e-Cycles
E-Cycles, from pedelecs through bicycles and tricycles to electric 'mopeds.'
For reluctant cyclist or those whose cycling days are coming to an end enter the electric bicycle. The idea is by no means new; the webmaster worked on the development of one while employed by a Hertfordshire based engineering firm in 1986. It used lead-acid batteries located in two 'large' panniers weighing more than the bike and motor combined! It failed not because there was no demand but because the firm were not in the cycle business and lacked the marketing capability to sell it.
The scene has since moved on apace and there are now many specialised manufactures catering for just about all tastes from the lightweight town bike through off road and mountain bikes to electric mopeds. and not just for the solo rider there are machine available to take the whole family, well almost!
The scene has since moved on apace and there are now many specialised manufactures catering for just about all tastes from the lightweight town bike through off road and mountain bikes to electric mopeds. and not just for the solo rider there are machine available to take the whole family, well almost!
Electric bikes: the rules
In Great Britain, if you’re 14 or over you don’t need a licence to ride electric bikes that meet certain requirements, and they don’t need to be registered, taxed or insured.
Electric bikes meeting the requirements are called ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). They can be 2-wheeled bicycles, tandems or tricycles. EAPC requirements The requirements are: the bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it the electric motor shouldn’t be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15mph the bike (including its battery but not the rider) must not be heavier than 40 kilograms (kg) if it’s a bicycle, or 60kg if it’s a tandem or tricycle the motor shouldn’t have a maximum power output of more than 200 watts if it’s a bicycle and 250 watts if it’s a tandem or tricycle |
the bike must have a plate showing the manufacturer, the nominal voltage of the battery, and the motor’s power output.
Where you can ride an EAPC If a bike meets the EAPC requirements it’s classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed. Other kinds of electric bike Any electric bike that doesn’t meet the EAPC rules needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet. The vehicle will also need to be ‘type approved’ to make sure it’s safe to use on the road. More information at: GOV.UK |