Seizures in Ireland too. The comment on throttles below is interesting. Although they are not specifically banned (once the motor cuts off when you stop pedaling), they do seem to draw unwanted attention, even from other bike users. I think I will look into some type of stealthy push button arrangement if these seizures become common, as there seems to be a perception here that if your bike has a throttle, its probably illegal.

 

PS. I notice some type of computer/tester in the background on the right of photo. I wonder is it some type of roller speed tester.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/gardai-seize-more-than-40-electric-scooters-and-mopeds-under-new-laws/a2011205889.html

 

Edited November 13, 20241 yr by Sturmey

This quote is interesting:

 

‘Most of these vehicles go on to be crushed and the Police have won every single court challenge."

 

https://www.cyclingelectric.com/news/call-for-government-to-up-pace-on-dangerous-kit-imports-or-face-existential-risk-to-cycling-industry

 

 

I wonder how many of those crushed bikes had KT legal throttles. I carry my throttle in the mobile toolkit, in case one of my legs falls off.

I notice some type of computer/tester in the background on the right of photo. I wonder is it some type of roller speed tester.

 

https://nltimes.nl/2024/03/29/dutch-cabinet-announces-ban-e-bike-fatbike-performance-modifications

https://nltimes.nl/2024/03/29/dutch-cabinet-announces-ban-e-bike-fatbike-performance-modifications

 

"Using an electric bicycle or pedal-assisted e-bike that has software or hardware installed which can make the device travel above 25 km/h should be illegal, whether those modifications are turned on or off, Harbers argued."

 

Can't the speed limit of KT kits be increased via the display? Bafang BBSXX(X) kits too... unless of course it's limited by programming the controller's firmware, like mine.

Seizures in Ireland too. The comment on throttles below is interesting. Although they are not specifically banned (once the motor cuts off when you stop pedaling), they do seem to draw unwanted attention, even from other bike users. I think I will look into some type of stealthy push button arrangement if these seizures become common, as there seems to be a perception here that if your bike has a throttle, its probably illegal.

 

PS. I notice some type of computer/tester in the background on the right of photo. I wonder is it some type of roller speed tester.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/gardai-seize-more-than-40-electric-scooters-and-mopeds-under-new-laws/a2011205889.html

 

[ATTACH type=full" alt="60743]60743[/ATTACH]

I don't think it's anything to test ebikes because it looks too old.

 

Some of those bikes have 250w front motors, so the police were quite strict.

 

I can't believe that most of the owners were so stupid as to leave their expensive locks on the bikes when they were seized. Maybe that photo is not what they say it is.

"Using an electric bicycle or pedal-assisted e-bike that has software or hardware installed which can make the device travel above 25 km/h should be illegal, whether those modifications are turned on or off, Harbers argued."

 

Can't the speed limit of KT kits be increased via the display? Bafang BBSXX(X) kits too... unless of course it's limited by programming the controller's firmware, like mine.

You can increase the speed of all ebikes, even Bosch, by software and/or hardware.

I can't believe that most of the owners were so stupid as to leave their expensive locks on the bikes when they were seized. Maybe that photo is not what they say it is.

 

Most batteries are more expensive than the locks - if I'm stopped by rozzers, I'll assume they'll crush my bike despite my protestations, and place the battery in my rucksack. The battery by itself isn't illegal. Then I'll buy another motor...

Most batteries are more expensive than the locks - if I'm stopped by rozzers, I'll assume they'll crush my bike despite my protestations, and place the battery in my rucksack. The battery by itself isn't illegal. Then I'll buy another motor...

Sounds like a good idea until you realise that you could put both the battery and lock in your rucksack - plus the LCD, lights, mirrors, driver avoidance devices, saddle, pedals and wheels.

After all of that police will be left with frame only...

Yeah, good point. Get a bigger rucksack so that can go in too.

Yeah, good point. Get a bigger rucksack so that can go in too.

 

All we need now is a rapid disassembly button.

About 30 seconds for plod to rehearse "Ello ello ello" and walk over to my bike? Can they seize the bike if it's luggage? And are ninja smoke bombs illegal? Smoke would obscure my bike being folded and placed into a Dahon Bolus bag. It'd be a bit of a pain carrying this bag in my rucksack all the time, and I can't disappear and run carrying the bike folded and bagged, but a ninja on steroids might be able to. Where did Lance Armstrong buy his? Do steroid infused ninja smoke bombs exist?

 

https://www.cyclemotion.co.uk/worldwheels/elbolso.htm

 

Edited November 14, 20241 yr by guerney

Once the seize it they seize the entire thing, battery, lights et all.

 

What gets me about their vid, is he lifts the back wheel, turns it up to max and proclaims that the speed of the whizzing wheel is proof. They even pointed to the speedometer showing 43mph

 

You do that with any Ebike that has no weight on it, it is going to go round at high speed and give what is effectively a false reading on the speedometer

 

So I reckon thats a bit misleading, and the only way any bike could be shown to be illegal is to put it on rollers and record the speed

What gets me about their vid, is he lifts the back wheel, turns it up to max and proclaims that the speed of the whizzing wheel is proof.

 

Well... it is a proof to some extent. I didn't see video you are referring to, but you can prove that throttle is assisting without pedaling above 6km/h or motor keeps assisting above 25km/h

 

the only way any bike could be shown to be illegal is to put it on rollers and record the speed

 

You can have closer look at motor and check power rating. No need for speed tests.

Police in Derby have had a clampdown.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gpl2gx621o

"We've taken action against the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, with 39 being seized in one day in Derby. This included an e-bike rigged to go at 50mph

99 e-scooters have been seized across the county in November, as they can't be used on public roads or pavements legally.

Planning your Christmas presents? Do your research on e-bikes and e-scooters before being left out of pocket! "

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@derbyspolice/video/7444258176444173601

https://westbridgfordwire.com/derbyshire-polices-new-approach-sees-99-illegal-e-scooters-seized-in-a-month/

 

 

Wish they'd seize escooters where I live.

 

 

https://westbridgfordwire.com/derbyshire-polices-new-approach-sees-99-illegal-e-scooters-seized-in-a-month/

 

 

I wonder who gets all the batteries. They can't put them in the crusher, except maybe on Nov 5th or Dec 31/Jan 1.

Police in Derby have had a clampdown.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gpl2gx621o

 

 

"One e-bike had been rigged with a motor that could propel it to speeds of 50mph and had no brakes, the force said."

 

I find that hard to believe.

 

 

The white vehicle above the blue deliveroo box looks like a 'black mariah' (ya my m8 told me, never been in one guv ), were they nicking the drivers too?

 

They won't nick them all though, just enough to meet 'targets' else who will deliver donuts and pizza to the Station?

They won't nick them all though

 

So when you come back to the place where you left your bike and find only pieces of your D-lock, there is a good chance your bike was stolen by police?

It's well documented past few years that UK cop forces are institutionally racist, homophobic, corrupt and stupid, occasional bike theft wouldn't surprise me either.

 

It's police 'initiatives' innit, oxymoron if ever there was one, they pick a 'category' at random using a dartboard then harass that category for a month. This month it's 'scooters and immigrants'. Job done. Boxes ticked.

I find that hard to believe.

It probably had regen braking.

Police seize illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in Oxford

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24770214.police-seize-illegal-e-bikes-e-scooters-oxford/