i'm annoyed with the power limit on electric bikes at 200watts (really slow)
i tried writing to my MP and i got a response but i don't think they were that bothered. this is the letter i wrote. the response listed higher American road casualties and a danger to "vulnerable road users" as reasons not to take it further.
-we are vulnerable road users, dur?!, and road casualty differences between two countries prove nothing.
i wish you all the best in your quest to get mb's legalised, so i could get one then!
i am writing to you with a new idea that could win your government the votes of the many "green voters" that party leaders are so eager to court. electric bikes are a new form of personal transport that is environmentally friendly, cheap and convenient. the combination of electric bike, train and taxi has the potential to replace cars and save people hundreds of pounds a year. electric bikes are safer that normal bikes because the extra speed gives car drivers longer to see you when they overtake and the strong battery pack can power big lights making electric bikes more visible at night.
EU legislation currently allows cyclists to use electric motors of up to 200 watts (continuous) and for no more than 15 mph. this was incorporated into to English law and made electric bikes possible. however the law is obsolete and restrictive, which limits the technology to niche markets such as the elderly. 200 watts is not even enough to climb a hill and pedal cyclists can travel at much faster speeds. this is a shame because a higher power limit would encourage many other people to get on two wheels and would reduce this countries carbon emissions considerably.
above this 200 watt limit an electric bike is classed as a moped and then requires a European type-approval certificate, MSVA Testing, insurance, tax and MOT. insurance is impossible to get because the non-standard vehicle will not be on an insurers database and will be refused.
the current UK law is unenforceable because it is impossible for police to tell weather a bike is over 200 watts. the law is too vague because there is no limit on peak power which allows a big loop hole for people to exploit. in the USA the limit is 750 watts and some states allow 1000 watts. in this country horse riders can drive 500 kg animals with 1 horse power (750 watts), very little control and do not need to pay for tax, insurance or MOT.
if the government were to pass a bill to increase the UK electric bike power limit in line with America this would be very popular among green voters, cyclists and anyone bored of inner city traffic ques.