required to obtain an SVA prior to it being road legal?

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Yes.
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BAH48 said

When I lived in Belgium from 97 to 02 there were lots of bikes with petrol motors, I even bought one for my wife who wasn't a strong cyclist. These bikes did in fact have a throttle and people did not seem to pedal much, if at all. So I would have thought a throttle on an electric bike would have been popular, but apparently not.

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These were very popular in the UK in the 1950s, reaching over one million on the roads. Since they needed a motor cycle licence, registration, road tax, insurance etc., the arrival of Vespa and Lambretta scooters in the mid 1950s killed them off.
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flecc said

The creation is when the motor is added, making it into a pedelec. If that is after 31st December 2015, it needs an SVA to have a throttle since it has no grandfather rights before that date as a pedelec.
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Thank you very much, that makes a lot of sense and is the clearest statement on the matter I have seen.

TheBag said

In which case if your pre 2016 ebike had an issue and the motor needed replacing, it wouldn't need a new sva but if you moved the kit from your 2016 ebike to a brand new bike therefore converting it, it would need an SVA as that is when it was made into a pedelec.

It can therefore be inferred that if either the bike or the motor were manufactured post 2016 in a conversion scenario, it would need an SVA.

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Indeed. This brings up the proposition that one can completely renew an e-bike by replacing parts as repairs over time, eventually even the frame if and when it breaks!

Trigger's broom, if you remember "Only Fools and Horses".
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let's first confirm that we are talking about the twist and go throttle here.
if one applies for an SVA for a factory built bike because of the addition of the twist and go throttle, granting is automatic after paying the £55 fees*, as long as the bike has not been further altered and a certificate of conformity is shown to the examiner.

One could argue that the examiner grants the SVA certificate purely on the basis of CoC.

Let's also imagine for a moment that another person added the same throttle to the same factory built without applying for the SVA and subsequently had an accident.

What makes the second bike less legal than the first one?
The SVA certificate?

*Low power moped (a moped with pedals, with auxiliary propulsion not exceeding 1kW and a maximum design speed not exceeding 25 km/h(16mph)

RobF said

Well done to Wisper for keeping on top of the regulatory changes.

But it's worth pointing out that throttles - for many users - are not the benefit they think they are going to be.

Legal ebikes are not powerful enough to work very well on a throttle, and it's wearing - and deathly boring - sitting on a bike holding one open.

Pedalling helps control and balance and is not a hardship for most riders.

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I take issue with the comment 'it's wearing - and deathly boring - sitting on a bike holding one open' since with full throttles at least, it is easy to just very gently pull the throttle sideways with thumb round the fixed part. This holds it in any position you want without that 'wearing bit'. And why this near universal belief that bikes with throttles are not peddled!! I never stop peddling when using my throttle on hills and against headwinds.

flecc said

No, this is a measure the DfT are allowing for mainland UK pedelecs that meet the necessary standards, without that additional bureaucracy.

Such a throttle equipped bike cannot be legally taken into the mainland EU or Northern Ireland as a pedelec.
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Just as well I have added a proper EU legal MTB to my collection then since I am off to mainland Europe with it in July!!

sparkysx said

I think most 36v 250w motors would struggle to pull people up any steep hills on throttle alone.

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Depends on the motor, controller amperage and battery capability get them right and no problems.

sparkysx said

I've got my 250w 36v bafang set to 20 amps but it would only pull me up a hill slowly in a low gear.

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Is that in PAS 5 ?
Also motor winding will dictate how well it will pull.

If one uses a pre-2016 bike having provision for wide open throttle and permissable prior to the 2016 ‘grandfather’ clause how could that use be classed as illegal.......IT CAN’T.

Jim

I take your point Bag, maybe my e-bike a Batribike Quartz is unique as it came to me complete with paperwork giving its date of manufacture as 2011..... It may well be that some manufacturers / retailers were reluctant to supply such details although I can’t think why....and which would supply the necessary ‘loophole’ available to ‘distort the truth’ or plainly to tell LIES!

For one to do that one needs a bloody good memory or to be used to deception, gladly I don’t match either case, life is complicated enough.

