Is that one of those electric bikes..... ?

[triaesthete]

I apologise for repeating my feelings regarding electrified bikes which are mopeds by another name. I was not aware this was the Thorn moped Forum   

It's not a deaf people's forum either John  why do you always have to shout?

Think of them as bikes for people with cycling difficulties. Should be available on mobility allowance and encouraged. Get one before the bureaucrats spoil it 

Happy days one and all
Ian

[markbUK]

I bought one to get back into using a bike, its hilly round these parts!, Panasonic drive, no peddling no go, used it for a couple of years, before selling it for a Rohloff equipped bike,  and yes I've had the its electric comment,  

They certainly have there place, and if at some point in the future I find I can't manage on a normal bike then I wouldn't hesitate to get another,  

Mark

[Andre Jute]

However, in the UK at least, if an electrically assisted bicycle meets the following rules https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules
then it is not classed as a moped but is instead classed as an electrically assisted bicycle at least from the vehicle legal stand-point.

Mmm. By these rules hardly any of the electric bikes that manufacturers and riders fondly call "pedelecs" actually qualify as legal. Check this:

the motor shouldn’t have a maximum power output of more than 200 watts if it’s a bicycle and 250 watts if it’s a tandem or tricycle

Most common motors, and certainly the most popular motor for conversions, the Bafang 8FUN QSWXK and its rear-wheel and less-well finished cousins which have the same high-torque gubbins, are rated 250W by the manufacturer, to fit the European pedelec spec, and seems to me (but what do I know, as I'll be happy to tell a judge should I be called as an expert to convict a cyclist caught for breaking these rules) to be very humbly rated.

My own opinion -- and note that I live elsewhere -- is that a British magistrate will probably accept that the European standard takes precedence. But I wonder if there isn't a precedential ruling already.

But that isn't actually the key consideration. The most important thing here, as Ian says, is the attitude of the insurance companies. I think they're very likely to take your premiums and then when you need a payout to argue that your 250W motor breaks the law, which excludes it under their policy.

[Andre Jute]

A little self-awareness can go a long way.

You are cordially invited to join Narcissists International on our ride to the Flattering Reflecting Pool this Saturday. 

[triaesthete]

I'm a solipsist. If I go to narcissise you can come too Andre 


If you can admit human frailty and get a pedelec when the time comes you'll go a long way...

[ians]

If you can admit human frailty and get a pedelec when the time comes you'll go a long way...

I'll drink to this.  I'm a frail human and I've got a motor on the way.  I expect to go a long way (between battery charges)

ians

[Andre Jute]

If you can admit human frailty and get a pedelec when the time comes you'll go a long way...

Got mine. Am still cycling. I take the view that there is no need to be embarrassed about what keeps me alive.

[triaesthete]

  Chapeau and cheers to you both.

I came across this gem today:    I live by 'life is a gradual release from ignorance' and the hardest part of that philosophy is just how 'gradual' that 'release' can be.  True for me but you guys help.

Keep pedalling and enjoy the summer wine.

Ian

[ians]

thank you - and that's a nice philosophy. 

I have two mantras, neither original;

1. you'll never run out of money, you'll only ever run out of time.  From a mandolin owner in New York trying to sell a $3,000 instrument to a friend of mine.  I use it when I need a new camera or bike part.  This mantra, however useful, does not apply to my children who always seem to run out of money.

2. quitting is forever.  From LA who did so much damage to cycling and did some good for cancer.

If the hurricane doesn't hit us on sunday I'll be out on the bike.

ians

[leftpoole]

It's not a deaf people's forum either John   why do you always have to shout?

Think of them as bikes for people with cycling difficulties. Should be available on mobility allowance and encouraged. Get one before the bureaucrats spoil it  

Happy days one and all
Ian

Hello,
I am not shouting! I am emphasising but I am not an internet geek, freak or stickler for 'rules'.
I am merely a bystander in a Forum for voicing and asking opinions.
Please please please, read and enjoy.
I suffer dreadful health problems which take to Hospital weekly. I will never ride or promote electrified machines.
Generally (note meaning) these bikes are 'ridden' by people who should not be on the road.
Wobblers, people who are wanting to be seen as doing the correct thing, but making a mess of it. Believe it or not and it is true, I recently encountered 30 'cyclists' riding a 50 mile Charity ride being paid for being such brave soldiers riding such a long distance. This was in Christchurch, Dorset. 23 of them were on electrified bikes.
I think I am making 'my case'?
I have even encountered these things being ridden by power not pedal, along the pavement.
No no no, I do not like electrified by, and by the way I am actually shouting now!!!!!

I am not a believer in electrically powered vehicles, nor do I subscribe to wind power, my feeling is for tidal power.
John

[Danneaux]

HI All!

I think this is one topic that will run the gamut from firm advocate to fervent detractor with plenty of fence sitters in between. It isn't too unlike the debate about whether road cycling is better than MTB or touring.

As for the Forum, I so wish we could all cycle to the real cafe for a real cuppa and good convo. Instead,  we must do our best with this medium, where words stand alone unleavened by the twinkle of an eye or a bit of a grin while delivering the same message, sometimes with different impact.

We all get there in the end,  each by our own way.  What a colorless, boring world if all were the same!

All the best,

Dan. (...who is enjoying a cuppa dark espresso in a Hungarian cafe while lightning dances about outside. Work it just right and Danneaux gets an electric bike!)

[ians]

ha ha - enjoy your coffee and the remainder of your epic trip.

best

ians

[Andre Jute]

Dan. (...who is enjoying a cuppa dark espresso in a Hungarian cafe while lightning dances about outside. Work it just right and Danneaux gets an electric bike!)

Ian has it spot on: epic.

[Danneaux]

Hi Ian, Andre!

Many thanks for the good wishes. It has been a big 'un. See: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=8639.msg67105;topicseen#msg67105

All the best,

Dan. (...who has a little ways to go yet)

[Danneaux]

Hi Ian, Andre!

Many thanks for the good wishes. It has been a big 'un. See: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=8639.msg67105;topicseen#msg67105

All the best,

Dan. (...who has a little way to go yet)