London Pie

I saw a low flying pigeon in Richmond park once and I swear she was doing well over 45mph just before coming in to land not far from the public footpath. Rather than wasting tax payers money fining cyclists who are in total control of their machines they should start locking up these unruly pigeons who are a hazard to all park attendees and have complete and utter disrespect for the law, sometimes they even fly like they have totally lost control!!

Sounds great - it would be good with a 1000w motor, razzing down the pavements of London, running over policeman's toes!!

That's an amazing statistic flecc- I can't match it but I did cycle in London everyday for for 12 years and didn't wear a helmet once. I went over a car bonnet once and the only damage was a buckled front wheel. Helmets should be worn by those that require them, but should not be a replacement of awareness, road sense and forward thinking - treat EVERYONE like a potential idiot, and you will survive to tell the tale. I wonder what the statistic of road cycling fatalities and helmets is?

That looks good - are crank drives okay for gates carbon belts?

This might be good for you http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/pagan-electric-bike-60mph-fully-road-legal.22286/

Thanks guys. I'm sure I can find another £99 if I really have to, but wouldn't want to go over that. Personally I prefer the look of hub drive units, I think they are a bit cleaner looking. Although I've read mid drive has more torque and is better for hill climbing. It's a bit vain I know, but I don't want to create a machine with wires and boxes all over the place. Integrated batteries and controllers are great - although that woosh battery looks huge!

Thanks Cyclezee - they look good and the price is nice. Do you know anything about them or did you just come across them?

£1400 - That's a bit steep mate. The CBT cost £120 (or £140 if you hire a bike). The theory £23. The mod 1 £15 and the mod 2 £85. I passed them all with no tuition - just looking up stuff on the Internet and you tube, although I had to take my mod 1 twice! You can get a decent bike for 1200. Anyway - not really the point as we all want to go electric!!

You really should consider getting a scooter job100 - I've got 125 twist and go - it's currently the quickest and easiest way to get around (good quality electric versions are available although expensive) There are guys who cycle the same 10mile route as I (without pedelec) and they arrive at a similar time. Therefore road conditions in London and outer suburbs make the average commute - whether motorbike or bicycle (depending on fitness levels) to be about 14.6mph I calculate - cars much slower. Having said that if I was running the country I would have no hesitation in putting the legal limit up to 20mph, as that would be a viable alternative to the motorcar. You can easily travel at 20mph on a push bike - so why does it make any difference if you have an electric motor strapped on? The sad fact is - the government wants us to keep drinking petrol, how are they going to make enough money taxing ebikes -unless they make further taxable implementations and restrictions. Let's face it - we live in a nanny state that wants to see us addicted to petrol for the foreseeable future. Due to the minefield of regulations on ebikes - I plan on getting an electric scooter next year - something equivalent of a 125cc for longer journeys, and a 250w legal ebike for when I don't need to go so fast or want more exercise.

Sounds like you know your stuff Cyclezee - unfortunately it's a bit hard to understand for me as a newbie to this subject - it seems like a minefield out there. What I'm looking for is a light weight (within reason) small front hub drive kit. That I can boost up to 17mph (to stay legal) , but also help up the hills. I like my bike simple and clean looking, an almost invisible kit would be ideal, with a small bottle battery. I'm not too bothered about battery length as I would plan to just ride if it ran out. I had a quick look at your website but couldn't see anything within my price range - I'm looking about £500 all in

Hi Hasse Did you build the setup with the Smart Pie? I was looking at them on ebay - they look pretty good. How did you get on?

I see what you mean flecc - it does sound like proper chore with all the extra bits required and outweighs the purpose of cycling in the first place, and you would look a proper numpty on a pushbike with a motorcycle helmet! Given the fact Govecs produce a good looking electric scooter equivalent of a 125cc it is not worthwhile buying anything over 250 watts then? as it would be illegal to ride almost anywhere in the UK (unless it's on private land) Personally I think 15mph to speed is a bit miserly - I think 20mph would be better.

I think a bike with full suspension like a downhill mtb would make a great large motor electric bike and would soak up all the potholes. I was thinking of putting one together myself. It would be illegal to ride absolutely anywhere in the UK due to our overzealous Heath and safety laws....unless it was taxed and insured and classed as a moped - it could be ridden on the street, which kind of defeats the object of cycling, but it it means you can coast at 30mph all the way to work - it's got to be better than getting the bus! Has anyone tried to get an electric vehicle like this licensed for the road? I have a 125cc scooter now - but would like to switch to electric so I don't have to buy petrol. If anyone has any info on how to make a 1000+ watt electric bike street legal it would be much appreciated

Thanks for the advice Nealh - I"ll do some research on those. Can you personally recommend them - are they good quality?

Really nice looking bike! thanks for the info. I've never heard of Gaadi double ended tubes before. Just looked them up on Amazon - there's no reviews. Do they work? Would you recommend? I'm thinking of getting a Gates carbon drive bike which I believe is a chore for punchers - could this be the answer?