Jim

No-one has mentioned here how critical it can be for some e-bike riders to use a full throttle briefly when making a hill start to safely get moving before engaging the pedal assist. I live in an area where I encounter many traffic lights and junctions on hills where it is imperative to get going promptly and safely. I sold my Freego bike 18 months ago and planned to replace it but have yet to find one that has more than a speed restricted walking throttle. A change in the law would be very welcome. I went to the cycle show and tried out many different makes of e-bike with both hub and crank motors and without a throttle could not get started once stopped mid-way up the ramp.

I am assuming that all of the above is so you can ride an Ebike (with pedals) without using the pedals? You simply twist the throttle and away you go? Bikes like this will probably mimic normal EBikes in terms of cost (£1000 and upwards.
People like this it would seem prefer NOT to use the pedals otherwise they would make do with nornmal EBikes?
Therefore what is the difference between one of these EBikes and a normal moped which would easily cost much less 2nd hand? Surely the only difference is that one is noisy and one is quiet!!!!
What a faff!

zoros said

Therefore what is the difference between one of these EBikes and a normal moped which would easily cost much less 2nd hand? Surely the only difference is that one is noisy and one is quiet!!!!
What a faff!

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Most seeking this option do pedal but want to be able to rest occasionally, sometimes through some disability or lack of endurance due to age. It's also handy with hub motors if one's chain breaks!

And note what one member above posted about just wanting the option:

"Ideally, I'd like the option to use the throttle without having to pedal (even if I don't really use it). "
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I think no one should feel guilty about using a twist and go throttle. It does not make your bike go any faster, it just lets you use your bike the way you like.
After all, the police are not interested in you having a throttle like they would if you fit an illegal kit or derestrict your bike.
Let's remind ourselves that all the legal kits can have throttle.

zoros said

Still ...by the time you MoT it road insure and tax it, buy it............and pedal and rest if needs be (as above), I really can't see the point in electric bikes.
Mopeds are exactly the same even down to pedalling them BUT they have a range of hundreds of miles and are much faster if needed. Most importantly they are much cheaper 2nd hand too.

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why do you have to MoT it and insure it? You can fill in an SVA form, pay £55 fees, no need for MoT, insurance.
The only requirement is to have a legal bike before adding a throttle.

zoros said

Still ...by the time you MoT it road insure and tax it, buy it............and pedal and rest if needs be (as above), I really can't see the point in electric bikes.

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Pedelecs don't have to be MOT'd, there's no VED (road tax) and no insurance necessary. That's a lot of difference from mopeds.

For most the point of electric bikes is being able to cycle or continue cycling, getting as much exercise as they need while getting help with hills and strong headwinds. Some like me have also used them to help with hauling large trailer loads:

Information link

Post crossed with Woosh's post.
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I'm confused now:
Posts 13 and 17 talk about MoT's?? Is this not the case, then>?
Post 62 - I was under the impression that these (throttle EBikes, for want of a better description), are popular because you don't need to cycle??? So what are you saying?

My conversion has a throttle, I rarely use it, but the option is there. Where I do use it is for hill starts, to cover that second or two before the pas kicks in. The other circumstance is for a fast get away from a busy junction, not often here 'cos I live in the country. The third is if I've stopped in the wrong gear - that's the advantage of having a hub motor.
You're making the assumption that folk only want a throttle so they don't have to peddle, this is not the case. There are those, with lung capacity issues or stamina problems etc. , who can use the throttle and not peddle.

As to legality - any bike manufactured before Jan 1st 2016 can have a full acting throttle in the UK.
There is no prohibition on throttles on kits (in the UK), this is because the legielation omits to mention them. So, any self converted bike can have a throttle. Any manufactured bike cannot be supplied with a throttle fitted but the rider can fit one themselves as this technically turns it into a self made bike.
Messy ain't it? This is what happens when politicians get involved in something they have no practical experience of.

As far as I can see the OP had to go through the type approval procedure because they are a manufacturer. I don't know what that means that the item for sale is actually classed as.
Who knows? Who gives a ****? I just want to ride my bike, in peace, with a bit of help for my ageing carcass.

zoros said

I'm confused now:
Posts 13 and 17 talk about MoT's?? Is this not the case, then>?

