Are Throttles on Ebikes Legal? | The Himiway Cruiser | How to Ride Like A Driving Instructor
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- Did you know that a throttle on an E bike is legal in the UK? I've been sent Himiway Cruiser E bike which has one to test out and I was really impressed. Could you sell your car and use one of these for your commute?
Please check out The Himiway Cruiser using my link uk.himiwaybike... and use code ASHLEY50 for £50 off after applying per bike. Happy riding!
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Listen Ash, you're never going to get your "Jeremy Vine Award for Cycling Journalism" if you keep insisting on slowing down when someone gets in your way. You're supposed to keep your speed up, then chase the driver, tap on his window and berate him. Really, call yourself a professional?
🤣👍
Great video. I Am over 60, though people don't believe me and ride more than double the distance I drive - 9700 miles cycling to 4000 miles driving. My brother has an e-bike which he prefers to use these days and he is in his mid 50's. It depends on the individuals fitness of the person, if they need require an e-bike. Most people ride e-bikes because it it easier. There are too many vehicles, especially in inner London, though within the London congestion charge zone! People are more car orientated and not everyone can or would make changes!
As a car driver... I like bikes... less cars in the road getting in my way and causing traffic. Yeah motorists complain about bikes but a cyclist is EASY to pass. A car? Not so much!
Without getting into a great debate, it is notable that the modal share of cycling in Central London is now 11%, and nearly 10% in Inner London, which are the main areas where decent infrastructure has been built.
It's all about thinking about "transport" not "cycling"; if it becomes the most convenient way to travel along with public transport, with no perceived safety issues, then people will choose it, and will transfer. Since cycling space moves people more efficiently than the same space for motor vehicles, congestion will fall in time and those who need motor vehicles get more efficient journeys too. It's just making the transition happen 🙂.
Someone needs to deal with RKBC, however. And continue building decent infra out across London.
Not exactly the all year round weather for it especially when icy and we can get more than our fare share of rain too not that I ever noticed it much with one of those classic yellow cycling capes wrapped under my seat and over the handle bars.
@@marklittler784 I have some sympathy with the weather point, and especially the ice point - as as usual in the UK we do not often have *quite* enough to make the move from low temperature tyres to studded tyres a no-brain choice.
But I note that we all seem to walk around during the winter, which is perhaps the best comparison.
ebikes are brilliant, they get people interested in cycling again and that is always a good thing, the less cars on the road the better. I just converted my pedal bike with a mid drive kit and it just flattens everything out, flying up hills doing 15mph where I'd normally be pushing the bike or struggling along 5mph or less. My bike was 12.7KG originally, and is about 23KG now, probably a bit more with accessories fitted.
What mid drive kit did you go for? I'm looking to convert my hybrid so I can do some Deliveroo in a very hilly area.
@@bokehintheussr5033 Bafang
They aren't on the roads. THey are on the pavements, on pedestrian only crossings.
Wow. I just finally managed to encourage myself to use my bike (not electric) more. Had the first use of it yesterday and I haven't ridden one in over a decade! Still spooked to use the main road so my route just using cycle paths. My town is notoriously known for its lack of kindness to cyclists.
I started this because of exactly as you mentioned. Too many cars! I volunteer for a museum and because of recent local events, people have took up almost all spots on the car park. And the volunteers aren't even able to get parking. Which is understandable.
Unfortunately though. There are absolutely no places I can put my bike, and I managed to liaise a spot inside the museum I can hide it when I arrive.
The most ironic part about this though is that the museum is literally a police station. Which is still being used. And we don't have any infastructure nearby for allowing bikers to put their bikes away to encourage the use of bikes.
The only close thing is the bike shelter in the train station. Which you have to buy a train ticket for, plus premium. Nothing else. It's honestly ridiculous..! Honestly wish it's encouraged more to use bikes. I'm definitely going to contact my council express that it might be a great thing to do such a thing. Especially now that they're planning on building houses over some more car parks..!
@user-mi6ri6in7d I understand that completely. But my town's rated to be the worst over the years can't remember if it's the worse, or second. It's Warrington to be exact. Which is not helping because now it discourages more people using bikes and therefore the council doesn't see the point investing into any infastructure to support cycling more. :(
It always baffles me when I chose to cycle into town instead of drive, how often I get beeped at for being in people's way, even though the entire reason is to not contribute to making traffic worse, else I'd just be another car taking up so much room on the roads.
Just checking in with everyone to say Hello and let you know all is well with me. I'm down in the Seattle USA area for the 2nd time now during my trip back to Vancouver Canada. Driving has been pretty much incident free so far, both in Canada and USA and border crossings both ways very straightforward with no waits. Some interesting driving observations here despite many years of driving over here in the past. Hope all is well with everyone back in the UK. Been very busy here and I have some serious catching up to do with Ashley's videos, including this one. Stay safe everyone.🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🇬🇧
Best wishes. Always appreciate your comments.
I've got a fat-tyre Ebike with throttle and the throttle is GREAT for moving in a slow, safe, and controlled manner. This is really useful. As Ashley's ride shows, there's plenty of shared paths and lanes where slowly navigating around pedestrians and obstacles like staggered gates is the best option. They do shoot off when pedaled, and the throttle is better for easing around things carefully. On a side note, I prefer to stay in the road when riding. Partly because I'm a life long motor vehicle driver, but mostly because the bike is too big and fast to risk on cycle lanes with regular cycles, and particularly ones shared with pedestrians.
