Is electric assist cycling not 'real' cycling?

[mjr]

I can't help but think that someone will have an accident on a bike with a modified motor and the law will be changed because of it.

I think such modification already renders the bike illegal to use on public roads, so what law would you expect to change and how?

 

[youngoldbloke]

Why isn't riding a moped 'cycling' too? Or is it? Is an electric moped an e-bike? It gets you out, on two wheels, you turn pedals. Is it all a case of definition - max speed, power, taxation? I don't know. Can anyone explain?

 

[greekonabike]

I think such modification already renders the bike illegal to use on public roads, so what law would you expect to change and how?

I'm not 100% sure but I can imagine the power outputs of the bikes could be further limited if modifying them became a big issue. Although saying that when I was 16 everyone I knew rode a de-restricted 50cc moped and the only way they could enforce the 30mph top speed was by testing bikes in mobile rolling roads.

GOAB

 

[Pale Rider]

@Pale Rider has used his e-bike on some really challenging rides with me and assorted other CycleChatters this year. I'm sure that he would be the first to admit that he wouldn't have been able to join us without a bit of help from the motor, but it was obvious that he was still having to put a lot of his own energy into the rides as well.

The only time that it could be a problem would be if the other riders wanted to ride at a speed significantly beyond the 15 mph assistance limit of the motor.

That's correct, the ebike enables me to take part in rides I couldn't otherwise do.

It is real cycling in the sense that, as @ColinJ says, I need to put in quite a bit of effort - for me - to keep up with strongish road riders.

No throttle on my Bosch crank assist bike, so if I don't pedal, I don't go, which is very much like a push bike.

The electronics mean the harder I push, the harder the motor pushes, but I still need to change down for hills and headwinds.

All-in-all, a crank assist ebike is like real cycling, the main difference being that in any given situation it is easier to push the pedals.

 

[welsh dragon]

It can be. And I think e-bike racing would be an interesting thing, where each rider/team is having to decide on their acceleration/battery profile, like I think how the F1 teams have (had?) to choose how to use KERS, to get the best possible advantage from it before it runs out of charge. It might encourage development of more efficient e-bikes if done right.


Really? What survey's that from?




I don't agree with that unless it's a sports club.

This isn't part of the forum that demands surveys, research, and 101 other things. most ebikers just want to get out into the fresh air, or to be able to continue to cycle when they thought they might have to give up, or if they life in really hilly areas.

And if you know people who wouldn't want them or accept them in their groups as they would consider them cheating, then it's just as well that most just want to pootle along in their own sweet time. heaven forbid they join a group where they are not wanted.

 

[mjr]

Why isn't riding a moped 'cycling' too? Or is it? Is an electric moped an e-bike? It gets you out, on two wheels, you turn pedals. Is it all a case of definition - max speed, power, taxation? I don't know. Can anyone explain?

e-bikes are basically electric versions of the old autocycles - pedalling is the primary drive method but they come with motor assistance. mopeds are esentially the other way round and haven't even been required in the UK to have pedals for a while now.

I think mopeds used to be limited to 4kW but now seem to be limited by speed (45kph). E-bikes are limited to 250W and the motor cannot assist beyond 15.5mph (about 20kph) (source). So they have different primary drive, power and top speed, which makes me think the line is somewhere between.

most ebikers just want to get out into the fresh air

So you keep claiming. I think that's probably junk and it's just as well I also know groups where they're welcomed.

 

[welsh dragon]

e-bikes are basically electric versions of the old autocycles - pedalling is the primary drive method but they come with motor assistance. mopeds are esentially the other way round and haven't even been required in the UK to have pedals for a while now.

I think mopeds used to be limited to 4kW but now seem to be limited by speed (45kph). E-bikes are limited to 250W and the motor cannot assist beyond 15.5mph (about 20kph) (source). So they have different primary drive, power and top speed, which makes me think the line is somewhere between.


So you keep claiming. I think that's probably junk and it's just as well I also know groups where they're welcomed.

You're opinion is noted, and it is just that. I have no intention of getting into an argument with you. you clearly know better. enjoy your discussion , but maybe a few other e bikers on this forum would agree with me.

 

[broadway]

Theyre speciality kit, not for regular daily cycling use. If you have special needs, they might fit the mark.

A bicycle is in itself a labour saving device, and one of the most efficient out there.

If an overweight middle aged man like myself used one id call him a lazy daffodil.

The majority of weekend cyclists are on speciality kit, maybe your being a bit to focused in your opinion.

 

[jefmcg]

If an overweight middle aged man like myself used one id call him a lazy daffodil.

Well, I assume you equally insult overweight men in cars, on motorcycles or riding bus or trains? Or is it just reserved for those who are active, but not quite as active as you?

 

[Joffey]

When does a bicycle become a moped?

If you strapped a petrol motor to a MTB is that cycling? Is a derny a cycle? No.

It lets people enjoy the feeling of cycling when maybe they aren't physically able to do 100% of the work. Nothing wrong with that at all (unless they upload their rides to Strava!)

 

[Smokin Joe]

Who the hell cares what other people ride? If someone on an E bike overtook me I wouldn't give a toss, he's doing what he wants to do and I'm doing what I want to do. No one is cheating anyone.

 

[fatjel]

I bought a conversion kit and transformed my partners bike ..
We had some good fun rides together that we would otherwise not due to poor health.
I occasionally steal it for a spin and have to say I enjoy it enormously

 

[Oldfentiger]

We bought Mrs OFT an ebike, and it's made a big difference to both of us.
I'm fitter than she is, so when we used to go for a ride together it wasn't much of a workout for me, and she was always feeling guilty because she thought she was spoiling my ride.
Now when we go out for a ride together we're both knackered when we get home

 

[tyred]

I think they're great. A friend's mum bought one and is able to go cycling again in the remote and mountainous area where she lives. It would be a serious challenge for a frail 76 year old to ride in terrain like that but electric assist makes it possible.

Some day when funds allow I intend to build my own on an existing frame as I'd like the challenge of doing so and I can see advantages of having one even though I am fortunate enough to have the health and fitness to ride a normal bike.

 

[Dave 123]

Mrs Dave works with a lad who rides MTB. He lives 20 miles from work and uses an E MTB to get to work and back a few times a week. He's currently doing his house up so I understand his energy conservation.

I see perfectly able folk ride them around the mountain range that is central Cambridge and I do wonder.....

Older people though, who might not get out any more/as much I think it's a great idea.