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Trivia: The 20 mph limit in the US was chosen because that is an average speed an athletic person can ride a bike.

As a rural e-bike commuter, I'm with you completely. And here's the main reason why. The average dog can sustain a speed of 19mph. Anyone who's cycled in the countryside will understand. It's really not a joke.

In the UK, it makes sense to raise the e-bike assistance limit to 20mph, as most urban areas are adopting a 20mph limit for their streets.

I purchased my first e-cycle way back in 2010. However, I've now given up cycling (I'm now 69 yrs old) because where I live in NW England, there are basically no cycle lanes, so I no longer feel safe on the road. We require more cycle lanes here in the UK

Totally agree! 15.5 mph is a hopelessly low limit for most cylists. I own a lighter e-bike and can easily cruise at 17 mph on the flat but with the current limit, I'd struggle with the heavier e-bikes. Incidentally, I'm 74yrs old and find my e-bike a great help on the hills but sometimes want a faster speed on the flat.

You make a very valid point. I’m in my 50s and have an electric bike. I built it myself and gave it a higher spec due to mainly riding off road. On the occasion’s that I’m on road , I dial it down and it’s not unreasonable to think there could be a crossover,even if it meant having a test of some kind to validate the use of it. Oh and by the way, as an engineer and musician, the use of the word ,mechanical instead of acoustic makes more logical sense,as “acoustic,”references sound and resonance. Excellent video, keep it up.

In Denmark we are able to buy what is named a "Pedelec", which may ride up to 45 km/h. You must use lights at all times on those, and be at least 18.

Our council have just invested £75,000,000 in a new bike path between Eastbourne and Lewes but I don’t have time to ride it at 15mph ! I’ve got to be there quickly

Eilis for transport secretary! 👍🏻

Electric bikes are the answer to the congestion problem

Couldn't agree more! A minimal increase in speed would have a massive benefit (safety primarily) to ebikers. Great vid 👏👏

For me the joy of ebikes comes from riding them slowly but having that extra power beside you is very nice specially at traffic lights and signs. And don't forget it's a bicycle after all if you get thrown around it's going to hurt.

No matter how fast bikes are, car drivers will always try to overtake, even though we overtake them more often than not... We need secure bike parking in Cities es also

First of all, I'm from the Netherlands. It's well known that our cycling infrastructure is one of the, if not the best in the world. As someone who has travelled these cycling paths for all his life (31 now), I can say that e-bikes (together with mopeds which have the same speed-limit on cycling paths) generally are more dangerous than regular bicycles. Main reason is, the cycling commuter goes about 14-18 km/h (8.7-11.2 mp/h), whereas the e-bikes and mopeds will usually go about 25 km/h. This is a pretty big difference. Now the UK does not have a cycling infrastructure as good as the Netherlands, as far as I know, the UK is working on this. Maybe for now you might want faster bicycles so you can compare to the faster vehicles on the same road (cars on roads with no separate cycling lanes), but in the future this may be a lot less so as the cycling infrastructure increases. In the Netherlands we also have a separate e-bike category in speed-pedelecs, these can go up to 45 km/h (28mph), but these are not allowed on cycling paths, and require you to have a drivers license for either cars, motorcycles, or mopeds. You are also required to wear a helmet. Also, statistics have proven that accident rates have increased in the last 10 years, because of e-bikes. There are also more ICU admissions in accidents relating to e-bike drivers (because they go so fast). For now, from what I can gather, in the UK, you may want to increase the speed-limit slightly to compensate for the non-separated cycling paths. But as cycling infrastructure continues to grow, it may be good to have it reduced again.

Totally agree with you . On a business trip to California and zipping around on a hired e-bike at 20 +mph assisted is the way it should be on my Cube back home . Great points made , hopefully they will see sense as it’s a long overdue much needed upgrade to the regs.great videos , I’m subscribing now !

I commute everyday on "Acoustic" bike (which I love by the way) but there are days when it's wet, windy, or your not feeling particularly fit and the very good point you made regarding turning up to work a bit sweaty and having to do the 5 minute cool down walk, when I think an electric bike would be nice at this point... My only resistance to buying one is literally, the "resistance" once you reach the artificial power assist limit.

I fully agree with you Eilis and I think Electroheads should start getting a petition up to up the speed limit on electric bikes. I'd sign it.

Also in the US there is class 3 ebikes in some states that let you go up to 28mph on petal assistance.

I totally agree. Even if we kept the same speed limit but got allowed to have bigger motors it would be great as well. I am a big guy and working in construction. I drive around 25miles per day in and out of London. I also carry a toolbag which weights 20kg. Its a real struggle sometimes especially on a hill and i can feel the pain of the 250w motor trying to push a mixed load of 150kg up a hill. 😂😂😂

I am 63 years old, live in Canada and commute 36km daily. My Bosch-powered class 1 e-bike tops out at 32km. I regularly exceed that on a level road by just pedaling harder… no problem. I think 32km is a realistic speed limit, so agree completely that these speed limits need to be reviewed in the UK/Europe; but also to ban throttle e-bikes (classes 2 and 3) from using bike lanes.