I’ve had one of my two bikes for a good 15 years, it’s a conventional pedal only, and it’s done me very well over those years. About 4 years ago my left knee started to get really bad due to arthritis but I still wanted to cycle, so I decided to fit an electric conversion kit to it, from eBay this worked very well. Since having my knee replacement I thought I would keep this bike and buy a pedal only one. This was great for a while but now my right knee is starting to play up so at the moment I’m using the electric bike again. I don’t go off road as such, there is one stretch of about 7 miles which is dedicated cycle path away from all other traffic so the gears are set in the highest. As regarding using the throttle, although it has PAS I prefer to use the throttle only when necessary, I have a particular route which is 20 miles round trip and is very much flat, only having the occasional road bridge, so to be honest I don’t need to use the throttle very much. When I do it is only just a trickle, I must admit I wind it up a little on these ‘isolated’ cycle tracks, if no other users are around. But although I don’t need to pedal when using the throttle I always have it set just so that I still can.
Ciao Ashley, I was (sometimes still am) a pretty angry driver. but watching your and other's content made me think calmer, take less fights and in general have lower expectations on the road. My girlfriend asked me a while back why i was watching this content especially because I just was such an angry man begind the wheel, and I told her that it kind of soothed my temped even in the beginning. like you always say "no need to fight it." that's what I am trying to implement myself. even if I find myself from time to time just shout "idiot" towards someone who cuts in unexpectedly and such - I'm nowhere near as angry as I have been. your calming attidude enabled me to drive with more safety, joy and less stress. So, thanks for that and keep your great content flood my subscription inbox.
greetings from switzerland :)
🙏👊
Jeremy Vine would've made a whole movie about the white Ford
As someone who has started cycling one or two days a week to work I enjoyed this video.
I find I enjoy the journey in on days I cycle if I drove that would not be the case. The trip home is a bit of a slog sometimes but hopefully I'll get better at it and cycle more days.
I would encourage people to try if they feel up to it.
The Throttle's a great addition over standard electric bikes. Would be better with Indicators & Mirrors though. I agree with other comments regarding Gloves, they are a must.
As someone who started driving at 17, some 5 year ago and immediately ditched the pedal bike, this video was wildly nostalgic. Makes me wanna take up pedals again ( maybe with the added electrical motor)
Since I got my e-bike I go out of my way to find reasons to go out for a ride. It really whips away a lot of the barriers.
E-bikes are so fun. Very agile as well. The difference filtering makes to being able to commute is basically a dirty secret for anything under 5 miles.
The electric setting is also good for anyone like me who's not got the best lungs.
You're 22.. " wildly nostalgic"? I get it but relax, kid. That was like yesterday for you. 😂
Great video and it's nice to see more people who can relate and teach cyclist reasoning to a motorist crowd.
A well-timed video, Ash. There's currently a Transport Select Committee enquiry into Accessible Transport, and they need to think about some questions around this - such as can a bicycle or tricycle or e-scooter used as a mobility aid be excluded from the pavement, despite being far smaller than a mobility scooter? The recent Huntingdon 77-old-lady-forced-into-traffic-and-killed case will sharpen this debate.
At present this whole area is something that has never been addressed. My resolution would be a further developed third network for cycles / mobility scooters / e-bikes / even e-microcars 1m wide to make space available, and encourage use of that rather than focus on "Get off MY pavement" / "Get off MY road" squabble which gets nowhere, accepted to avoid making any real investment. We'll get there.
I did not watch quite the full 50 minutes, but I note that the anti-wheelchair / anti-pram barrier at 07:08 is illegal unless it offers a clear opening of ~1.5m. That is another accessible transport question, just as much as wheelers at my station having to get a train 20 miles and back to change platform because my mainline-to-London station has no lift. My area also has whole networks of railway and flat paths from which wheelchairs are completely excluded.
The MiRider one folding ebike also has a throttle, I have one and it was one of the primary drivers for getting that bike. You can get an instant burst of power when you need it, rather than having to ride in a higher power level constantly, or use it to creep forward slowly unassisted.
When you say "Himaway", I keep thinking of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"!
On the throttle on a motorcycle alters the amount of air the internal combustion engine gets ( like a choke does). So it is a term that has been reassigned to the electric motor (which does not need air to work).
The lion sleeps tonight. Nice one
A good demonstration of how to ride a bicycle on the road in traffic; always looking at what's around, and being aware of when to make a move - or holding back and not.
Something I've noticed as a cyclist and motorist, is how few cyclists constantly check over their shoulders - and are seemingly oblivious to what is behind them.
I work shifts and use my ebike on 2 of my 4, 10 miles each way. I love it because it doesn't take a huge amount longer vs the car. Generally I have very few issues with cars but there are a couple of areas I have to take primary because too many people pass too close.
Interesting, I live in the Scottish Borders and recently added a Swytch kit to my old 90’s mountain bike, with the aim like you of losing a bit of weight and getting fitter. Now it’s not anywhere near as good as this bike your on, and I will one day need to upgrade to something better but I have to say the electric assist with different power levels has made cycling a pleasure again for me. Since I last took my cycling proficiency test in 1977 it’s very useful to have some kind of lessons in how to ride in city centres etc a recent trip to drop off and then return to pick up my car from service went fine but I was terrified crossing major roads.
The government were more competent in those days. Having a cycling proficiency test was a great idea. I still remember it.
Dropped a stone since Christmas! Congratulations.
Great video Ashley. I noticed a lot of the times at lights motorists kept back apart from the taxi. Was starting to think your backup had a sign saying “I am Ashley”. Either that or they watch your uploads!
A couple of tips. Get some gloves/mits. Not only will you be grateful if you have an off. It also means that your hands don’t get numb which makes braking and gear changing less of a challenge.
You also need to work on your hand signals and give a strong authoritative signal with a straight arm. This will clearly show intention. Also when you move off into traffic ( after your blurb on cameras) and when waiting on the slip road. The signal will not just highlight your presence through the movement it will also show that when you move out you my move into lane 2 or take a stronger lane position when you move off. I would also do this when waiting at a junction as the movement will draw attention to your presence and intentions even though I had signalled earlier.
If thanking I would either wave above my head or give a wave as they start to pass. A thumbs up after they pass would also do.
Again keep it up. I’m really enjoying your vt’s of being out on a bike.