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The MoT mentioned in those posts refer to the Ministry of Transport inspection centre to get the type approval, not an MOT test. Annual MOT tests only apply to motor vehicles, pedelecs are classified as bicycles.

zoros said

Post 62 - I was under the impression that these (throttle EBikes, for want of a better description), are popular because you don't need to cycle??? So what are you saying?

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That's just one of many reasons, the others are as we've given.
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Benjahmin said

Let's remind ourselves that all the legal kits can have throttle.

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Benjahmin said

There is no prohibition on throttles on kits (in the UK), this is because the legielation omits to mention them. So, any self converted bike can have a throttle. Any manufactured bike cannot be supplied with a throttle fitted but the rider can fit one themselves as this technically turns it into a self made bike.

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I've never agreed with these interpretations, this is what the DfT have published on the subject in their Information Sheet on EAPCs:

"However, under European law new "Twist and Go" vehicles will, from January 2016, have to meet a range of technical requirements before they can be used on roads. This will normally be established by "type approval" at the manufacturing stage but importers and individuals will be able to seek an individual approval for vehicles that have not been type approved."

The last sentence makes the position clear that there is no exemption for new kits or new conversions created after 31st December 2015. They need the individual SVA as well to be used on the roads.
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shemozzle999 said

Hi David, Good news and well done, perhaps they could be now be included by the government as part of the mobility allowance scheme as they are now classified as motor vehicles and the extra purchasing charge be able to be recovered by disadvantaged users under the scheme.

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Good idea.
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I agree it would be a good idea, it would be even better if the government actually got behind ebikes in general and offered subsidies to all ebike purchases!

Interesting thread, so is it the general consensus that if a pre 2016 bike is converted a throttle can legally be fitted? Is there any legal documentation anywhere which confirms this please in case of any argument?
As mentioned earlier, don't really need on, but would be nice just in case.

Velonoir said

Interesting thread, so is it the general consensus that if a pre 2016 bike is converted a throttle can legally be fitted? Is there any legal documentation anywhere which confirms this please in case of any argument?
As mentioned earlier, don't really need on, but would be nice just in case.

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I am sure others would be more informed on this but I don't believe there is a restriction on customer fitted conversion kits.

All the best, David

Velonoir said

Interesting thread, so is it the general consensus that if a pre 2016 bike is converted a throttle can legally be fitted? Is there any legal documentation anywhere which confirms this please in case of any argument?
As mentioned earlier, don't really need on, but would be nice just in case.

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Wisper Bikes said

I am sure others would be more informed on this but I don't believe there is a restriction on customer fitted conversion kits.

All the best, David

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They are subject according to what the DfT have published:

See this post above

The words in bold appear to include all if the DfT are correct. It comes down to whether the conversion after December 2015 constitutes it being a newly created vehicle in law. I think it does since it only became an e-bike after that date, but it's one for the lawyers to argue over.
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Thanks for that, all makes sense, it would be nice to get a definitive answer, sadly that may well only happen in a court case, I certainly don't want to be the test case!
I guess it all comes down to luck, Ive done many thousands of miles over about 60 years since I had my first bike and never been stopped, but get involved in an accident and it may well be a different story. Prap's best to play it safe.

I contacted the DoT specifically regarding the legality of "twist and Go" on converted bikes that were made before 2016, they replied within a few days, and although they do say that only a court of law can give a definitive interpretation , i't their opinion that it's quite legal and not subject as a "one off" to type approval . they even add that it's ok, as an individual, to convert a newer used bike which would also be legal.

If it's expressed by the DoT that in their opinion something is legal to do something, I wonder who might question that ?

Anyway, here's their reply:



Dear Mr Jones

Thank you for your email of 14 November regarding your question on E Bikes manufactured before 2016 that are fitted with full speed throttles. Your correspondence has been forwarded to me to respond.

