E Van- the future?

[Drago]

No, not a fan of the Gimp Cycling Numpties for too many reasons to list.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

It's the sort of vehicle that should work really well for Royal Mail and other couriers, delivering small to moderate sized/weight parcels.

With a bit of protection from the elements, which ought to be possible to further enhance, it's the sort of "ebike" that ought to encourage more short distance drivers to use them for things like commuting.

 

[Dogtrousers]

At the risk of being burnt as a heretic ...

Why not just use a small purpose-made last-mile EV? One that doesn't need to pretend to be a pedelec. But at the same time isn't constrained by pedelec power limits. Genuine question.

OK there will be tax and licencing regulations, but is that such a big deal?

 

[raleighnut]

At the risk of being burnt as a heretic ...

Why not just use a small purpose-made last-mile EV? One that doesn't need to pretend to be a pedelec. But at the same time isn't constrained by pedelec power limits. Genuine question.

OK there will be tax and licencing regulations, but is that such a big deal?

Because it is classed as an EAPC it can use bus/cycle lanes to negotiate city centres whereas a road registered EV would be banned. Looks to be no wider than a bike with a pair of panniers.

 

[classic33]

Because it is classed as an EAPC it can use bus/cycle lanes to negotiate city centres whereas a road registered EV would be banned. Looks to be no wider than a bike with a pair of panniers.

Just over 3 feet wide

 

[Dogtrousers]

Because it is classed as an EAPC it can use bus/cycle lanes to negotiate city centres whereas a road registered EV would be banned. Looks to be no wider than a bike with a pair of panniers.

Motorbikes can access some bus lanes. I seem to recall that there was some talk of making it all bus lanes. So a non-EAPC regulated e-motorbike could fit the bill.

Not seeking to argue, just thinking aloud.

 

[tom73]

Well over 25 years ago the co-operative group had an in house recycling centre. The building was totally 100% renewable energy made on site, up stairs had officers and class rooms. All with recycled tables and chairs etc. It was very popular with school visits learning about recycling and wider environmental stuff. They had a EV quite like this one which they used to collect paper and plastic from new century house, handover building, CIS tower and other coop building that made up the then head office. They also used it to go out to Manchester airport to collect paper from the travel care branch and used boarding cards from airlines. As well was recycled paper they made stuff like pencils out of coffee cup and rules. I visited the centre a few time when I was on the board it was well ahead of it time. It was ran by someone who was so pro recycling she was infectious. Schools loved visiting and being shown round.

 

[Oldhippy]

Outspoken in Cambridge have many electrical assistance delivering vehicles I believe.

 

[CXRAndy]

It will have loads of torque with 4 motors. The 250W law is a joke. Many manufacturers have sidestepped it, including the major manufacturers. I like the concept of pedal assist for the user, rather than just sitting there. Inner cities and large towns should adopt this form of commercial transport for moving parcels, and other goods

 

[CXRAndy]

At the risk of being burnt as a heretic ...

Why not just use a small purpose-made last-mile EV? One that doesn't need to pretend to be a pedelec. But at the same time isn't constrained by pedelec power limits. Genuine question.

OK there will be tax and licencing regulations, but is that such a big deal?

It is for delivery businesses competing for every penny of profit

 

[classic33]

It will have loads of torque with 4 motors. The 250W law is a joke. Many manufacturers have sidestepped it, including the major manufacturers. I like the concept of pedal assist for the user, rather than just sitting there. Inner cities and large towns should adopt this form of commercial transport for moving parcels, and other goods

If it is pedal assist, then it falls outside the UK regulations, which is Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle not pedal assist. Certainly not in cycle lanes, as it would be classed as a motor vehicle.
Makes it liable for insurance, VED, license and registration. And an approved motorcycle helmet for the rider.

 

[Drago]

If it doesnt have the compliance plate/decal then regardless of the spec it isn't legal.

 

[Oldhippy]

And yet sidecars on motorbikes have no helmet requirements.

 

[raleighnut]

Well over 25 years ago the co-operative group had an in house recycling centre. The building was totally 100% renewable energy made on site, up stairs had officers and class rooms. All with recycled tables and chairs etc. It was very popular with school visits learning about recycling and wider environmental stuff. They had a EV quite like this one which they used to collect paper and plastic from new century house, handover building, CIS tower and other coop building that made up the then head office. They also used it to go out to Manchester airport to collect paper from the travel care branch and used boarding cards from airlines. As well was recycled paper they made stuff like pencils out of coffee cup and rules. I visited the centre a few time when I was on the board it was well ahead of it time. It was ran by someone who was so pro recycling she was infectious. Schools loved visiting and being shown round.

My first job in 1974 was with the Co-op delivering groceries on a bike (think Granville in 'Open all Hours') some kids had paper rounds, I had a bike to ride.

 

[raleighnut]

And yet sidecars on motorbikes have no helmet requirements.

Neither do Trikes, mate of mine had a Kawasaki Z1000 st (shaft drive tourer) based trike with a Reliant rear axle, that would do over 120mph when a helmet seemed a good idea but at legal speeds it was OK without