So I often get asked to work on either manipulated EAPCs (normal ebikes) or speed pedelecs that have no type approval. People seem t have this attitude that it “is just a bicycle”.
I will give some context. I worked for more than a decade in the automotive sector, with one of my tasks being conversions and conformancy, and I have spent nearly a decade involved in ebikes. As I was an importer for a while I read both the 1983 regulations and the 2017 legislation from cover to cover. 1983 didn't take long – it's just a paragraph , and probably why people still think that the laxer attitude still applies. The 1983 regulation was more about closing off pedal assist mopeds than creating an ebike classification. This is why , for example, a VeloSolex has to be registered in the UK. On the automotive side , did you know that a 125cc motorcycle is in the bicycle taxation class?
Most ebikes in the UK fall into either L1eA or L1eB. If it does not meet the rules for an EAPC an L1eA bike has to be taxed and insured- which is why the throttle exemption requires type approval on a regular ebike. An L1eB ebike (speed pedelec) must be fully type approved, taxed insured and registered. The Rider must wear an E marked helmet and only type approved parts may be used in repairs. Currently, the police seem to be issuing FPN's for 6 points and a fine along with confiscation until insurance is proven. Two sellers have been successfully prosecuted creating case law.
A few may be wondering why they get refusal of service in shops for these illegal machines. Quite simply the shop is most likely not insured to work on motor vehicles and the repairer has to be able to reasonably justify the safety of the bike post repair.
If you want my further opinion on the reasons I think why this is in place please like, leave a comment or follow my page!
Image Credit - © Can Stock Photo / donskarpo
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