Vehicles which are powered by electric motors are considered as motor vehicles under Great Britain legislation. The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (EAPC Regulations) introduced a new definition that allows certain types of electrically assisted cycles to fall outside the general legal scope of a motor vehicle and therefore not be subject to the same range of regulatory requirements. The EAPC Regulations were amended in 2015; both regulations can be found at the following links:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1983/1168/contents/made
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/24/pdfs/uksi_20150024_en.pdf

These regulations, as amended, define an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) as a vehicle having pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled, fitted with an electric motor that has a maximum power which does not exceed 250 watts and which cannot propel the vehicle at more than 15.5 mph. Machines that can travel under their own power (eg with a throttle) are included in the EAPC definition provided that they are capable of being propelled by the use of their pedals and conform to the other requirements listed in those regulations.

From 2016, a new EAPC, with for example a "Twist and Go" type throttle, that provides power when the rider is not pedalling, was required to be type-approved by the manufacturer before being placed on the market as an EAPC. This EU regulation had no effect on any bike that was already built and in use on the road, it only affects the manufacturing of brand new bikes. In our understanding it is legal to take a pre-2016, "used" bike and modify it, by adding a throttle to provide power without simultaneous pedalling above 6 km/h, as long as it remains in compliance with the key requirements of an EAPC: pedals by which the cycle can be propelled, maximum power 250W, and power cuts off automatically at 25 km/h (15.5 mph). In fact, it is permissible for private individuals to modify a newer bike that has already been in use for a period as well, on condition that this is a one-off, as by definition an individual and unique vehicle
produced by a non-professional is not subject to type approval.

Please note that this email contains the views of the Department for Transport and that insofar as this letter provides an interpretation of the law, it is only a court of law that is able to give a legally definitive interpretation.

Yours sincerely

Velonoir said

In our understanding it is legal to take a pre-2016, "used" bike and modify it, by adding a throttle to provide power without simultaneous pedalling above 6 km/h

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I think you've read too much into their reply.

Take the part I've quoted above. It only mentions adding a throttle, no mention of a motor. In other words you can add a throttle to a pre-existing pedelec and it will be legal. That I agree with.

But adding a motor kit to a pre-existing bicycle is a different matter, changing a bicycle into an EAPC (pedelec), and the law I pasted in earlier in the thread on this link indicates that would not be legal.
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Perhaps I should have included in my post, the question that I posed to them, which gives a better context
Their answer was to the question below, which relates to adding a motor using a legal conversion kit, what do you think?

Hi there,
There is much discussion on the various E Bike forums regarding the fitment of Twist and go throttles,

It seems fairly clear that from 2016 these are not allowed on new road legal bikes ( unless they’ve been individually tested and approved }

E Bikes manufactured before 2016 that are fitted with full speed throttles appear to remain legal ?

There seems to be a grey area regarding legal conversion kits, which come with full speed throttles, ( of which there doesn’t seem to be a mention )

It’s generally bandied about, that if a road legal conversion is done by a private individual on a bicycle that was made and used before 2016, that a throttle may be fitted as long as the bike is pedal assisted as well, with a cut off at 25Kph.

It would be great if possible to have a definitive answer to this question, any information that you could provide would be most appreciated .

Velonoir said

Perhaps I should have included in my post, the question that I posed to them, which gives a better context
Their answer was to the question below, which relates to adding a motor using a legal conversion kit, what do you think?

Hi there,
There is much discussion on the various E Bike forums regarding the fitment of Twist and go throttles,

It seems fairly clear that from 2016 these are not allowed on new road legal bikes ( unless they’ve been individually tested and approved }

E Bikes manufactured before 2016 that are fitted with full speed throttles appear to remain legal ?

There seems to be a grey area regarding legal conversion kits, which come with full speed throttles, ( of which there doesn’t seem to be a mention )

It’s generally bandied about, that if a road legal conversion is done by a private individual on a bicycle that was made and used before 2016, that a throttle may be fitted as long as the bike is pedal assisted as well, with a cut off at 25Kph.

It would be great if possible to have a definitive answer to this question, any information that you could provide would be most appreciated .

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But that bandied about opinion is what I disagree with. If that was legal, why would the example of the law I posted earlier include individuals getting single vehicle approval? The DfT have been making a mess of the law in this area ever since 10th November 2003, and they know it. In my dealings with them over many years now they always use the cop out of saying they can't be definitive and a court will have to test whatever it is being queried.