The reversed brake arrangement is typical in Spain, may well be standard. I always had to swap them when I borrowed friends' bikes for any length of time. There's nothing like an emergency stop with the brakes reversed to increase the laundry load.
A couple of riding hints: avoid looking behind while signalling, it's one or the other - shoulder checks are life-savers as are signals but doing them both simultaneously can present control issues; wear gloves man, even fingerless ones - you'll know why the first time you come off.
I totally agree with holding back on the left-indicating van - anyone can be right from a hospital bed. Likewise the comments on filtering.
Totally disagree about looking behind and signalling. They can't be timed correctly without a look 👍
@@ashley_neal To me they are the same as checking the blind spot in a car while moving lanes or signalling.
I understand where Pedro is coming from with the number of drivers I see turn the wheel slightly when looking in the mirror or blind spot and assume it can happen to some extent on a cycle as well with some styles of looking with the arm out
Agree with the gloves, when I did a paper round in my younger, fitter years, I would wear gloves even in the summer. Not only protects against coming off but stops bug impacts stinging and if you found yourself down an unmanaged path…stopped those brambles digging in too deep!
+1 on the gloves!
What about the shorts then?
Good video. I suspect the experience with regard to road user attitude and patience might have been different had it been during rush hour.
I am retired so do not commute but I do ride a lot, often many hours a day and experience a big difference in behaviour at different times of the day.
Nice bike to be given :) I have a "pro rider" folding bike I bought in 2014 and it's allowed to go at 15.5mph on throttle. They changed the law in 2017 I think so now you can only buy with a walk assist on throttle. My old bike is over 20k miles now and on its 3rd battery . Thanks for posting
You're an incredibly positive influence, I've learned so much from you 👍 please keep doing what you're doing
If you’re keeping the bike Ashley you can easily switch round the brakes (just swap the cables) but look up some videos as there are some precautions you need to take. I did this with an eBike I bought last year
I'm a fairly keen cyclist. My ideal ebike would be lightweight and give some power assistance at any speed.
Unfortunately, my ideal ebike is not legally possible due to the 15.5 mph limit.
The legal power of 250W is OK, but it's a shame it has to cut out over 15.5 mph, which is too slow for me.
You can derestrict some ebikes. Mine goes to 20mph pedal assist. No one will ever know.
@@dtz1000 The law around ebikes frustrates me. What's dangerous in the middle of a city is completely safe on rural commutes. Being able to do ~22 mph is a god send, but what can you do. I'm tempted in the future to get a licenced 500 W bike, but they're 10 times the price of a kit.
I've never ridden an E-bike, but if the motor is doing most of the work to get you to 15.5 and then has good motor (which doesn't drag when it isn't powered) and suitable gearing - then you'll still have plenty left in the tank by the time you reach 15.5 and cruising 20-25 on the flat probably won't be too taxing (assuming the road surface isn't terrible and doesn't sap all your momentum).
@@jhferu Over 15.5 mph on a legal ebike would be harder work than on a normal bike, apart from downhill.
There's no power assistance over 15.5 mph, and an ebike is heavier than a normal bike
My illegal ebike has the legal power output of 250W, but gives power assistance up to 22 mph.
It's like having a strong tailwind, all the time. Perfect.
On any bike, there is a BIG difference between 15.5 and 22 mph.
You can get a speed pedelec but you’d need to register it with DVLA, number plate, insurance, helmet to be legal on the road. They go 28mph. Otherwise you’re looking at getting an electric moped but then you’re not cycling.
Just found you, have a Himiway Cruiser myself and absolutely hate the main roads...wish drivers here in Bromley, Kent were as good as those shown on your video...hopefully, more will get the idea of changes and be a little more courteous too. Great instructional video on how to be safer on the roads. Hope to see many more videos like this from you, well informative, great instructional video, very well put together. Thank you. ATB buddy, Steve
Great video! I'm glad to have been introduced to this bike company - as you said, these would be ideal for delivery riders. I'm very tempted by their cargo model!
The brakes are swapped for the European market. I gather it’s so you can hold the front brake while mounting from the right. Uk you Mount from the left
Nice bike! I would advise having the left and right brake levers/cables swapped over. It should be pretty straightforward to do this/have it done. Otherwise, in an emergency, you might get confused with the application of the brakes and fail to stop optimally, particularly if you regularly use annother UK spec. bike.
I've just seen this video. At minute 12 I think you make a great point. We need less cars around the cities. This doesn't mean that cars are going to be extint, but they are just not ideal for everyones daily commute. I was recently hit by a car whilst cycling in my city. Surgery needed and a bit of a traumatic experience. I will send you an email explaining all as soon as I have all the details so that hopefully you can encourage everyone to wear a helmet while cycling even if it's not mandatory. I was not wearing one and I'm okay because thank God I didn't hit my head, but things could have gone so badly for me.
Excellent video with some useful tips. I ride an Himiway “Big Dog” eBike and I absolutely love it. I have been a cyclist for over 68 years. Sadly in my neck of the woods cycling is fraught with perils. Ignorant and selfish drivers, pot holes in abundance, lack of cycle parking. However I’m not giving up.
Ebikes are fun and practical. One advantage is you can wear normal clothes if want to. As need the best kit to pass all the sweat on hills. With eeebs you just make more use of assist then and do not sweat. This one seems a nice useable bike. I would swap the levers over though, it would scare me that I might grab the front brake hard in an emergency without thinking. Should be easier with the cable brakes.
Awesome. Patience is such a precious commodity. Know the rules but don’t push the issue. Take up the space you need to. Communicate early. 360 degree awareness. Stay calm and live long.
I’m a new cyclist and I’ve never driven. I only cycle for leisure and short trips in a London mini Holland scheme area which is very safe. Your videos have really helped me when I need to “mix it up with traffic”. Otherwise I’d be lost
I commute daily on my Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro. It’s actually been brilliant for me - the advantage with an ebike is you can choose how hard you want to work - with a top spec Bosch motor, Turbo requires almost no effort at all. If you want to get home without being sweaty or are knackered after a hard day’s work, you don’t dread the ride home. The rest of the time you just ride in eco mode and it’s enough to take the weight of the bike away and gently help you if you drop below 15mph.
