Electric bikes

[Just us on Tour]

Hi All
We are considering purchasing a couple of folding electric bikes . Has anyone got any experience of them and recommendations please . We are looking for portability , range and quick charging time . Don’t want much do we lol
Thanks guys

 

[PhilMary]

Excellent bikes of course. And they make electric versions.

In addition to the normal consideration of pros and cons (and they do go in both directions even with a quality product like a Brompton) I had to think about … price!

2 cycles for £ 2,400 or … about £ 7,000? Well, let me have a think…

2 cycles for £ 2,400 each is on the cheaper side for a quality Ebike.

 

[PhilMary]

I have a Woosh gran Camino, bought last feb, it has the ability to be driven with only pedalling to start off then continue with a thumb throttle. Sold as being legal.

I expect you have that the wrong way round.
The Ebike can have powered start system ( I think it's <6km/h) after that it has to be pedal assist.

 

[PaulW2]

2 cycles for £ 2,400 each is on the cheaper side for a quality Ebike.

It is cheap. That is why their marketing splurb linked at the start has an (I think) Guardian article which calls it good value.

Pretty ok from my perspective and solid. Just to get around, not for the Tour de France. Design wise it has a cadence-sensing motor rather than a torque-sensing one which is the cheaper of the two ways of doing it.

(And it’s £ 1,200 each - £ 2,400 for 2!)

 

[Minxy]

I expect you have that the wrong way round.
The Ebike can have powered start system ( I think it's <6km/h) after that it has to be pedal assist.

Actually he's right, they do say that it can be used throttle only:

5. How do the electrics work?

Just switch on the key and either start pedalling or turn the throttle gently down towards you.
The bike will move along under its own power, and braking will cut this off.
Woosh bikes have both pedal and throttle assist, european made bikes only have pedal assist.

I can't see any mention of the legality of them though

Gran Camino MTB electric bicycle from Woosh

The Woosh Gran Camino, a 27.5 electric mountain bike with hydraulic brakes 36V 15AH/17AH battery from Woosh. Price range: £1379-£1459. Great bike for trails.

wooshbikes.co.uk

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[Ratcatcher]

When I bought from Woosh it said on the website that they were legal due to some certification, but not on the website now! I wonder why?

 

[EricS]

When I bought from Woosh it said on the website that they were legal due to some certification, but not on the website now! I wonder why?

Wisper also sell DVSA certified bikes. Their website states "L1e bikes are only recognised in the UK. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the bike is legal before using the bike outside the UK." It also states "If you are intending to take your Wisper bike out of the UK, it is your responsibility to check it may be used legally at your destination. We can for a £55.00 fee re-restrict your bike for you whilst you are out of the UK and de-restrict it for you when you get home, this work has to be done physically at our HQ in Kent."
They will also upgrade existing Wisper bikes.

 

[Landy Andy]

Try before you buy. We tried small wheeled bikes, and they were horrendous, wouldn’t want to do on anything more than a short ride on one. Certainly not a proper ride out.

 

[Jo May]

My advice would be whatever you choose make sure they have a minimum of front suspension. I don’t think you’ll find quick charging

What do you mean hy the front suspension??

 

[stevewagner]

What do you mean hy the front suspension??

Telescopic front forks

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[VXman]

Pedibal's FAQ quote about legislation
"The UK law regarding electric bikes is slightly different to EU laws, you can check the full UK laws if you want some more information"

Then goes on to say:
"the bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it"

However, the UK Legislation is actually
"The pedals must be in motion for electric assistance to be provided"

So, while I appreciate the chance of being 'caught' is low, the company is misleading it's potential clientele.

For me, "Barge pole" springs to mind...

I agree that any electric bike that doesn't require pedalling to provide assistance and that goes over 15.5mph is illegal, in practice the chances of being caught are minimal to none unless you were being silly and speeding through a pedestrian zone at 30mph.

I think the whole electric bike/scooter situation needs to be re evaluated. Present laws are pointless, not enforced, riders and commercial sellers break them daily.

 

[funflair]

My advice would be whatever you choose make sure they have a minimum of front suspension. I don’t think you’ll find quick charging

Personally I wouldn't bother with front suspension, just extra weight and something else to go rusty and stop working, I have ridden 10's of 1000's of miles without suspension including mountain bikes and Tandems.

 

[VXman]

Wisper also sell DVSA certified bikes. Their website states "L1e bikes are only recognised in the UK. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the bike is legal before using the bike outside the UK." It also states "If you are intending to take your Wisper bike out of the UK, it is your responsibility to check it may be used legally at your destination. We can for a £55.00 fee re-restrict your bike for you whilst you are out of the UK and de-restrict it for you when you get home, this work has to be done physically at our HQ in Kent."
They will also upgrade existing Wisper bikes.

