The Government is proposing to change e-cycle regulations:-
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Maximum motor power doubled from 250 watts to 500 watts
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The “Twist & Go” speed limit (where a throttle is used instead of pedalling) increased from 3.7mph to the current e-assist speed limit of 15.5 mph
Cycling UK has grave concerns over these proposals, namely:-
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Removing the requirement to pedal would blur the distinction between cycles and motor vehicles
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e-Bikes would be able to accelerate much more quickly than currently
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Easier to tamper with to over-ride the maximum speed, which is already an issue, even though it is illegal
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These higher powered e-bikes would be sharing cycle lanes & mixed used cycle/pedestrian paths, increasing risk to cyclists & pedestrians
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Risk that the changes would worsen the public’s perception of cyclists and increase calls for cyclists to be licensed and registered
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Removing the need to pedal negates the inherent public health benefit
Read the full Cycling UK article below & then make your voice heard by responding to the consultation, which closes at midnight on 25 April.
the most concerning aspect of this is the removal of the requirement to pedal to get power, and that it negates the health benefits of cycling. Already you see e-bikes that have been tampered with going far too fast in cycle lanes – often delivery drivers