You actually cover ground surprisingly quickly on a bike and given that you can use cycle routes and ride through parks (I love this) you can take a much more direct route than you otherwise would. You enjoy the scenery a lot more and end up more relaxed too.
I really enjoyed this video! I'm looking to buy a bike in the near future so these videos help massively to understand what to do in different situations.
Think the idea of encouraging cycling was to cut short journeys in cars if possible.
Pity the bike journey didn’t include the hills we here in Wales and those in the Highlands have commute along but very impressed with your review. Health and terrain issues are two features that prevent many for abandoning the fume emitting car as I’m sure you will appreciate. Many thanks.
In Wales and COPD and a injured knee won't stop me cycling. Given that cycling removes body weight making it easier on the knee and good gear ratio and lightweight bike make hill climbing easier. Cycling also aids better controlled breathing, helps alleviate copd. 40 miles on a bike is a cinch with practice.
Enjoyed the video! Some points I wanted to bring up.
I think your arm signals are a little short, I always thrust my full arm out so it can’t be mistaken for scratching my nose and such.
The main reason for filtering (for me) other than gridlocked traffic is to get through green lights first phase, which is more applicable if you know the area!
Please get some gloves! Other than your hands must be freezing, they’ll. aid massively in preventing scrapes and other such injuries (devolving (nfsfw))if you happen to have an accident.
I would never stop alongside a vehicle tbh. This includes when using an ASL too. Too much risk of the driver brushing past as they accelerate away if it’s a tight space, and I think it also presents a visibility issue. I always stop directly in front, or directly behind to guarantee I can be seen.
I think it would be interesting to see you try out a cargobike, if you could ever get one sent in or rented. Would make an interesting video I think.
have you ever added a mirror to your bicycle? I have one on the right hand side of the handlebar and I love it, only ride with one now on bicycles. E-bikes should have them IMO especially considering it's greater capability of keeping up with traffic
+1 very useful in a city
Mirrors are ok if you have limited neck movement, but I would say turning your head to either side is better because other road users can see that your aware for what’s around you
I like your comment about less cars on the roads and using other forms of transport.
Before I used the car for the commute (having a disabled child means you might suddenly need to up and leave work and might need to go to a different location to home…plus no trains during the night when working a nightshift) I used to get the train and then tube in London. I started walking from the station to the office and found that not only was it quicker I became healthier. If I needed to travel across London I would get on one of the Boris bikes. They are an experience!
I now walk to the shops (unless doing the big “more than 3 bags full” shop) and it is great.
The only thing I cannot do is cycle or walk for the school run. As I say, my child is disabled and involves a dual carriageway.
I live near a town so on a weekend i literally walk everywhere. I only really use my car for work and long distances. It's great, fuel can last up to 6 weeks if i want it to.
We in the UK (and a few other places) are kind of the ones who have the leavers the wrong way around. Its (probably) because in the early days of cycling bikes only had one brake on the rear, in the UK we preferred the "coaster brake" which requires no leaver, the French (who supplied/where copied by the rest of Europe) preferred a caliper which does, when it came to adding a front brake we put it on the right because most people are right handed, but the French had already used that logic for the rear brake so had to put it on the left.
As a motorcyclists I got used to the front brake on the left.
@@Hiram8866 But the front brake is on the right on motorbikes (clutch on the left)??. American cyclists that swap the brakes around to the UK way actually call it Moto-Style, and 90% of the time the reason they do it is because they ride a motorcycle as well.
I have always known front brake on the left... can't think of a time I have seen the opposite, at least on a push bike! :)
I think this is one of the best sponsered video I have seen you TH-cam. Most of the video being reviewing the product first hand. I have been looking into E Bikes for my ride to and from college as its 8 miles. Thanks for showcasing such an amnazing and competitivly priced bike.
It's not really competitively priced. The same bike in the US has 750W of power and it can do 25mph. Over here you're paying the same price but it's restricted to 250W and it can only do 15mph. That's one reason why it's so heavy. You're paying for a heavy 750W motor that you cannot fully exploit.
Steep Hill starts would be impossible without a throttle. Looks a good bike. I built my own hub drive bike - can go up the steepest hills, even without pedalling .
As far as I know the opposite side brakes are applicable to bikes in left hand drive countries. When working out of UK for a few years I had a bike with this arrangement. For UK cyclists it takes a bit of getting used to if you have to brake in a hurry.
My present daily commute is on a similar e-assist bike and I highly recommend it to increase the number of miles travelled. On a full charge I've achieved 35 miles and still got about half a battery. (Different manufacturer)
The opposite brakes thing is simply down to which arm you need to signal - UK as we're on the left any turns across oncoming traffic need you to use your right arm, so you want your left arm to slow the bike using the rear to reduce the risk of going over the bars. If you drive on the right you want the rear brake on your right as you're going to signal left more often.
If you are on the left and turning left, it's rarely a risk to you if you don't signal or do so only briefly because you're braking
Just came back from taking my son to sports class, on my ebike, son sitting on the back, very visible but I still got squeezed off the road by a car because he just had to overtake me.
I don't like the slow assisted speed on the road, it leaves me vulnerable and I am constantly being overtaken with about 10% of those overtakes being dangerously close.
This has to only go wrong 1 time and I'm dead, or my son is dead and the driver is very likely to get away with it and they know that.
Personally I'll get a faster ebike so I can keep up with traffic and reduce overtakes to add few as possible.
That does mean I have to be very mindful of my speed when using cycle paths and when being around other cyclists or pedestrians. I'm happy to do that, I'm trained to be sensible but I am tired of having a close call every time I ride my son to school or sports...
