E-bike snobbery

[scoopex]

Got into an interesting X/Twitter spat yesterday where it was claimed that all E-bikes are classed as motorcycles and therefore need to be taxed and insured. I am not the fittest and as both a Covid and Stroke survivor I purchased an E-bike for cycling for leisure.

Why is it that some cyclists and groups feel that they have the right to dismiss E-bike cyclists as a problem?

 

[Sinbad2000]

They're ignorant.

From https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.

These electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

What counts as an EAPC​

An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it.

It must show either:

• the power output
• the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

• the battery’s voltage
• the maximum speed of the bike

Its electric motor:

• must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph

An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle).

Where you can ride​

If a bike meets the EAPC requirements it’s classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

Other kinds of electric bike​

Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

 

[SexyGreyFox]

Back in 2010 and before I used to call it cheating.
In 2011 I started to have lower limb problems and somebody suggested an eBike so I laughed and once again called it cheating.
He asked me if driving a car, motorbike, moped, bus, taxi etc was cheating and I said of course not but he said it's just another form of transport to get you from A to B.
Since driving to and from work was a no go by 2011 I had converted two £150 Trek bikes and still use them now in 2024.
They are both road legal so anybody moaning about them can swivel.