how legal are the electric bikes
Discussion
50kg max kerb weight.
for cycles built after I think Oct 2003 (how you proce this god only knows) must have a pedal monitor so the motor cuts off if the pedals aren't turning.
Max assisted speed 15MPH (power to motor must cease when 15MPH has been exceeded)
Must be at least 14 years old.
Recommended but not compulsory to have insurance.
Other than that, obey all the rules a puish bike has to.
I know, cos I've built one myself, though without the pedal sensor, just a twist grip like a moped.
You can actually get these things up to 38MPH (illegal) but as the power reserve is limited by the kerb weight (the batteries) and power consumption goes up as a square of the speed you won't get very far at this speed. And the fly blats in your face aren't very nice either!
for cycles built after I think Oct 2003 (how you proce this god only knows) must have a pedal monitor so the motor cuts off if the pedals aren't turning.
Max assisted speed 15MPH (power to motor must cease when 15MPH has been exceeded)
Must be at least 14 years old.
Recommended but not compulsory to have insurance.
Other than that, obey all the rules a puish bike has to.
I know, cos I've built one myself, though without the pedal sensor, just a twist grip like a moped.
You can actually get these things up to 38MPH (illegal) but as the power reserve is limited by the kerb weight (the batteries) and power consumption goes up as a square of the speed you won't get very far at this speed. And the fly blats in your face aren't very nice either!
further to this,
at 15MPH you need about 10watt hours per mile. For a 24v battery 1AH will therefore get you about 2.4 miles.
My 36v 5 AH will get you about 17 miles at 15MPH. This drops to about 7 or 8 miles at 25MPH. I haven't got it set up for 38MPH as you need a lot of current and you need to seriously tag weld the NiCads to stop the contact melting (can't use solder because of this)
NiCads are better as they last longer, are better when cold, and are lighter than Lead Acids, which a lot of the cheaper power bikes use. (quite happily I might add)
at 15MPH you need about 10watt hours per mile. For a 24v battery 1AH will therefore get you about 2.4 miles.
My 36v 5 AH will get you about 17 miles at 15MPH. This drops to about 7 or 8 miles at 25MPH. I haven't got it set up for 38MPH as you need a lot of current and you need to seriously tag weld the NiCads to stop the contact melting (can't use solder because of this)
NiCads are better as they last longer, are better when cold, and are lighter than Lead Acids, which a lot of the cheaper power bikes use. (quite happily I might add)
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 –
Statutory Instrument 1983 No.1168 --
An Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) which conforms to the technical requirements given in these Regulations is not considered to be a motor vehicle within the meaning of The Road Traffic Act 1988 and does not require to be registered, have vehicle excise duty paid (taxed) or be insured as a motor vehicle. It can be ridden by anyone from the age of 14 years and above and the rider does not need a driving licence or to wear a motorcycle safety helmet.
The Regulations apply to bicycles, tandem bicycles and tricycles and to emphasise that the prime source of power for propulsion of the machine is through human effort, the machine is required to be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled. The motor assistance must be provided by an electric motor. Propulsion by an internal combustion engine is not permitted. The motor must not be able to propel the machine when it is travelling at more than 15mph.
The Regulations state the following limits:
Maximum kerbside weight (not including rider) - bicycle - 40kg
- tandem bicycle – 60kg
- tricycle – 60kg
Maximum continuous rated power output of the motor - bicycle - 0,2kW
- tandem bicycle – 0,25kW
DVD
Statutory Instrument 1983 No.1168 --
An Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) which conforms to the technical requirements given in these Regulations is not considered to be a motor vehicle within the meaning of The Road Traffic Act 1988 and does not require to be registered, have vehicle excise duty paid (taxed) or be insured as a motor vehicle. It can be ridden by anyone from the age of 14 years and above and the rider does not need a driving licence or to wear a motorcycle safety helmet.
The Regulations apply to bicycles, tandem bicycles and tricycles and to emphasise that the prime source of power for propulsion of the machine is through human effort, the machine is required to be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled. The motor assistance must be provided by an electric motor. Propulsion by an internal combustion engine is not permitted. The motor must not be able to propel the machine when it is travelling at more than 15mph.
The Regulations state the following limits:
Maximum kerbside weight (not including rider) - bicycle - 40kg
- tandem bicycle – 60kg
- tricycle – 60kg
Maximum continuous rated power output of the motor - bicycle - 0,2kW
- tandem bicycle – 0,25kW
DVD
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