As electric bikes are becoming more and more common, different countries, and localities within each country, are still evolving rules to effectively govern their use.
Take the rules in the United Kingdom, for example.
According to European Union regulations, pedelecs may have motor assistance of up to 250W & up to a maximum speed of 25km/h. There is no helmet requirement. Riders must be at least 14 years old.
What’s a pedelec? The pedelec has an electronic sensor which senses when the pedals on a bike are turning. If the rider stops pedaling, the motor also stops. An electric bicycle, on the other hand, has a motor that replaces pedalling altogether.
In the UK, the EAPC Regulations 1983 allow both electric bicycle and pedelecs. The maximum motor-assisted speed is 15mph, and the maximum continuous power rating is 200W (not 250 as in the EU). The maximum vehicle weight is 40kg, which includes the batteries.
Source: LawyerAdviceNet
May 7th, 2010 at 1:39 am
If stopped for being over the legal drink/drive alcohol limit on an electric bicycle can I lose my motor vehicle driving licence?.