This is completely untrue as I so often point out. Cars are not restricted since their drivers are trained and tested before being able to use them. In addition they have to have insurance to protect third parties and they are easily traceable in the event of anything going wrong.

 

E-bikes can be ridden by anyone without any training or test of competence, they usually have no third party insurance protection and they are untraceable. Therefore the e-bike has to be controlled to safe bicycle type levels in the absence of the public safeguards that motor vehicles have.

 

I concur Flecc actually believe it or not.

 

I'd love to see an S-class (which my bike is effectively) in this country and I'd happily display a registration plate and have insurance and all the requirements that go with it. My needs are for an s-class vehicle - not a 15mph ebike and not a motorbike - I need something in between - so I choose to ride that something in between - it's just a shame we don't have the legislation to support that requirement.

Edited June 29, 201213 yr by amigafan2003

I agree Amigafan, I wish our governments were more open minded to variations in the way that the Germans and Swiss are. It makes sense to accommodate as many requirements as possible since that automatically minimises breaches of the law.

 

People sometimes wonder at how law abiding Germans are, but this is precisely why, their laws are more likely to accommodate individual needs.

I'd love to see an S-class (which my bike is effectively) in this country and I'd happily display a registration plate and have insurance and all the requirements that go with it. My needs are for an s-class vehicle - not a 15mph ebike and not a motorbike - I need something in between - so I choose to ride that something in between - it's just a shame we don't have the legislation to support that requirement.

 

So what's wrong with a moped ? Especially as one is almost certainly cheaper ?

 

As I see it if they introduce a s-class it will still have to be speed restricted to less than 30mph otherwise it would just be another form of moped but without the benefits of better tyres/brakes etc. have no problem with one existing but just see how it fits in.

 

Just wondering

The fact is a lot of fit cyclist can reach those speeds without the benefit of electrical assistance so why should that be any difference. I think there should be speed limits for bikes on roads, and lower speed limits for cycle lanes. There should be the same trust shown, that is given to motorist, to observe the law ,and penallties for those that don't it will make the law consistent

 

Not many cyclists can keep up sustained speeds of 30 mph for any distance. They are the exception rather than the norm. I'm certainly not anywhere near super fit, have a legal ebike and don't remember the last time some one came zooming past me on a bike.

 

As for the rest your solution seems to imply you want tests and licences etc for bikes as if have speed limits etc then need those as well as otherwise they would be meaningless.

So what's wrong with a moped ? Especially as one is almost certainly cheaper ?

 

As I see it if they introduce a s-class it will still have to be speed restricted to less than 30mph otherwise it would just be another form of moped but without the benefits of better tyres/brakes etc. have no problem with one existing but just see how it fits in.

 

Just wondering

 

Germany's S class bikes are limited to 40 kph (25 mph). They used to still be limited to 250 watts, but that has been increased to 500 watts. Most bikes compliant are 350 watts though in the interests of a good range. They have a number plate to allow traceability and basic insurance, but few of the usual vehicle restrictions like driving tests, "road tax" etc.

 

So they make a useful low bureaucracy class between pedelec and moped, while still retaining the enjoyment and exercise of cycling. Another big advantage is that the S class increases the scope for commuting over longer distances than is practical for 15 mph pedelecs.

So what's wrong with a moped ? Especially as one is almost certainly cheaper ?

 

As I see it if they introduce a s-class it will still have to be speed restricted to less than 30mph otherwise it would just be another form of moped but without the benefits of better tyres/brakes etc. have no problem with one existing but just see how it fits in.

 

Just wondering

 

Because a moped doesn't suit my requirements.

 

1: I don't need to go 30mph.

2: I want to ride on cycle paths, not roads (I think I'd get stopped pretty sharpish for riding down blackpool prom on a moped).

3: Although I'm happy to pay a little for insurance, I don't want to pay the level that a moped requires.

4: I don't want to go through an MOT every year.

5: I don't want an ICE powered vehicle with the added maintenance that requires.

 

As I said - the machine I require is somewhere between a 100% legal ebike and a moped - a point that doesn't legally exist in this country - although if the Germans can manage to legislate for such a point I'm not sure whey we cant.

 

 

I know Flecc has already answered but I thought I'd elaborate a little in regards of my specific requirements.

Ok thanks for explaining and have to agree the S-Class seems a reasonable idea to legislate for.

 

Even so the Xipi does not fit S-class specifications and they are already claiming to be making a 38mph one.

Edited June 30, 201213 yr by GaRRy

There is a market for bespoke e-bikes,we occasionally have customers who's requirements are so special that they cannot be satisfied with a production bike. The Storck Raddar range has shown that there are customers who are prepared to pay top money for what they want. I don't know of a custom builder of such bikes in the UK,just an idea!!!!!!!

Dave

Kudoscycles

There is a market for bespoke e-bikes,we occasionally have customers who's requirements are so special that they cannot be satisfied with a production bike. The Storck Raddar range has shown that there are customers who are prepared to pay top money for what they want. I don't know of a custom builder of such bikes in the UK,just an idea!!!!!!!

Dave

Kudoscycles

 

Kinetics in Glasgow custom builds to buyer specifications both normal and e-bikes. They will even have custom frames specifically made to exact requirements. Anyone with between £4,000 and £10,000 to spare can be suited.

Mike, when you eventually tire of childish, inane comment from those few, amoral members of this otherwise decent forum, I suggest you make use of the ignore facility. Forum life is a much more agreeable experience when you don't have to read the opinions and ignorant drivel promulgated by those who boast about lawbreaking and their pathetic attempts to justify their behaviour.

