Speedbox???

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Stul

Guru
OK, so probably a bit of a sensitive issue for some, but after 5 years of E-bike ownershop I decided to fit a speedbox as I ws getting totally fustrated with the motor cutting out at 15mph. It has been a game changer!! While it has the capability of setting the maximum assist to silly speeds, I have just set it to provide assistance up to 20 mph, and it has greatly improved my ride. I regularly ride with peopl on manuals who can comfortably pedal (on the flat) up to 18mph and always leave me trailing. Also when building up speed to go down a hill to give some momentum to go up the other side only for it to "power down" after 15mph on the climb out.

I did read somewhere that they were looking to change the legislation to allow 20mph assist but some bright spark(s) thought this wqs a bad idea? 'bout time they had another review, particularly given the amount of 20mph speed limits there are about. IMHO it would actully make riding safer..(as well as more enjoyable).

I appreciate I am probably (?), gong to get a lot of flak, but to be honest, I am not really bothered as it has significantly improved my e-bike riding experience....
 
Dogtrousers

Dogtrousers

Lefty tighty. Get it righty.
You want a moped? Why not buy a moped?
 
fossyant

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Takes quite a bit of effort to ride a proper bike at 20 mph, and technically as it's powered, you need insurance - do not get into an accident or caught as you could face some serious legal consequences. There is a reason you'll get flak.

Is 15 mph not rather a lot up hill - us normal cyclists will probably be slower.
 
steveindenmark

steveindenmark

Legendary Member
I am not going to give you flak. But I would like to ask a question, I am sure you have no reply to.

You have now created a motorbike that is illegal on the road and that you have no insurance to ride. What will you do if you are in an accident where someone is injured or worse. Will you ride off and leave them on the floor or do you really believe it could never happen to you?

Just in case it does. This is a photo of me after being hit by a moped. Cuts and bruises, broken leg, 2 dislocated thumbs. New carbon, Di2 bike destroyed. Fortunately, he had insurance. Just as well as they ended up paying me £26k. I hope you can afford it.

But don't worry I am sure this cannot happen to you.


IMG_20200921_072035.jpg
 
diplodicus

diplodicus

Senior Member
I can understand the desire for an e-road bike to do 20mph

I have ridden with e-bikers on road and off. Off road average speeds are below the motor cut out and so the e-bikers have assist the whole time, if they need. On road average speeds are generally above 15mph. The ride then becomes disjointed. E-biker distances me up the hill and drops off on flat/downhill.
 
glasgowcyclist

glasgowcyclist

Charming but somewhat feckless
Location
Scotland
Stul said:
I want an e-bike as it gives me some excercise.
Click to expand...

If it's some exercise you want, surely you should be dropping the assistance cut-off speed, not raising it! 😂
 
SteveH80

SteveH80

Well-Known Member
It's an interesting can of worms you've opened Stul.
Obviously you're at risk in event of an accident as you're riding an illegal bike, the fact that you could have been going that fast with the bike legal won't cut no ice.
Really the whole ebike legislation needs sorting. The entire premise of 250w continuous is flawed, the latest 1500w peak motors aren't far from a 50cc moped and with a far better power to weight ratio.
 
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mjr

mjr

Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
Location
mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
diplodicus said:
On road average speeds are generally above 15mph. The ride then becomes disjointed. E-biker distances me up the hill and drops off on flat/downhill.
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I ride in a group mixed of e-bikes and unassisted bikes. The e bike riders can drop everyone going uphill due to the assistance and most downhill due to the weight of motor and battery. The unassisted riders can drop the e-bikes on many flattish roads. But we don't because we're not all cocks.

Try all riding less like cocks.
 
diplodicus

diplodicus

Senior Member
mjr said:
I ride in a group mixed of e-bikes and unassisted bikes. The e bike riders can drop everyone going uphill due to the assistance and most downhill due to the weight of motor and battery. The unassisted riders can drop the e-bikes on many flattish roads. But we don't because we're not all cocks.

Try all riding less like cocks.
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I don't think I mentioned anyone riding like a cock.

But, hey, you do you :laugh:
 
E

ebikeerwidnes

Guru
Location
Widnes
mjr said:
I ride in a group mixed of e-bikes and unassisted bikes. The e bike riders can drop everyone going uphill due to the assistance and most downhill due to the weight of motor and battery. The unassisted riders can drop the e-bikes on many flattish roads. But we don't because we're not all cocks.

Try all riding less like cocks.
Click to expand...

I was reading from a bloke who got an ebike as he was getting older and his friends from the club were leaving him behind
but he didn;t like them slowing down so he could keep up

He said that he was very popular as when things got bad into bad headwinds he could take the lead and they could shelter behind him

So - as you said - if everyone looks at everyone else's pros and cons then you can co-operate and ride as a group
 
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