Being more assertive with my road position has made my riding safer, most drivers are incredibly respectful I only feel uncomfortable in probably one every 100 passes. Places where I have been squeezed (mostly in narrow 50/60 zones) I plant myself in the centre of the lane and that has helped. I try to be respectful as well and if a vehicle has to spend too long behind me, I find a safe spot to let them pass.
I think lane positioning on an ebike is so much safer. When you are on a manual bike its not always easy to dominate the lane as you would on a motorcycle as you will hold up traffic. Ebikes look amazing. Quick acceleration. Less likely to find car drivers getting impatient and unsafely overtaking. I think it is definitely the future.
Depends on the age of the eBike…
There was a period when pure throttle response was legal, and those rights are grandfathered. The 6kph is described as a “walking” aid, but it does also help, as you pointed out, getting going from a total standstill.
The brakes are set for LHD countries, though plenty argue that it’s the better way round - you can indicate right and brake well (since the front brake does all the useful braking).
I converted my bike to an ebike and it has a full speed throttle (15mph). I did this before the new throttle rules came in so I think I'm ok. However, proving this to a jobs worth copper may be tricky.
Also, throttles are permitted up to the full 15.5 mph for disabled riders.
A great video. Excellent for motorists who haven't yet considered cycling as an alternative.
I thought you started off cycling like a motorist - not bothered about cadence (speed of the pedals), not bothered about making progress, just interested in 'losing a bit of weight'; but then later the cycling vibe takes over. Filtering past cars - yes! Pedalling fast - yes! And getting more than a light bit of exercise as the urge to get on takes over (just like motorists in their cars).
Thank you for your video .In my area we have to be careful. If we are lucky we get a GREEN bike light. If not it's best to go thru RED light when the cross walk signal is on. If not just use the cross walk to get thru a bad intersection. Oh yeah those painted bike lane areas are usually garbage! Get a mirror for additional safety. Thank you for the camera suggestion. Ride On!
Last we I rode with my brother who was on his e-bike, while I am on my road bike. If I was riding with you Ashley, I would be waiting for you in all but the steepest of hills, where the e-bike would show it's advantage. That's what happened with my brother. The proper use for the throttle is for walking assist, for an heavy bike. Any very fast throttle only capable e-bikes are probably an illegal self built or adapted e-bike. It would take a 500w or 1000w motor and extra big battery. A lot of food delivery riders in London tend to use 'illegal e-bikes which can go very fast on throttle only and no pedal input. They use them instead of mopeds or scooters to avoid business insurance.
I spotted a lot of illegal new e bikes on ebay and Amazon (marketplace) when I was looking to buy one , going by the stated power of the motors.
I use it if cycling to work, I don't get as sweaty as on my normal bike (hills on the way).
The solution is to buy a legal ebike and unrestrict it. A few extra mph on pedal assist isn't going to cause any problems.
They are no less uninsured than they would be if they had a moped with no business insurance - because what they are actually riding is a motorbike, which not only has no insurance, but also no vehicle licence - and they probably have no license to ride it either.
There's a couple of places in this that Jeremy Vine would've turned into over-edited cars are bad sketches 😆
Pre-2016 ebikes that came with a throttle from the factory can still be used with throttle, all the way to 15.5mph
Good video it reminded memof when i done the hazard perception theory when it was first introduced
The overtake at 33:34, sure it probably wasn't all that necessary but presuming both lanes there are the width of a vehicle there's plenty of space, and they did overtake you going fully into the other lane and then stuck to merging in gently when they were well past you.
They also probably didn't expect you to be doing 20mph when they were overtaking. The vast majority of bicycles aren't going to accelerate anything like that fast.
I'd love to see you go back over this in its entirely and look at it critically picking up potential learning points for yourself and cyclists generally (especially those riding e-bikes).
Do you think it good practice to overtake to stop at a set of red lights in front, and then go on to restrict the ASL?
I'm afraid I would have played 'leap-frog' with that driver and filtered right past up to the ASL at the next lights. It's probably a lot easier stopping and starting on an e-bike, but on a regular bike, especially when loaded up with shopping, I would keep going as it was safe to do so.
I personally never go up the inside of a car/bus/lorry as they will only have to overtake me again, and the fact I don't think I'm brave enough!
I travel 3 miles on my commute to college (on a normal pedal bike) up and down several hills, so I would quite fancy a bike like that!!!
The thing that really annoys me is when cars park in the cycle lane because I then have to go around them.
I noticed the only drivers who caused you any bother just happened to be Taxi/Private hire cars....
I very informative video 👍
@@cycloactive5858 Yes I guess it depends on how heavy the traffic is, the traffic isn't very heavy on my way to and from college, it's easier to go with the traffic than squeeze past them
@@picklestheswift Sounds sensible in your case.
Would like to see you navigate more busy roundabouts where you're wanting to go round to the 3rd exit and drivers are going straight on, it means cutting across their path which can be very interesting.
I'm currently on a campervan touring holiday and riding my ebike around the suburbs of cassablanca morocco which quite an experience, for instance you get taxis overtaking you and immediately stopping in front of you to pick up or drop off, when they pull away they just go even if you're alongside, best to just give them space to pull away!
There's horse drawn or donkey drawn carts full of fruit or vegetables where you've got to move out into a stream of traffic to overtake them.
Saying all that even though it seems to be chaos and everyone for themselves they all manage to avoid hitting each other and drivers seem quite tolerant and will give way to cycles most of the time, they seem to take a pride n how they drive.
Good video again thanks
a trip to Sheffield to navigate the 'Dan Walker' roundabout? Better take a full-face helmet!
There is one problem with heavy electric bikes. When you have to heft them such as going up some stairs they are just impossible. You have to know your route and be sure that there is no place you have to push them or pick them up.
Here in the states we have a lot of gatekeeping in the cycling world where naysayers try to push the idea that you don't get exercise when using one. I used an ebike for a while to help me get around and lost my first tens pounds. I would ride a lot further than I would have normally. It got to the point where I didn't want to share my gains with the ebike, I switched to a customized Haro, all human powered. Thanks to everything, I've lost nearly 60 lbs between fasting and exercise, but the ebike really helped get things started.
