A few weeks ago I posted about the Transport+, the electric assist cargo bike from the Gary Fisher Collection. It was coming to the UK and I for one signed up wholeheartedly. Then we ran into a small problem. The UK limit for the power of an electric assist motor is 200w but, the Transport+ being primarily a bike destined for the US, we used a 350w motor. Snag.
But here's the thing: the EU motor limit is 250w, a limit we will undoubtedly adopt at some point, and this motor is 350w. But all the bikes in the UK are limited to 15mph, so does the wattage make that much difference? Certainly acceleration could be affected depending on the software employed, and it would have the power to carry a given weight further (all else being equal), but apart from that you still have a top speed of 15mph, which is fine for me.
I should point out that a 350w motor in the UK is not illegal, it's just classed as a moped. Which is very odd as it seems the motor categorises the end product. So if, just for the sake of argument, I put a 350w motor on a chair, it would be a moped and have all the associated legal restrictions put in place. Although would it actually be classed as an electric car, given that it would need 4 wheels. So the argument rages, in my head at least. Ultimately, if a pedal assist bike is limited to 15mph, does it matter what size motor is attached? I'd welcome any thoughts on the matter as I'm sure other folk have pondered this for longer, and far deeper, than I.
Needless to say, the boffins in the US are testing the bike with a 200/250w motor for all us EU hopefuls and we should hear back before too long. However, the process being what it is, in bringing a bike to the market, it could be the tail end of the 2011 season before we see it. I'm okay waiting, I know it's what I need to do the trick and in the meantime there's a lot of other bikes for me to ride, at higher speeds than 15mph and under my own steam.
For more info on pedal assist regulations, go here.
