Yep that's what I'm thinking, he's successful but deliberately misleading his customers

I'm maybe thinking of perhaps installing 250W Bafangs to peoples own bikes in my area? Of course I will ensure the bike is safe and suitable before installation. I can get all the components for approximately £580. So could maybe offer a legal bicycle to ebike upgrade for £750. Where would I stand in terms of liability in this case would anyone know?

don't worry about liability, you can get insurance for that but you need to know a lot more about e-bike technology before considering getting into the business of converting bikes. That may take the form of building better and better bikes. So build one, sell it then build another better than the last one. Don't worry too much about how much your bikes will sell for. If you are good, people will pay good money for your bikes. But you will need to familiarize yourself at least with DD kits, front and rear hub kits and CD kits. Until you can build better bikes than the likes of Kudos and Woosh bikes, don't leave your day time job yet.

I agree, but the traceability is an important factor, impossible with pedelecs and their riders.

 

I've often thought it might be better if pedelecs were registered with a mini number plate. VED (road tax) is free on electric vehicles anyway. Then with traceability only the assist speed limit would be necessary, the motor power up to a more practical limit like 1000 watts could be left to the e-bike designer to specify what was needed.

.

 

 

I'm with you Flecc. Ultimately, the power restriction has a disproportionate effect upon those of us that are larger (and most often older).

 

This gives a better power/weight advantage to the young (14 for a pedelec, 16 for a moped, 17 for a 125)

 

Even I was about 10 stone soaking wet when I was 17.

 

I'd trade my anonymity for a legal 1000w limit any day.

don't worry about liability, you can get insurance for that but you need to know a lot more about e-bike technology before considering getting into the business of converting bikes. That may take the form of building better and better bikes. So build one, sell it then build another better than the last one. Don't worry too much about how much your bikes will sell for. If you are good, people will pay good money for your bikes. But you will need to familiarize yourself at least with DD kits, front and rear hub kits and CD kits. Until you can build better bikes than the likes of Kudos and Woosh bikes, don't leave your day time job yet.

 

Yes, this is what I am considering. Need to get a hands on look at everything first and build my own bike initially to see how feasible the premise is. Its at least an idea for some income on the side, I'll keep my day job but I think if I do this on the side,do it well and legally it could have the potential to be a nice small business for me to run on my evenings.

if ur going to brake the law do it big time

 

http://www.goldenmotor.com/eMotorcycle/frame-emotor.htm?gclid=CjwKEAiAws20BRCs-P-ssLbSlg4SJABbVcDpmCURosa3ex4qUf3ISe546PZSOiekHlZ6ZXIRRR5TDRoCsSHw_wcB

 

20kw you be going 140mph

if ur going to brake the law do it big time

 

http://www.goldenmotor.com/eMotorcycle/frame-emotor.htm?gclid=CjwKEAiAws20BRCs-P-ssLbSlg4SJABbVcDpmCURosa3ex4qUf3ISe546PZSOiekHlZ6ZXIRRR5TDRoCsSHw_wcB

 

20kw you be going 140mph

 

That doesn't appeal to me to be honest. I'll stick with eBikes

when im a oap in a mobility scooter ill have 2 20kw in mine.

 

no speed limit in tesco lol

you can build and sell 250W e-bikes. There is currently a gap in the market, well finished bikes for less than £1,000.

Mainstream Chinese bikes importers can't get their bikes finished to German standard and nobody in the UK builds e-bikes to German standard either.

 

I believe that now the Volt 'Infinity' is a UK eBike that is up to German standards with a comparable price. Hybrid bike with suspension fork, rear rack & Shimano steps crank drive.

 

http://www.voltbikes.co.uk/infinity-hybrid-e-bike.php

 

I neither own an eBike nor sell them (I am looking to buy) and have recently found the Volt Infinity and am very pleased that finally we have a UK bike up to this standard. Let's trumpet the fact!

Nice design! My only quibble is the seat post, a NCX would be better and not affect the price too much.

20kw you be going 140mph

 

And as long as you stick a sticker on the side saying 250W nominal it will be legal, right?

 

;-)

 

That is my understanding of the law and if it is incorrect then that is not my fault officer...

Cathal, don't be too put off. Similar problems exist starting a business in most industries. Whether, in the end it's a success or a failure, you will learn a lot and over all it's good fun.

 

There is a lot of good info above if you read between what might come across as discouraging.

 

I started a business manufacturing & selling products (in a different sector) 15 years ago. Initially I thought price was all people looked at - but quickly found my margin had to be higher to be viable but that because I had established a very good reputation, I could sell high quality parts at a premium.

 

I attended every trade show to talk about, demonstrate & sell product. I sponsored a lot of people & teams with products to test / evaluate and provided ready-written copy for mags - which they are keen to publish (surprisingly!). I also sought niches that had not been exploited by bigger manufacturers and launched products to fill those gaps. It took 2 years to establish the business & break even (and I had a lot of luck!).

 

I think there are niches in this market - it's just a case of identifying & exploiting them before someone else does. One such is supplying bikes that FULLY meet the current legislation and at the same time are good / useful to ride. There are so many questionably legal ones out there that true peace of mind could be a good USP!

 

I wish you every success if you start your business - I have the greatest respect for people who try, whether they succeed or not.

the above is good advice.

About planning your sales margin: be extra careful, it's only too tempting to cut your margin to the bone for a quick start. The difference between staying in business on the second year or not is down to the correct margin, too high, you don't maximize your profit, too low, you run the risk of losing money then forced to close.

If you sell on price - there is always someone cheaper.

 

People quickly forget what they paid - but never forget good service.

two more things I'd like to add: sourcing the right products is half the battle and always remember: if your product is really good, it will sell itself.

Is almost 6 years after the previous post a record for spamming?

Edited January 26, 20224 yr by Jodel