Worst problem with this bike - has no torque sensor.
More sophisticated bikes has a torque sensor - harder You pedal - more You get from motor (within legal limits)
It can save battery, and give a better feel of bike.
Anyway, nice to see this e-bike rewiew in UK, and just to wanna see it at more hilly terrain (I'm living at edge of Peak District)
In England the rules are simple: 1. A limit of 250 Watts is the law. 2. Electrical assistance is only be alllowed up to 15mph, A throttle is probably okay as long as the assistance follows those rules. 🙂
I would go with a Bosch Drive Ebike all day anyday. It’s pedal assist but motor lasted well in excess of 7000km on my last one. People have been known to push them up and beyond 10K before needing any servicing. It’s not got throttle but the Gen 4 motors pump out enough torque anyway
I have a cheap ebike with cheap motor. Only 6500 km until I find out if an expensive Bosch motor is necessary.
That throttle mode is likely what Bosch call 'walk assist". The maximum permitted speeds are the same.
A throttle is legal in UK (at up to 15mph) if the ebike is a conversion. ie it is a standard (non-ebike) bike upgraded using a kit. I have 2 converted bikes using Bafang ebike kits. Both can be used at full speed with throttle or with just pedal assist.
If the bike comes from the factory as a ready to ride ebike then the throttle rule applies.
It's legal to use e-bikes with throttle-only control (no pedalling required) up to 15.5mph, *IF* the bike is type approval. A few bikes do qualify for this, but they need individually testing at a DVSA centre where a certificate is then issued (cost: £55). Wisper is one of them, I recall they offer it as a service when bought brand new.
Spot on. Extract from the MSVA inspection manual:
250W LPM
250-Watt Low Powered Moped. This is a sub-group of Low Powered Moped that meets the criteria laid down in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1168) as amended by SI 2015 No. 24. The requirements are that the vehicle:
• Be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled.
• Be fitted with no motor other than an electric motor, which has a maximum continuous rated power, which does not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15.5 mph. (Note: the official speed is 25 km/h, MSVA will accept declarations up to and including 16 mph as per low powered mopeds).
I was just going to post the exact same thing!! Well done my friend :) Please keep telling people the real laws as we need to get rid of miss information regarding e bike laws
I have a throttle that can propel me up to the maximum 15.5 mph and it's Legal... I built it before 2016 so it has grandfather rights under UK EAPC law (had it plated with build details and all).
I built it after both my ankles became seriously pronated due to medical conditions.
I found that I feel a lot safer moving off at lights but roads need some serious work as I snapped an axel with all the small potholes in the gutters of busy main roads.
I highly suggest taking a Bikeability course so you can tell how cyclists are trained (at least the ones that are), by the look of your riding I bet you already know pretty much all they train on.
I personally don't always filter but if there's a 1 mile long queue of sitting traffic that's moving at 2mph I'll happily filter at a reasonable speed looking out for shrapnel and doors as I go (or if there's a cycle lane and ASL, which is far to often occupied by cars and motorbikes).
You can't treat all cyclists like Delivery Drivers, the delivery drivers are some of THE WORST cyclists I have ever seen.
I tried commuting to work on a bike but I struggled getting it up the stairs... I work from home lol
Cheeky! Prior to 2016 the maximum speed allowed was only 15mph, not 15.5mph!!
Throttles are actually still legal in the UK post the 2016 legislation. Have a search for: "Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) in Great Britain: information sheet"
@@shm5547 EPAC regulations for max pedal assist speed are based on EU regulations of 25kph so the UK adopted this and rounded it down from 15.5347mph to 15.5mph. Throttles are only allowed up to 6mph post 2016 (otherwise known as walk mode) while grandfathered bikes are still allowed a 15.5mph throttle.
Ebikes after 2016 may ONLY have a throttle that gets them to 6mph after which (from your document) "However, under European law new “Twist and Go” vehicles will, from January 2016, have to meet a range of technical requirements before they can be used on roads.", in the UK those requirements are called "BS EN 15194:2017" and limit you to 6mph on a throttled bike.
@@ThatGoth you've got that wrong. From 2016, if you want a bike with a throttle it has to be type approved, but crucially, if it is 250W and 15.5mph limit, it is classed as an EAPC in the UK.
The government communication on this has been very poor. I used to think the same as you, until I was told by another bike rider and looked into it.
As an aside... the original 1983 act had nothing to do with the EU and 25kph, the max. speed was set at 15mph (the UK wasn't in the EU then, just the EEC). This law was lobbied for by bicycle manufacturers like Raleigh and Sir Clive Sinclair, as he had plans for electric vehicles! Nowt to do with Europe.
@@ThatGoth oh, and top tip, you can get away with 16mph. Excerpt from the MSVA inspection manual....
250W LPM
250-Watt Low Powered Moped. This is a sub-group of Low Powered Moped that meets the criteria laid down in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1168) as amended by SI 2015 No. 24. The requirements are that the vehicle:
• Be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled.
• Be fitted with no motor other than an electric motor, which has a maximum continuous rated power, which does not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15.5 mph. (Note: the official speed is 25 km/h, MSVA will accept declarations up to and including 16 mph as per low powered mopeds).
@@shm5547 Sure you can get Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) but that is expensive and difficult and requires you to hold a motorcycle licence and pay VED (even if it's £0 it has to be registered), you also need an MOT, Insurance and a number plate if you get MSVA registration, this means you are treated as a low powered Motorbike and not an EPAC.
I like that e-bikes are kind of becoming their own thing, not just a cheap MTB with a battery and motor bolted on. At the price though cable brakes is a bit crappy, when you can get 4 piston E-bike Hydraulics for about £60
had an early E-bike only problem was car drivers not being able to estimate my speed and would cut in front of me
More powerful E bikes should be allowed as long as you have taken a CBT course.