It doesn't seem to refer to the pedal/throttle aspect here but does talk about 'type approval ' . Not sure what that means. Can type approval get around the restrictions? But does that then mean you need to be taxed/insured/ only on the road/helmet like a moped?

Electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance

Electric bikes meeting the EAPC regulations can be ridden on the road without being taxed, licensed or insured

www.gov.uk

 

[Coolcats]

Personally I wouldn't bother with front suspension, just extra weight and something else to go rusty and stop working, I have ridden 10's of 1000's of miles without suspension including mountain bikes and Tandems.

Does make a big difference and none of our suspension has rusted, as they say you pay your money and take your choice

 

[BrochMike]

Electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance

Electric bikes meeting the EAPC regulations can be ridden on the road without being taxed, licensed or insured

www.gov.uk

Seems there is more 'guidance' than actual 'legislation' for UK - what a mess...

So, while EU legislation (article 3) is explicit, maybe sense prevails re 'twist-n-go' (at least in GB EAPC information sheet)?

Because of the particular benefits for elderly and disabled users, pedal cycles providing electrical assistance without use of the pedals - usually called “Twist and Goes” - are included in the above GB classification provided they are capable of pedal operation and comply with the above restrictions on maximum motor power and assistance cut-off speed.

Won't help the legality of using throttles in EU but, as noted, chances of being 'caught' are infinitesimally small...

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[PaulW2]

Seems there is more 'guidance' than actual 'legislation' for UK - what a mess...

So, while EU legislation (article 3) is explicit, maybe sense prevails re 'twist-n-go' (at least in GB EAPC information sheet)?

Because of the particular benefits for elderly and disabled users, pedal cycles providing electrical assistance without use of the pedals - usually called “Twist and Goes” - are included in the above GB classification provided they are capable of pedal operation and comply with the above restrictions on maximum motor power and assistance cut-off speed.

Won't help the legality of using throttles in EU but, as noted, chances of being 'caught' are infinitesimally small...

Recently met up with Portuguese friends. Man had electric cycle with a thumb operated throttle in addition to the normal pedal assist. “They all offer it” he said. I would imagine the chances of being “caught” are pretty low here too. I can’t be bothered with getting legal opinions in every jurisdiction as if I was going to be in the dock for the trial of the century. I’ll simply keep pedalling when I see a cop - no need to be provocative. And I’ll have my “papiere” with me.

(Never mind all the places where the electric scooters scoot around - they seem to be everywhere and no-one seems to be paying any attention.)

 

[VXman]

My experience in Italy is that they are more tolerant of electric bikes/scooters anyway. I remember being out in a busy pedestrianised area and big, fat wheeled electric bikes weaving in and out of pedestrians at speed - no pedalling. All the teenagers had them.

 

[pandas]

Well, if the DVSA act in ignorance they will just have to explain it to the court!

I would worry more about your insurance cover were you responsible for an accident - the insurance company would be all over the legislation - oh I know you will see the in court.

 

[PaulW2]

I would worry more about your insurance cover were you responsible for an accident - the insurance company would be all over the legislation - oh I know you will see the in court.

What insurance?

 

[pandas]

What insurance?

We normally insure our bikes incase they are stolen but of course many don’t

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[BrochMike]

We normally insure our bikes incase they are stolen but of course many don’t

And you should have 3rd party liability (typically provided through house insurance but sometimes excluded and taken through a specific ebike policy)

 

[Howard B]

We have the Raleigh Stow-E-way electric folding bikes. Would happily buy again.

Stow-E-Way Folding Ebike | Free Delivery | Raleigh UK

The Stow-e-way is an electric folding bike which combines convenience and power. Easy-to-store with a Transx electric motor. 250wh battery. Free Delivery

www.raleigh.co.uk

 

[BikerGraham]

We have the Raleigh Stow-E-way electric folding bikes. Would happily buy again.

Stow-E-Way Folding Ebike | Free Delivery | Raleigh UK

The Stow-e-way is an electric folding bike which combines convenience and power. Easy-to-store with a Transx electric motor. 250wh battery. Free Delivery

www.raleigh.co.uk

We have two also. Nice bikes and not that heavy.

 

[cyberyacht]

We have a couple of Carrera Cross City folders. 20Kg each including the battery. Not that we need to fold them since we changed moho. 20" wheels, so a good compromise on space v stability. Must be honest though, we haven't used them an exceptional amount. I sometimes ponder on the uses I could put that bit of payload to. More cheap plonk for instance.