But cyclists.....

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Electric bikes don't need number plates, insurance, because they are limited to 15mph and its pedal assisted.

Those that exceed this and have a twist grip throttle require insurance & number plates as they are classed as motor vehicles.

Tax they'll pay the same as Tesla owners. No pollution= No Tax

Spot on. I pick up my ebike on Saturday and I fully expect to get some ill informed person grumbling about me needing number plates at some point. Ironically most of us buy one to cycle further and more often, not faster. Plus, when the assist cuts out at 15mph you've simply got a VERY heavy manual bicycle (mine is 26.5 kg).

Unfortunately you can buy ebikes with throttles that are not pedal assist, which as Mav says, are powered vehicles. I saw several in Brighton over the weekend, weaving between people on the prom, with smirking riders who clearly knew they should not be used there. A-holes will always spoil something by being in people's faces, tarring all of us.

[maviczap]

[Ruffy]

Originally Posted by Bibio

... Electric powered Cycles.. they are self propelled so come under the same laws as other vehicles. or do they? if they do then the owner needs a registration number, licence, tax? and insurance. if they dont then they should. ...

They're subect to the applicable laws, but not always the same laws. It generally starts in the same place with Road Traffic Acts and various Road Vehicles Regulations ('Construction & Use', 'Lighting' etc.) but then deviates with exemptions to those laws allowed for certain types.

Originally Posted by maviczap

Electric bikes don't need number plates, insurance, because they are limited to 15mph and its pedal assisted.

Those that exceed this and have a twist grip throttle require insurance & number plates as they are classed as motor vehicles.

Interestingly, the exemption criteria for e-bikes as (partly) quoted here were set as long ago as 1983. Look up the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 and the Electically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Amendment) Regulations 2015 if you want fuller detail.

[redtrummy]

I get stung for more than £400 road tax now, total road mileage about 6500 ( minus cycle miles) I think I pay enough now, if we had to pay tax on the bikes as well it would rub salt into the very open sore wound. (It would be the cost of another 6, enough is enough.)
We are 3rd party insured, and as aside I can cycle faster than what a legal e-bike can do (not uphill though)

[Sir Trev]

It was the first time I'd used my new towbar carrier, so a bit nerve wracking, but as usual Thule make good kit, so the two ebikes are now home safe and sound. We only had a bit of juice in the batteries as the shop did not charge them (small black mark) so we only did a few miles this afternoon to try them out. What a hoot! Like having a constant tail wind.

While the batteries were on the bench charging I was riding mine about to check my tweaks to bar rise, seat angle and lever reach to make the fit just right. Without the power pack in it (SO heavy) its a nice manual bike too, which is a bonus. The 51t lowest gear is the size of a dinner plate so I'm not surprised.

Looking forward to some more expedition-like day trips now.

[redtrummy]

After two years use our thoughts on the e-bike. The weight is a real pain. We have a disused railway track turned into a greenway., great but getting the bike down the steep steps at some access points is difficult, takes both of us. The mid motor means the frame ends up 2 inch or so longer., means getting through cycle designed swing gates can be done but not with any fluidity. The motorhome rack requires its rails to be longer they are £50 a throw - modified myself so thats ok. Getting it up on the m/h rack too heavy for me so I have had to make a ramp to run it up. The fork angle on the bike is too steep, had to fit a stem extender for her and the front wheel easily jacks knifes under her
Now the good points! It has allowed the wife, a previous strong cyclist, to enjoy cycling again. Made it better for me as I do not have to wait for her. We do 20mile rides in rolling country, more on flat lands.
Great for visiting a mate with a couple of bottles of homebrew and come away with panniers full of his homegrown veg. All in all best £1500 we have spent on a vehicle.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by redtrummy

After two years use our thoughts on the e-bike. The weight is a real pain. We have a disused railway track turned into a greenway., great but getting the bike down the steep steps at some access points is difficult, takes both of us. The mid motor means the frame ends up 2 inch or so longer., means getting through cycle designed swing gates can be done but not with any fluidity. The motorhome rack requires its rails to be longer they are £50 a throw - modified myself so thats ok. Getting it up on the m/h rack too heavy for me so I have had to make a ramp to run it up. The fork angle on the bike is too steep, had to fit a stem extender for her and the front wheel easily jacks knifes under her
Now the good points! It has allowed the wife, a previous strong cyclist, to enjoy cycling again. Made it better for me as I do not have to wait for her. We do 20mile rides in rolling country, more on flat lands.
Great for visiting a mate with a couple of bottles of homebrew and come away with panniers full of his homegrown veg. All in all best £1500 we have spent on a vehicle.

We've just gone and collected a second hand e-bike for my partner. 7 years old, less than a hundred miles on it. Cost £1200 new, cost us £200! It was immaculate and really nicely equipped.

Partner was sceptical it wouldn't help her, but when she went for a test ride, she was smiling from ear to ear.

[Sir Trev]

Glad she's happy Mav. I'm looking forward to getting to know mine more - getting the mix of cadence, speed and gearing right so I get the exercise element and the convenience of the assist. We got carried away on Saturday and got back knackered as we tried to whiz along instead of waft. We'll get the hang of it