Take the CBT and once you pass you get a license for that class of vehicle.
Many (all in my experience) e-bikes turn on with the pedal assist on. I, and others have been caught out when getting on and moving the pedal before seated properly. The bike shoots forward, very dangerous and injuries resulted! For a city/commuting/shopping e-bike the throttle is essential. To the degree that i and all other regular users disabled the peddle trigger. And an easily removable battery, else say good bye to the bike.
I could be completely wrong, but as a full A1 license holder for motorcycle all I require is the electric bike has the appropriate certification for the UK and I'm off.... if... if I can insure it.
The REAL danger is that the restrictions on young learners states a maximum horsepower/kilowatt output. For a petrol engine which has a torque curve that looks like a mountain this is fine, the bike is rarely ever producing it's maximum output. However, if you take a 14.8bhp electric motor drive train, it will produce 14.8bhp from a stand still all the way up to 90mph in some cases. Yet it's legal for a 16yo with a CBT to own and ride one on the road.
Hi Ashley, I totally agree more people should try commuting by bike. I commute a 32 mile round trip to work (weather permitting) powered by my 58+ body 😁
You've excellently demonstrated why all adult cyclists should have to complete a test before being allowed to cycle on the road.
great video. I have a fat tyre E-bike. I have managed 3000 miles in the last two years without any accidents. I use the same mindset as you. It definitely keeps me safer on the roads. PS 46 years accident-free and points-free Driving license. Definitely sticking to the rules, pay off. 👍👍
Funny on how in the video titled 'are throttles legal' the (potentially) illegal part is the swapped brake levers!
The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2010 Section 4 require the right brake lever to operate the front brake and the left brake lever to operate the rear.
Couple of caveats - if the maximum saddle height is less than 635mm, and whether or not it is supplied fully assembled!
Really like your cycling videos and your approach on it
When I checked the law on e-bikes, because my wife's bike can be throttled up to 15 mph, I found that anything made/sold prior to 2015 did not fall under the new legislation that prohibits the use of a throttle for riding up to the 15 mph limit. So there are exceptions.
and anything after 2016, if it is type approved and limited to 250W / 15.5mph can also have a throttle and legally be considered an EAPC:
From the MSVA inspection manual:
250W LPM
250-Watt Low Powered Moped. This is a sub-group of Low Powered Moped that meets the criteria laid down in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1168) as amended by SI 2015 No. 24. The requirements are that the vehicle:
• Be fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled.
• Be fitted with no motor other than an electric motor, which has a maximum continuous rated power, which does not exceed 250 watts and cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15.5 mph. (Note: the official speed is 25 km/h, MSVA will accept declarations up to and including 16 mph as per low powered mopeds).
These vehicles will be required to meet the standards applied to Low Powered Mopeds except where specified.
@@shm5547 I assume, the standards for LPM's are different in some respects, as the legislative piece I read pertained to 'e-bikes' (in their generic form).
@@michaelsowerby8198 There are some additional requirements, such as having lights fixed to the bike. However, they are considered to be an e-bike, just like e-bikes with no throttle. You just need to bear in mind that this exception is specific to Great Britain. If you went to Northern Ireland, or the EU, then your e-bike might not conform to the local law.
I saw a rider on an electronic bike taking the pedal assist to the next level. Throttle on max and he was literally moving the pedals up and down a couple of inches in slow motion but the bike remained in “full steam ahead” mode
Only watched 10 minutes so far as need to go out but I have a Rad Rhino, they're a Dutch company and it's a very similar bike to the Himiway and I love it. I swapped the brakes around as I couldn't stand them opposite. I upgraded to hydraulic brakes (BigGameBikes) and the difference is night and day! Gareth at BGB is also extremely helpful should you need assistance. Also, I upgraded the seat post to a suspension one and that is lovely!
I have severe right knee issues which mean I can't use a standard bike but even using the e-bike you can feel you've had a workout when you get back if you don't let the bike do all the work of course!
p.s. I always go really slow when on bike paths or shared paths as I don't want to knock anyone over, we've all got to share the paths and be respectful there's no need to go tearing past people and frightening the bejesus out of them!
I’m in the process of purchasing a Rad Rhino +6 e-bike, you mentioned a problem you have with your knee “same as me”😊 did you purchase a Rad step through model ? or where you able to get on the standard model ?
@@michaellarking5487 Personally I don't have a problem getting on the standard so got that. It's putting pressure on my knee like squatting down and pushing down (peddling) where I get pain. I was lucky as my Rad had a 750w motor (early version, the later ones are only 250w) because I live in a very hilly area so also added a front wheel motor to really help up the very steep inclines. I don't go bombing about I just like the torque for the hills.
Being able to choose a level that lets me pedal and get some exercise without pain is a god send. I can enjoy 30+mile rides using the same effort as a standard bike that would give me 5 miles. So I'm getting 5 miles of fitness but being able to travel 30 miles and have a day out on the bike, they're just fantastic vehicles and the people that say it's "cheating" are completely clueless.
@@CraigNiel Thanks for your reply Craig, I will see how the Rad Rhino plus 6 performs and will buy the kit to up rate the motor if needed,
I have a Forme E-bike with a Bosch mid-drive which is ok, the problem is I’ve been thrown off it twice when on wet grass, the rear wheel just spun out on me hence the need for a fat tyre model.
@@michaellarking5487 No problem. Big Game Bikes do a controller upgrade that gives you full power and also you can upgrade the rear hub motor to 750w. Lots of options for more power should you need it. 👍👍
Great video! Thanks, Ashley. Surprised by the weight - would expect hydro brakes to help with stopping, but looks a great bit of kit overall. My e-bike has that kind of throttle as well but it's described as a 'walk assist' mode, to help pushing the bike up a hill when it's laden with kids/shopping/etc. Handy feature. Thanks :-)
Absolutely great video and very informative.
