Electric bikes legislation

Eu-Directive regulating pedelecs (power assisted electric bikes) states
Pedelecs up to 25 km/h (16 mph) and a motor no more than 250 Watts rated output are considered bicycles. Type approval is not required. Applicable November 9, 2003 in all EU Member States. The law reference electric bikes is somewhat ambiguous. British law does not coincide with European Law and each European country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding bicycles. To remain exempt from motor vehicle legislation, an electric bicycle must comply with the following:


Power 
Maximum rated motor power - 250w No later than November 9, 2003, Great Britain must conform to the EU- directive:
Pedelecs may have a 250 watt motor and be able to reach a top speed of 15.5 mph, and still be classified as a bicycle. 


Speed 
Maximum speed under power - 15.5mph (25kph) 


Assistance 
In most of Europe the motor can only legally work when the pedals are turning, in the UK this is not the case (see Throttle control below). 


Brakes 
The power to the motor must be cut automatically when the brakes are applied.


Throttle control
Throttles operating independently of the pedals, enabling a bike to be ridden on power only are legal in the UK under the 1982 EAPC regulations. They are illegal under EU regulations in mainland Europe.
Throttles operating under the dictates of pedelec control, only permitting regulation of power while pedalling, are legal everywhere in Europe and the UK.
This is the relevant paragraph from the EU regulations and nowhere within the regulations are throttles mentioned:
"(h) cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0,25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling."
Hero Eco's range conforms to the 250 watts limit and cuts off as required, the throttle is just a safety device to limit power where the normal amount given by a pedal rotation could be unsafe.

 

Weight
Maximum weight 40 kgs for electric bikes.
 
Cycle standards
All bikes must comply with existing pedal cycle standards.
 
Legal Age
You must be 14 years of age or over to ride an electric bike.
 
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