tarra
I have looked into the uk regulations in regard to the pedal assist bicycles. They are treated like normal bicycles in the UK and can be ridden on shared pathways (pedestrians/cyclists). They are plenty of these where I live so that isn't a problem. I don't want a bicycle that is expensive as all I want it for is to exercise my dog. I have trouble with my legs, they get tired with manual pedal ling so a pedal assist bicycle would be ideal to help me keep up with my dog.
My dilemma is which companies in the UK conform to the UK regulations in pedal Assist bicycles? If they meet the criteria of the UK regulations they don't need to be registered, road taxed or insured hence the need to pick the correct one. I am 5 ft 5 and am looking for an affordable assisted bicycle that will meet my need. I have no intention of riding it on the road as I wouldn't feel safe.
If anyone cn help me pick the correct bicycle I would appreciate it.
Answer
No direct answer here, since the UK often believes it isn't part of Europe, but nevertheless:
- what I can find here (Germany) falls into two classes: Pedelecs with a top speed of 25 kph (and a few limitations), which are legal all across Europe and treated as bicycles, and electric bikes with a top speed of 40 kph (and some other limitations) which are sold only for use within Germany (and need insurance here).
- the basic limitations for the '25 kph' types are that the motor may only support while pedalling and the motor may not support above a speed of 25 kph. There are some types with a 'start assist' function that enables the motor to push without pedalling at speeds up to 6 kph, but while those are legal under German law as bicycles, some insurances don't know yet whether they're going to treat those as regular bicycles (i.e. they're included in any general liability insurance) or not (i.e. you'd need an additional insurance for them if you want it - usually a good idea).
- why don't you go down to your local bike store and ask the people who are selling those things?
No direct answer here, since the UK often believes it isn't part of Europe, but nevertheless:
- what I can find here (Germany) falls into two classes: Pedelecs with a top speed of 25 kph (and a few limitations), which are legal all across Europe and treated as bicycles, and electric bikes with a top speed of 40 kph (and some other limitations) which are sold only for use within Germany (and need insurance here).
- the basic limitations for the '25 kph' types are that the motor may only support while pedalling and the motor may not support above a speed of 25 kph. There are some types with a 'start assist' function that enables the motor to push without pedalling at speeds up to 6 kph, but while those are legal under German law as bicycles, some insurances don't know yet whether they're going to treat those as regular bicycles (i.e. they're included in any general liability insurance) or not (i.e. you'd need an additional insurance for them if you want it - usually a good idea).
- why don't you go down to your local bike store and ask the people who are selling those things?
I want to convert my bicycle to electric motor, would a 250watt motor be strong enough?
tad t
I have a bike that I ride to work every day, I want to convert it to a bike similar to this http://www.peltzer.net/ebike/ But the motor on that bike is 700+ watt, and he says it goes up to ~27 mph, I am working if this motor would work for me, http://www.cloudelectric.com/product_p/mo-w13113099030.htm , Just a 250watt, I don't need much speed just want to get to and from work but there are some hills both to and from so I'm wondering if this would be strong enough
Answer
I looked at the peltzer site you mention. That was the scariest looking conversion I have seen. If you want random loss of limbs, use that. What you need is a kit which will supply a motor built into front or rear wheel; intelligent controller that varies power drawn from the battery according to need; brake levers that shut off power as well as stop the bike; twist grip or thumb throttle control; carrier for battery and proper lithium battery. I do not know where you live or what your local laws regulating electric bikes are. In the UK and rest of the EU, bicycles must be Pedelec with a maximum motor power of 250 watts and top speed under power of 15 mph. When pedaling only you can go as fast as you like. If you know all this, apologies for repeating it. I have just had my first longish run today on my first Pedelec bike, a Synergy Mistral, with those specs. It was actually quite thrilling in a funny way. I am 68 and have two other non powered bikes. Today's trip was just under twenty miles round trip with a following wind outward which was about 12 mph against me on the way home, plus two 14% hills also against me. 250 watts seems puny, but the controller is very efficient at adjusting to your needs. Remember that the Pedelec system assists your pedaling input. I managed an average speed of 9 mph over the return 10 miles, and was as puffed as a thirty year old. And I had full panniers weighing in at 24 kilos. Usually I managed 4 mph having to stop several times on the hills to avoid heart attack, or something.. I forgot to mention that I have arthritis in both knees,and weigh 19 stone. I have found cycling is an excellent form of exercise for this. I had to make the choice between converting one of my bikes using a kit, or buying a ready made Electric Bike. I chose the latter. The complete bicycle costs very little more than a kit and will be more reliable. Shop around on the internet. There are lots of bargains to be had, and careful searching will reward you.
I hope this helps,
Best Wishes,
Tom
Paisley
I looked at the peltzer site you mention. That was the scariest looking conversion I have seen. If you want random loss of limbs, use that. What you need is a kit which will supply a motor built into front or rear wheel; intelligent controller that varies power drawn from the battery according to need; brake levers that shut off power as well as stop the bike; twist grip or thumb throttle control; carrier for battery and proper lithium battery. I do not know where you live or what your local laws regulating electric bikes are. In the UK and rest of the EU, bicycles must be Pedelec with a maximum motor power of 250 watts and top speed under power of 15 mph. When pedaling only you can go as fast as you like. If you know all this, apologies for repeating it. I have just had my first longish run today on my first Pedelec bike, a Synergy Mistral, with those specs. It was actually quite thrilling in a funny way. I am 68 and have two other non powered bikes. Today's trip was just under twenty miles round trip with a following wind outward which was about 12 mph against me on the way home, plus two 14% hills also against me. 250 watts seems puny, but the controller is very efficient at adjusting to your needs. Remember that the Pedelec system assists your pedaling input. I managed an average speed of 9 mph over the return 10 miles, and was as puffed as a thirty year old. And I had full panniers weighing in at 24 kilos. Usually I managed 4 mph having to stop several times on the hills to avoid heart attack, or something.. I forgot to mention that I have arthritis in both knees,and weigh 19 stone. I have found cycling is an excellent form of exercise for this. I had to make the choice between converting one of my bikes using a kit, or buying a ready made Electric Bike. I chose the latter. The complete bicycle costs very little more than a kit and will be more reliable. Shop around on the internet. There are lots of bargains to be had, and careful searching will reward you.
I hope this helps,
Best Wishes,
Tom
Paisley
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Title Post: Which pedal assist bicycle can I ride in the UK?
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Rating: 83% based on 9498 ratings. 4 user reviews.
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