On balance, I still am not a fan of e-bikes (previously known as ‘I just don’t get E bikes’)

[d8mok]

Don’t worry , soon all Ebikes will be regulated , and licensed so it’ll stop all the nonsense with the balaclava lot.

Anything with a motor which you ride should be under the same laws as motor vehicles. (Inc mobility scooters).

 

[MuchAlohaNui]

...cars don't have motors, they have engines

 

[Mod-Master]

...cars don't have motors, they have engines

Unless you are American.

 

[d8mok]

...cars don't have motors, they have engines

I didn’t use the term engine deliberately.

Yes cars have motors. If not what does an electric car have to propel it?

The law hasn’t caught up with electric motors /vehicles yet. But it will , and thankfully rid the roads of de-restricted E bikes and such.

 

[amoto65]

Nobody should be riding illegal E-bikes and that includes de-restricted ones it just ruins it for the rest but there are always a small minority in all walks of life that are selfish prats.

 

[d8mok]

Nobody should be riding illegal E-bikes and that includes de-restricted ones it just ruins it for the rest but there are always a small minority in all walks of life that are selfish prats.

Agree. My experience is that’s it’s not a minority though.

I’ve no issue with a ebike being used by someone who needs assistance to bring them to a level where they can enjoy riding. It’s intended to allow a below average fitness person to obtain a speed above what they normally could and assist where they need it.

However spend 2 mins at a trail centre / canal path and it’s obvious most are de-restricted past 15mph.

I was on a ride a few weeks ago on the road bike. I was flat out on a long shallow hill doing maybe 30-35mph. A smug looking fellow shot past me on a ebike. He did however become a very good shield (due to his size) allowing a perfect slip stream for my fastest time on that section. So I guess there is positives.

 

[amoto65]

There are plenty of road cyclists who are prats as well, try driving around Manchester and see how many idiots jump red lights or cycle the wrong way on one way streets. As I said before prats are present in all walks of life ( deep breath and calm).

 

[d8mok]

There are plenty of road cyclists who are prats as well, try driving around Manchester and see how many idiots jump red lights or cycle the wrong way on one way streets. As I said before prats are present in all walks of life ( deep breath and calm).

Yes I’ve no doubt but most serious road cyclist I see don’t jump red lights as quite simply don’t want to have their expensive bike written off or be injured.

Many i see around Sheffield jumping red lights are e-bikes ridden by Uber eats or similar who are more motivated by being quick through a city.

 

[amoto65]

Delivery riders/ drivers are a law unto themselves, majority of E-bikes cost more than road bikes.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Wrong way and red light jumping puts them at risk.

A 30-40 ebike hitting somebody or screaming down the cycle path or a road cycle lane, put them, drivers, other cyclists at risk.
One yesterday almost took out a lady opening her door, she looked properly (I was in a queue of cars next to her) but oddly you don't expect the speed of that thing coming along.

30-40 down mixed cycle lanes is just plain dangerous.
Not as dangerous as a small car or SUV, but people expect them, and the 'unregistered' now-a-motorbike can still create a lot of harm.

I've nothing against legal version being used, and used where allowed*, but on bridleways, cycle infrastructure and through pedestrian cycle/walking areas (aka JustEat territory) they're fecking reckless.

*and encouraged over car/suv use.