Presentation Transcript

1. A Question of Watts

   The pedelec issue

2. BAG statement A pedelecs primary source of power is the human propelling it.the motor (250w) only assists in the process
3. Cover everything not covered by the Motor Vehicle Act (Sub vehicles) Pedal Power Regulation’s set out to >>>>> Pedal Powered Regulations Motor Vehicle Regulations Human Powered Engine Powered Insurance imposed upon higher powered mopeds under the PPR’s Bicycle Insurance
4. How the directive 2002/24/EC see’s it 250w (25KPH*) Pedelec 50cc 1Kw 25KPH^ Low Performance Mopeds 50cc 4Kw 45KPH^ Moped L1e/L2e Human Powered Engine Powered 250w Pedelec 251w Pedelec M/C  Bicycle * At which point to power cuts off ^ Maximum speed limit
5. Key points: All pedelecs under 250w are considered so low a power rating as to be bicyclespedal equipped mopeds are limited to 1Kw as very low performance mopeds with a max speed of 25kph
6. LN129 of 2004 attempts to follow it 250w (25KPH*) Power Assisted Cycle 50cc 2BHP 45KPH^ Low Powered Cycle 50cc 4Kw 45KPH^ Moped Human Powered Engine Powered Incl Moped Pedelec M/C  Bicycle Moped Insurance Clause 20 Ch104 * At which point to power cuts off ^ Maximum speed limit
7. Key points: LN129 defines pedelecs under 250w as being something different, but does not go as far as considering them as bicyclesAllowable power output for low powered cycle (pedal equipped moped) is ‘defined’ at a higher level i.e. 1.49KW (2BHP) with an increased max speed of 45kphClause 20 specifically defines insurance as being incumbent only upon 4Kw mopeds
8. In July 2012 BAG met with TM with regard to possible changes to LN129/2004. BAG noted the following regarding pedelecs; Pt1 (3): ‘In most EU countries pedelecs are not registered, as these are different to pure electric vehicles. Registering bicycles can have a negative effect on encouraging their use. It also legitimizes bicycle advocacy demands.’ 4(1): ‘Pedelecs are not usually registered in the EU states although electric bikes are. This needs to be moved along.’ 5 (1): ‘Does this include pedelecs? If so why. They are not powered just power assisted. Suggested text… This regulation does not apply to bicycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor up to a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25Kw, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25Km/H or if the cyclist stops pedalling as described in EU 15194.‘
9. LN365 of 2012 changes 250w (25KPH*) Power Assisted Pedal Cycle 50cc 2BHP 45KPH^ Low Powered Cycle 50cc 4Kw 45KPH^ Moped L1e/L2e Should be somewhere over here? Human Powered Engine Powered Clause 3 (2) (a&b) Incl Moped Pedelec M/C  Bicycle Moped Insurance Clause 20 Ch104 * At which point to power cuts off ^ Maximum speed limit
10. LN365 of 2012 changes imply that 250w category, require a silencer resulting in people assuming that the petrol powered bicycles on our roads are just 250w rather than mopeds between circa 1.49-6Kw (2 - 5BHP) Part 1 (3) 2 (b) ….in the case of a cycle fitted with an internal combustion motor, a complete exhaust system emitting a sound level of not more than 91dBA. This statement does not appear to refer to other more powerful engine classification later on, although this is covered by the type certification in the case of L1e & L2e machines. Here’s why? In addition TM noted (TOM 25/07/13) that 951 power assisted pedal cycles had been registered. While this included pedelecs, how many are actually 50cc and higher petrol engine machines, essentially mopeds, that exceed 250w allowed for the class, the directives 1Kw or even TM’s definition 1.49Kw?
11. Key media points: Tuesday, July 16, 2013, (TOM) ‘Petition demands regulation of motorized bicycle’Wednesday, July 17, 2013, (TOM) ‘Cyclists' Group sees no need for further regulation of electric bicycles, calls for enforcement of all traffic laws’Thursday, July 18, 2013, (TOM) ‘Power assisted power cycles have to be registered and insured – TM, Riders need permit or licence. ‘Must have an output of not more than 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25km/hr… …must have a completely exhaust system emitting a sound level of not more than 91dbA’ **Friday, July 19, 2013, TOM ‘ Watchdog rolls out campaign to educate owners of electric bikes’
12. MEDIA Escalation 18 july 2013 ** 250w (25KPH^) Power Assisted Pedal Cycle 50cc 2BHP 45KPH^ Low Powered Cycle 50cc 4Kw 45KPH^ Moped L1e/L2e Off the scope? Human Powered Engine Powered Registered, driver tested & insured, 16yrs, helmet & speedometer Pedelec M/C  Bicycle Moped Insurance Clause 20 Ch104 * At which point to power cuts off ^ Maximum speed limit
13. Go into your kitchen and check the power rating on your hand mixer, it’s likely to be just 250-300w. Os model aircraft engine 2.5cc0.4HP (298w) @ 17000RPM Yes 298w How much is 250w?
14. The 50cc – 250w Myth! 250w (2.5cc) 50cc (1.49-6KW)
15. 49cc kit 5-6HP (2Kw) @ 6000rpm Statement From a local suppliers website ‘…can supply 3 different engines with different power for custom made mopeds. ‘ The 50cc – 250w Myth! (its not a hand mixer!)
16. A 250w internal combustion engine for bicycle duty does not appear to exist! It is time for some common senseCyclists, including pedelec users, are not prepared to bare the brunt of legislation because of individuals using essentially mopeds, who use a loop hole in the law to register them as, or for them to appear to the public, as 250w machinesThis is either a gross error or the media has got it wrong.
17. Suggested corrections to SL65.29 & Policy Enforcement 250w (25KPH*) Power Assisted Pedal Cycle 50cc 1Kw 25KPH^ Low Performance Cycle 50cc 4Kw 45KPH^ Moped L1e/L2e Human Powered Engine Powered Clause 3 (2) (a&b) 251w Pedelec Pedelec M/C  Bicycle Moped Insurance * At which point to power cuts off ^ Maximum speed limit
18. We (BAG) have been saying it since 2011. We will say it once more. A pedelecs primary source of power is the human propelling it.The (250w) motor only assists in the processLike the rest of Europe, we should be making it easier to use pedelecs, not more difficult