Increase in seizures of illegal ebikes

[mjr]

It's a real shame the term "pedelec" never caught on for legal e-bikes/EAPCs.

I suppose if it had caught on, it would have been misused and we would have legal pedelecs and illegal pedelecs, and be back where we are now

Indeed. See how many "mopeds" have no pedals.

 

[Alex321]

Indeed. See how many "mopeds" have no pedals.

The official definition was changed by a 1976 Statutory instrument, so that any motorcycle first used on or after 1st August 1977 is a moped if it has a maximum design speed which does not exceed 30 mph, a kerbside weight which does not exceed 250 kg, and, if propelled by an internal combustion engine, an engine the cylinder capacity of which does not exceed 50 cc.

No pedals required unless first used before that date.

 

[TomDW]

Just seen this about AliExpress getting fined

https://road.cc/ebiketips/news/aliexpress-fined

Good on the EU for targeting them. In my part of South London there doesn't appear to be any clampdown on illegal ebikes, it's a total free for all of dangerous, over powered bikes.

 

[ianrauk]

Good on the EU for targeting them. In my part of South London there doesn't appear to be any clampdown on illegal ebikes, it's a total free for all of dangerous, over powered bikes.

They had a splurge in the South East of London (Lewisham) a couple of weeks back. Not the first time I've seen them seizing bikes and scooters.

 

[Rusty Nails]

They had a splurge in the South East of London (Lewisham) a couple of weeks back. Not the first time I've seen them seizing bikes and scooters.

If only they could have a look at the blatantly (and proud of it) illegal conversions on sale on Gumtree

 

[KuroSan]

They had a splurge in the South East of London (Lewisham) a couple of weeks back. Not the first time I've seen them seizing bikes and scooters.

I've seen them in the area as well, also saw a plod bike chasing down someone on a very obviously overpowered e-bike today too.

 

[mjr]

They had a splurge in the South East of London (Lewisham) a couple of weeks back. Not the first time I've seen them seizing bikes and scooters.

Do you reckon they snatched any legal ones like West Midlands Police?

 

[ianrauk]

Do you reckon they snatched any legal ones like West Midlands Police?

No idea

 

[KuroSan]

Do you reckon they snatched any legal ones like West Midlands Police?

Knowing Lewisham, more than likely. I've had 7 bikes stolen in the last 40 years living in that borough and plod did absolutely sod all!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Cyclist points to enormous bike logo painted on the ground.

Oh yes, this happened to me several times.
Once I pointe to the shared path sign in front of the complainer: he said the sign meant the road, not the pavement
Another time a random guy shouts "on the road with that thing", meaning my bike: the most enormous bike painted on the shared pavement was just behind him.
What can one say?
I mostly do not respond.

 

[Webbo2]

Just seen this about AliExpress getting fined

https://road.cc/ebiketips/news/aliexpress-fined

SO I checked on Temu - via the ad at the top of this page

and found this

https://road.cc/ebiketips/news/aliexpress-fined

There were ebikes as well but the scooter is certainly not road/pavement legal
the ebikes I looked at were 250W and said max speed of 25 kph
no mention of a throttle or anything

but some small print - if you are looking for it - saying you need to check local regs before buying

but to be honest I couldn;t SEE anything in the details that someone could look at and say "THAT bit is illegal"

but I bet it isn't!

I just received an email from Aliexpress which has an advert for a 22mph E bike for the UK according to the blurb. Clearly they haven’t been fined enough.