The throttle is for walk assist not pedal assist. It helps you if you need to walk the bike home.
Your videos of cycling are fantastic Ashley 👍. You're a really safe, and perfectly skilled cyclist as well as a great driving instructor. There's a couple of questions I'd like to ask, could you do a video about your thoughts of the lady who was sentenced to prison for knocking a lady off the pavement for cycling on the pathway? It was in the east of England. It's on the BBC website. Also, another thing I'd like to ask is, you know you mentioned about us needing to use cars less, do you think driving lessons and tests will decline in the future with cycling?
Driving is a life skill. The vast majority of cyclists in the UK (>80percent) hold a driving licence. There are circumstances where driving is the right choice. So, no, I don't think there will be a reduction in driving lessons. What we need to do, is stop using the motorcar for short journeys in cities.
As for the woman who pushed that poor lady off the cycle path into the road, she didn't get a long enough sentence IMO. A danger to society.
@@shm5547 thanks for the reply. I was just asking if Ashley could do a video about his opinions because his videos are brilliant and he has great points.
18:49 - fully agree on that one, some would put themselves in danger so they can get a clip for twitter. No need to put yourself at risk and get hit or nearly hit in the process when you can just hold back for a couple of seconds and be safe. It makes no difference to your journey time so avoid the issue.
I do understand the reasoning behind the illegality of throttles on 250W max power e-bikes. An e-bike still has to be a human powered bike albeit with a level of assist and a bike fully controlled by a throttle, even if it is only able to up to the maximum leagal speed for a an ebike is a motor bike. However, my widfes e-bike has a throttle since she needs this to be able get started on an incline. Due to a hip injury she is unable to apply significant force to the pedal to allow her to get going and the hills here in scotland are quite steep and long. For her it is only a start assist needed for a hill start and once she is moving, she drops the throttle and rides purely in a pedal assisted mode. The 6kmh walk assist mode is available on her bike but it is too low powered to get her going on an incline. it helps push up the bike without a rider upo a hill buut once the rider sits on the bike it barely moves above a snails pace.
I know this is pushing the legal limit but for an elderly and partially disable person it is a life saver allowing her to get out and about on her bike.
I find the large space you leave behind the vehicle in front or to the stop line interesting, or perhaps it's the distortion of the camera making it look bigger?
It does make it look bigger. I leave about a car length 👍
Really enjoyed that, like all your driving videos great bike thinking about buying that model bike, roadcraft definitely transfers bike,motorbike car, van.
I live in very rural Canada and ride my himiway cruiser like an outlaw. I often ride at a solid 40 kph with full throttle and have blasted down hills at 60. Hand signals? Never heard of em. Living in a highly regulated environment like this is my worst nightmare.
If I didn't live in a place that has Winter with deep snow and much ice 4-5 months of the year I'd totally get an E-Bike, Might still get one one day in the future for the other 6-7 months of the year.
I might also suggest upgrading the brakes/discs to a hydraulic set, particularly if regularly using the bike in busy traffic.
Ashley, do you think the 15.5mph limit for ebikes is correct or should it be higher?
Would it be safer if the law was changed that when you're on the road you could go faster and what speed would be safe?
Personally I think 20mph would reduce the need to overtake a cyclist. 👍
You do need to pay more attention to how you use your gears. Maintaining a good cadence through the gears is transformative for a rider's cycling, making it more enjoyable and saving them from a knee operation further down the road. It will also extend the battery's range.
In switzerland and germany its allowed at low speed to start moving special for older people i guess. otherwise its a different kind of vehicle and you maybe need a numberplate or some other rules if its faster.
Thanks
Thank you! 🙏
A bigger disc up front often improves the brakes. Especially if the front is only 160mm. Might lose a little modulation but worth it if the brakes lack power. Can also be worth doing a series up sharp stops in quick succession. This often beds in the pads if new and they then bite more. Otherwise Shimano hydraulics are great. Especially the 4 pot kind. Always worth having good brakes if value safety.
Thank you Ashley. I had heard of walk assist but did not know much about. I would find it useful if I were to electrify my recumbent because it would increase the areas where I could start (uphill can be rather difficult).
I honestly think that it would be reasonable to allow full throttle control, keeping the 250W and 25kph, because as far as other road users are concerned (ie from a safety point of view) it would make no difference and it would then be consistent with these legal rental scooters I see about (never seen a scooter rider pedalling!). It could also improve safety for less experienced riders as it could make balance while signalling or looking behind easier while they are gaining experience.
With those big tyres, I'm surprised it needs the weighty front suspension, but that only an observation.
On the question of cameras, for those that want them, I have seen a system where the rear camera feeds a screen on the handlebars so that it also functions as a rear view mirror which could help with situation awareness.
Painted cycle lanes? They are where you will find the broken glass and they will encourage close overtaking (we're just travelling in lanes aren't we). They do seem to encourage queing cars to stay off the kerb so cyclists can ride up the inside ok (watch out for openning doors) so theres pros and cons.
Quite a good video overall. You have managed to show a lot of the sort of situations that can occur and how to cope with them. I'll give you one of your thumbs up for this ride. As you say "well done buddy".
My electric bike isn't legal with its throttle. But I have bad knees and will need new knees one day. I got the bike to help exercise my knees and when it becomes too painful I can use the throttle to get me home. It might not be right but seeing the police do very little to stop illegal scooters on our roads that are a lot more dangerous to others, then I'm not too concerned about going out on the odd jolly and enjoy my bike
that was a brilliant video. thanks. i wish all cyclists could ride in this manner. then our roads would be a better and safer place. i always give cyclists a good gap when i overtake them. and wait if there's no way to maneuver. i respect others on the roads, i think it also makes you feel good about yourself and how you drive/ ride. 😀
Thank you for respecting cyclists and being patient. Sometimes cyclists intentionally break the law. But something we just make mistakes - when the roads are generally designed with cars in mind, it's hard to always make good decisions when on a push bike.