 

It works for me and I'd recommend to all who find my opinions disagreeable that they do likewise.

 

Indalo

 

Cheers for that Indalo but it’d be easier just not to participate.

…the world is full of people who think that not agreeing with the law is justifiable reason for ignoring it and to hell with the consequences for other people.

 

“I got shafted out of my pension…enough reason to go and rob a building society”

 

When these people cannot come up with a valid argument they then resort to cheap childish insults

 

.....

Ahhhh.... camper van man, It all becomes crystal clear

 

...which explains exactly nothing.

 

All this is to be expected from people like these but you’ve got to question the mindset of a supposedly intelligent adult who thinks that …

 

"Do your parents know that you are out?"

 

Is a clever/funny and/or suitable comment in the thread.

 

….What do I care ? Let ‘em say and do what they want.

….they get the forum and the life they deserve.

Blimey, everytime I start a thread it seems to end in a mass difference of opinion

 

Which probably makes you a very valuable member of the forum, keeping lively discussion going to maintain interest!

 

The following subjects are guaranteed to result in strongly opposing views in this forum:

 

Cycle helmets, to wear or not.

 

E-bike power assist speed limit.

 

E-bike wattage power allowed.

 

Whether more or less e-bike laws are desirable.

 

Observance of the law in general.

 

You're safe with discussing fluffy animals or pretty country scenes.

Which probably Observance of the law in general.

 

You're safe with discussing fluffy animals or pretty country scenes.

 

The only good fluffy animal is a dead fluffy animal

Which probably makes you a very valuable member of the forum, keeping lively discussion going to maintain interest!

 

The following subjects are guaranteed to result in strongly opposing views in this forum:

 

Cycle helmets, to wear or not.

 

E-bike power assist speed limit.

 

E-bike wattage power allowed.

 

Whether more or less e-bike laws are desirable.

 

Observance of the law in general.

 

You're safe with discussing fluffy animals or pretty country scenes.

 

 

 

Im surprised at you Flecc.....you missed out Tonaro :D

 

( and judging by Hugh's reply.....not even poor fluffy animals are safe LOL )

 

Lynda

OK there have been lists of controversial topics. But if you would really like to see the manure hit the fan, choose one or more from my list below.

1.The folly of building new nuclear power stations.

2. Cold Fusion.

3 Lorries, driven by professionals have tachographs. Cars which are driven by amateurs do not, but should have.

4.For a safer society, everyone should have a microchip in their neck, so they can be tracked by satellite.

5. Any of the new energy technologies for energy generation other than cold fusion, including the Plasmerg engine.

I could go on, but I think that is enough for now.

Oh, I forgot Peak Oil!

I LOVE nucleur power!

 

You have touched on one of my pet hates: why dont london taxi drivers have tachographs...

 

I have had 3 serious motor accidents in my time. two with cab drivers who where so knackered looking God knows how many hours they had been out for. Darn site more then a HGV driver I bet...greedy barstewards:(

 

 

 

I LOVE nucleur power!

Im surprised at you Flecc.....you missed out Tonaro :D

 

Lynda

 

Shush Lynda, they'd almost forgotten the T word.

how about Heathrow airport ?

 

OK there have been lists of controversial topics. But if you would really like to see the manure hit the fan, choose one or more from my list below.

1.The folly of building new nuclear power stations.

2. Cold Fusion.

3 Lorries, driven by professionals have tachographs. Cars which are driven by amateurs do not, but should have.

4.For a safer society, everyone should have a microchip in their neck, so they can be tracked by satellite.

5. Any of the new energy technologies for energy generation other than cold fusion, including the Plasmerg engine.

I could go on, but I think that is enough for now.

Oh, I forgot Peak Oil!

 

How about a satellite traced electric lorry fuelled by it's onboard cold-fusion nuclear station delivering for the Peak Oil Company?

 

Come to think of it, if I was setting up in the oil fuels supply business, I'd name it the Peak Oil Company.

 

All my drivers would be POCsy employees.

.

Edited June 30, 201213 yr by flecc

@Eddieo. The important thing about Nuclear Power is that we do not fall-out about it.

I LOVE Heathrow airport!!! But not the Turdero (having a test ride week after next just for a laugh:))

Edited June 30, 201213 yr by eddieo

Perplexed, I was perplexed once, a 2 week course of anti biotics and a rub down with the Sporting Life had me right as rain.

 

Illiteracy,I have noticed that, a few people need to learn the Queens english proper like wot I do.

Shush Lynda, they'd almost forgotten the T word.

 

Hey, Flecc......I think you know me by now.....do I ever shush ?

 

I still love, love, love my TONARO.......though I have to admit my eyes are lusting towards another.......about en route, I think, as we speak......:o

 

Lynda

Well at least smudge it got you kinda thinking (for a change:D)

@Eddieo. The important thing about Nuclear Power is that we do not fall-out about it.

 

Agreed, I'd hate to see a meltdown of good relations. The forum should radiate goodwill.

How about a satellite traced electric lorry fuelled by it's onboard cold-fusion nuclear station delivering for the Peak Oil Company?

 

Come to think of it, if I was setting up in the oil fuels supply business, I'd name it the Peak Oil Company.

 

All my drivers would be POCsy employees.

.

 

Too late Flecc Peak Oils Home | PEAK OIL they've been around for years