Experiences of taking an ebike on a train?

[Anthony-C]

But as above, using a fake sticker might seem harmless but is almost a guarantee of a prison sentence, suspended if you're lucky and if your previous record permits.
[...]
To even consider it would be stupidity of the first order. It seems a harmless wheeze, but people don't seem to appreciatew what bad ju=ju any type of deception is in the eyes of the law.

This is really worrying. A lot of kit and DIY (i.e. from parts) builders do all they can to make their bikes EN15194 compliant, both to avoid seizure and to just do the right thing. Having a sticker is part of compliance and not having one has been used as grounds for seizure, so in effect they're obliged to fit one, often self-made to show compliance information without falsely claiming type approval or UKCA.

I've very little confidence that magistrates would appreciate that distinction and that no deception was intended. Equally the police have been inconsistent in understanding that Throttles are legal provided they only function while pedalling or below 4mph (unless in use before 2016), so what hope is there with labels?

BTW in London gaffa tape is to deter battery theft, better warnings are vulnerable or damaged wiring and 'dinner-plate' motors.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

This is really worrying. A lot of kit and DIY (i.e. from parts) builders do all they can to make their bikes EN15194 compliant, both to avoid seizure and to just do the right thing. Having a sticker is part of compliance and not having one has been used as grounds for seizure, so in effect they're obliged to fit one, often self-made to show compliance information without falsely claiming type approval or UKCA.

I've very little confidence that magistrates would appreciate that distinction and that no deception was intended. Equally the police have been inconsistent in understanding that Throttles are legal provided they only function while pedalling or below 4mph (unless in use before 2016), so what hope is there with labels?

BTW in London gaffa tape is to deter battery theft, better warnings are vulnerable or damaged wiring and 'dinner-plate' motors.

Throttles are also legal under 2 other circumstances
a) if the bike was first sold (or made??) before 2016 - but it has to comply with ALL the pre 2016 reg - including max power 200W not 250W

b) it you have Single Vehicle Approval from the DVLA - or something like that

both pretty rare nowadays - although I can imagine there are a few "vintage" pre 2016 ebikes around - possibly even some from the pre Li battery era
I think Wispa did some ebikes where they would sort out the DVLA certificate for you for a charge

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I have had a reply from Cycling UK
I will copy it here

Hi Michael, many thanks for your support Emma, and apologies for the delay responding. It has been a hectic week.
Yes, they are banning all EAPCs unless they are folding e0bikes, including at train stations. The folding e-bike exemption has not been thought through. There is no requirement for your folding e-bike to be folded, to be exempt.

As it's taken a few days to reply, I will also give you a short update.

We received a response from Merseyrail on Thursday, again refusing to meet with us and still refusing to disclose their safety report. I will be escalating that to a complain to the Rail Ombudsman next week.

95 people have sent us their case studies, explaining how this ban will affect them. We are summarising those into a document we will share with Steve Rotherham on Wednesday, in advance of a meeting he (and I suspect Simion O'Brien) has with Merseyrail on Friday.

We have been in touch with both Steve Rotherham and Simon O'Brien, with the former expressing his support in broad terms - see Liverpool Echo piece here Merseyrail could have to reconsider 'devastating' e-bike ban - Liverpool Echo

In the meantime, the numbers do make a difference, so if you are able to nudge anyone either to send a complaint to Merseyrail Merseyrail fail - bin the blanket e-bike ban | Cycling UK or to email their MP Merseyrail e-bike ban - write to your MP | Cycling UK, or both, that would be hugely appreciated.

Do shout if you have any questions.




So we shall see what happens!!