I read this thread on Endless Sphere discussing this they also think this rule is stupid there, it is at least doable on an electric bicycle though without much work, i can't see how
it is doable on an 49cc petrol bicycle even if it was under 250watt limit. Good news is though that the 250watt is taken at the rear wheel, this would allow a larger engine than 200watt i think you could prpbaly detune the stock 49cc enough even so it was only output of 250watt at the rear. Someone would need to work on motor and dyno it obviously but it would be more doable than a 200watt output motor.
There are 2-stroke 48cc engine kits that comply with the under 200W regulation - Rock Solid sell one. I sell the Rotary (Sachs copy) 30cc rear axle motor that is max 197W at the rear spindle shaft and is very quiet and clean but rather slow averaging about 23 km\hr on flat ground. The trouble with 200W is that it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard and neither would 250W.
We all know this on this Forum so we don't need to debate it much.
We also know that the current regulatory reform is being undertaken by the Road safety Division of the RTA (NSW) on behalf of all States and that they aren't liaising with any user groups but are very closely in cohorts with Bicycles NSW who do not represent ant motored bikers but are heavily subsidised by the two major manufacturers of electric bike motors.
They probably think that once they get petrol engined bicycles out of the way the field will be clear to up the power output of electric bicycles.
If I ended up in trouble because some of my bikes are over the 200W limit I would make sure that in my defence I pointed out that the cycle shops are currently selling motors up to 3 times over the current power limitation of 200W. I've even seen 800W motors out there.
The urgency of providing a sustainable alternative to car useage will outstrip whatever the RTA try to come up with. Peak Oil is even bigeer than the RTA! Ultimately the decision will be political and we already know that the smart lithium ion electric motors are not as clean and green as they would have you believe. The lead acid ones are better in terms of recycling but the amount of recharging with Hunter valley coal fired electricity is not good. Added to that the range just doesn't cut it if you live outside of Sydney's Easterd Suburbs. The motors are pretty unfixable because parts aren't available and quality of motor is a big problem. Our local Australian builder of electric bikes ceased trading last year because of all sorts of supply problems and quality control problems.
Having once been badly injured by a silent electric lorry whilst on a plant nursery inspection I have first hand experience of the danger of silent speed.
I am sure there is a better Forum somewhere that Pedalless might like to join that is devoted to electric motors and intense dislike of petrol-engined cycles because this Forum is really peopled by petrol-engined bike users and we know some of them are totally irresponsible hoons but there are some great members on this site who I respect a great deal. Simon is one of those I respect for his knowledge and his ethos.
In my own opinion I think a small clean 4-stroke motor offers a really sustainable alternative to car useage and if the have to be licensed and registered then so be it but I do not want to see the baby being thrown out with the bathwater.
Writing to your local Fed & State MPs to point out the amazing potential of motorised bicycles (of any sort) and asking for an appointment really helps.
I also notice that my motored bike blog has had hits from both Peter Garret (ex-Minister for Environment) and Malcolm Turnbull (ex- Opposition Leader).
Yes, petrol-engined bikes might well be banned but as yet they are not and with Peak Oil around the next corner they could just as easily become unbanned. Only time will tell. If electric motors suddenly improve I will seriously consider using them but around where I live (Byron Shire, NSW) they are only good for a trip to the shop and back.
