The Association of Cycle Traders and Bicycle Association say the proposal to raise the e-bike power limit is unnecessary, risky, and the wrong approach
Restrictions on speed are a lot more reasonable than restrictions on wattage. For example, WTF is a loaded-down cargo bike supposed to do with only 250W when it gets to a hill?
I’m not sure if 250W makes sense or any other particular rule, but it wort weight matters too. If a loaded-down cargo bike hits a pedestrian it’s going to hurt a lot more than a road bike collision even at the same speed
Lower gear and pedal harder? A cargo bike could easily out mass a moped. Having one collide with a pedestrian would not end well. A power limit is easy to enforce, a speed limit is harder. Particularly when it applies to all ebikes.
Remember, I’m not saying they shouldn’t exist, just that they need to be regulated differently than smaller ebikes, and pedal bikes.
Restrictions on speed are a lot more reasonable than restrictions on wattage. For example, WTF is a loaded-down cargo bike supposed to do with only 250W when it gets to a hill?
I’m not sure if 250W makes sense or any other particular rule, but it wort weight matters too. If a loaded-down cargo bike hits a pedestrian it’s going to hurt a lot more than a road bike collision even at the same speed
Lower gear and pedal harder? A cargo bike could easily out mass a moped. Having one collide with a pedestrian would not end well. A power limit is easy to enforce, a speed limit is harder. Particularly when it applies to all ebikes.
Remember, I’m not saying they shouldn’t exist, just that they need to be regulated differently than smaller ebikes, and pedal bikes.