E-Bikes Should Not Require Pedaling, Proposes U.K. Government, Diverging From E.U.

www.forbes.com E-Bikes Should Not Require Pedaling, Proposes U.K. Government, Diverging From E.U.

E-bikes could get faster, more powerful and not require pedaling, in a move announced today by UKGOV. Cycling organizations are opposed to the plans.

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I don't really see the point in removing the ability to pedal. What, just to remove yet another age old tried and true basic technology from our lives? Pedals offer an alternative natural power source when your battery gets low, and some people still occasionally enjoy exercise.
32KPH ≈ 20MPH
That does sound fairly reasonable for a bicycle speed limit. Most typical mechanical bicycles tend to have an average comfortable cruising speed of around 11 to 12MPH. Max speed really depends on the gearing of the bike and how much energy the rider can put into it, but it's not unreasonable nor difficult to refrain from going over 20MPH.
If I do ever get an electric bicycle, I want mine with the option to pedal as well.
- They are talking about removing the obligation to pedal, not the option (which I agree with you, it's a good option to have)
  I think it's a very sensible decision, I'm from a EU country with 250W limit which is very anemic for the dangerous city streets we have in my town. A throttle is much safer especially when starting from a stop, but it's currently illegal to have on.
  
  Huh, okay, I get the article a little better now. Sorry I'm not very familiar with rules and regulations regarding electric bikes, or even mechanical bikes for that matter.
  Where I live, the only regulation they have for bicycles actually applies to automobiles, they have to give bicyclists 3 feet of space when they pass. That's it. No speed limits, no helmets necessary, just use common sense and don't ride in the middle of the highway.
  I'm glad to live in a very bicycle friendly city.

105 comments