This whole throttle business cropped up because they first corrected their 2003 error on 6th April 2015 by full compliance with EU law, but then tried to circumvent that law to allow throttles. They could have and should have sought throttle compliance permission between 9th May 2003 and 10th November 2003 with the EUs blessing, when that opportunity was allowed, but they failed to.

The resulting mess meant that for a 12 year period from 2003 to 2015 around 90% of UK pedelecs were illegally powered and all pedelecs in Northern Ireland still are to this day and have to be registered as motor cycles.

You'll gather that I know more than a little bit about the law in this area.
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All points noted, and yes, it is indeed a mess. I guess as with many things, opinions vary, informed or otherwise.
I certainly don't profess to be an expert, or have any deep understanding of the legislation, and am probably approaching the issue in a somewhat simplistic manor looking at a part, rather than the whole.
Having said that, having had that reply to a direct question about installing a conversion kit, I would assume ( I know, when it comes to the law, never assume anything!) that armed with that answer, one would be able to argue the point if challenged. How valid an "opinion" from the DfT may be though, I don't know, and as you, and they point out only a court can decide.

All interesting stuff, and I know it affects a large number of less able cyclists. for whom the addition of a throttle would be a great asset.

As for Northern Ireland, crazy situation, The Assembly not having been in operation for so long, nothing's been done to update the legislation. I guess if the political will were there, the UK Govt could step in and amend the law as they did recently in the case of Gay Marriage, and Abortion, but Pedelecs are probably pretty low down on the list of priorities to be accused of meddling in Irish Politics.

I'll say no more on the matter, I'm sure that there are people who are far better informed out there to comment. I'll look forward to reading them

Anyway, far too nice a day to be on a computer, off for a ride on my 100% pedal powered Croix de Fer

Velonoir said

Having said that, having had that reply to a direct question about installing a conversion kit, I would assume ( I know, when it comes to the law, never assume anything!) that armed with that answer, one would be able to argue the point if challenged.

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I think it's usually best not to argue a point of law until actually up against the CPS or a senior court, especially not with a police officer if stopped for any reason. Acting the polite and respectful innocent generally pays best.
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Fit one use it if needed, no ones going to be done for having one fitted. It's only it's use that is illegal . At most someone may be warned (highly unlikely) for it's use and that it has to be removed.

vfr400 said

Now think about people who got killed at work, murdered, crashed their cars, died of food poisoning, disease and everything else

Which one do you worry about?

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Living of course, it just makes imminent death ever more certain.

We're all better off dead.
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vfr400 said

Putting it like that, I'm pleased to use my throttle. Maybe I'll derestricted my bike too while I'm still alive and able to enjoy it.

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Agreed, my post was an inverted way of saying don't worry about any of those things while alive, just enjoy.
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Reading all this about throttles makes me pleased that my Batribike Quartz is a 2011 product having a full throttle, must be worth more now - but I’m not selling such a beauty.
Even Quartz’s are hard to find now, would be interested to know how many were sold....

allan said

Pleased to read this thread. Reason being, I have an old hub motor kit fitted which has a throttle fitted. I bought and fitted the kit in 2014. My riding is a mix of towpath etc and road. On the road I use the throttle a great deal as it provides me with a safety choice in busy traffic, I can set off at lights etc and not worry about the double decker or lorry next to me, as I am no longer as confident when riding on roads. I know others who due to illnesses such as ms need the option.

Rather selfishly, I am happy to pedal somewhere but like the certainty that getting home will not need stamina so I can push my limits on the outward journey. Now I am heavier I will need to upgrade to a mid drive motor for the summer.

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Better check if mid motors can be connected to throttles then. I used to think the same way about my throttle controlled diy MTB but on buying a new one with a centre motor, soon found that a high power setting gave just as much urge from the lights and a more comfortable wrist too.

Our new Wayfareres, (Currently being prepared for building in Portugal). Will have a throttle on both the Mid Drive and Hub Drive models, both of which can be made full throttle legal.

All the best David