E-bikes are part of the solution and way forward, just like acoustic bikes. But what would help maybe even more is to improve your infrastructure for cyclists. This will also give space for those who want to go faster, with our without e-assist, and make it much safer for all. Enjoy your ride!

I have a Gazelle NL in the USA. The motor helps up to 20mph, but can pedal it on level up to about 35mph. It's a good workout. Just pedal harder 😅

Laws aren't made with logic and reason but rather with kickbacks and favours, that is what one must understand about the society we live in.

You've done admirable research, and made very good points. I don't believe the average cyclist can maintain a speed greater than yours, however, unless going downhill. I am puzzled as to when the word "acoustic" came to be applied to bicycles. What?!!

You can hear the passion in your voice and I 100% agree. 20mph is perfectly safe for an ebike and makes it a more attractive prospect.

Yes! Completely agree. We're a bit better off here in Canada with Max speed limited to 18.5mph (30kmh) and 500W Max power. It makes a heck of a difference going up steep hills...I would much prefer upping the power to 750W with 20mph. Many manufacturers have models with 1000W.

In Germany there is the vehicle class of a Speed Pedelec (or just S-Pedelec for short), which requires: - bike with a Vehicle Type Approval - helmet - EU class "AM" driving license (the one for mopeds) - insurance These bikes assist up to 45 km/h and max 4kW when pedaling and are not allowed on bicycle paths for obvious reasons. The vehicle type approval ensures that bikes going this fast are actually capable of handling the speed. That means that the frame, the wheels, the brakes and the suspension if any are fit for withstanding the higher stress at higher speeds. But not being able to use bike lanes can be a limiting factor, especially in rural areas where the only close bridges across the river might be - the bicycle path (that you can't use because your speedy S-Pedelec is essentially a motor vehicle) - the Autobahn (that you also can't use because only motor vehicles capable of >60 km/h are allowed on there) But it's still an interesting mix of a moped and a bicycle

It sounds like a lot of these problems could be solved with better infrastructure. I'd suggest two types of eBikes: - Assisted bikes with an assisted limit of 26 km/h / 16mph which lets you pedal faster if you can but backs off so by 26 you're getting no assistance. It'd probably need max power / weight limits, max weights, no throttle, but no need for a helmet or disc brakes. - Powered bikes that can go up to 50km/h / 20mph that require a helmet and brakes but can have throttles and what have you.

As a lifelong cyclist, your entire argument breaksdown over licencing. If eBikes had to be licenced, numberplates and insurance and most importantly "accountability" on the road, then perhaps yes, restrictions could be lifted. BUT, bikes would have to be kept off hte pavements, out of parks, and ridden on roads or cycleways ONLY. The only way that can be inforced is with licencing.

Definitely agree. I bought a cheap 250w Chinese ebike last summer and it has absolutely changed my life. But of course it could be better. 750w, a 20mph speed limit and around 50nm of torque (I live in the Outer Hebrides, which is not the flattest topography in the world) would be smarter, safer and, quite frankly, better.

As someone from the Netherlands. I don't agree, the problem with the UK is bike infrastructure not top speed.

Love my electric bike .... it got me cycling again after many years of no longer enjoying it. But I'd like a throttle for safely reasons. Crossing a busy dual carriageway with pedal assist only is no joke. So impressed with how articulate you were throughout the video, I couldn't voice over anywhere near as clearly even with a script.😊

your so right.ive been moaning about this for the 8 years ive been ebikeing. because of damage to my knees i cant pedal for long these days and missed my cycling. thanks to ebikes im back on the road and enjoying riding again. great vid.

Agreed! It's so hard to pedal past 15.5 on an electric bike because of motor resistance. Also have you 'Shakespeared' a new word for non electric bikes? I've never heard you call them that before.

A very well put together video. I totally agree with your assessment and analysis of the current UK law.

I totally agree. Maybe an enhanced class could be brought in for driver's licence holders over 16. There was a time when mopeds were obliged by law to have pedals, and many of them could barely make 25 mp/h

Exactly that. 20mph/32kph is ideal speed

Amazing that you can do a fully insightful and seamless presentation whilst cycling through London! Well done 👏

NYC Brooklyn resident here. I ride the volcon brat max potential speed of 28 mpg, and I still think ebikes should go faster. Around 60 mpg would be nice. It would allow quicker acceleration around double parked cars / hazards and hopefully change the mindset of car drivers from being "oh now I'm stuck behind a bike" to "oh I'm behind a bike that can easily keep up and if there's a bike lane I could easily pass them ".

Absolutely!! On my almost daily commute from Sheffield into the Peak district, on the up hill sections I'm limited to the assisted speed of 15.5mph, but I can quite easily and legally pedal downhill at 30mph, which is where because of the relatively low gearing I "spin out". and with q fair wind, often, again quite legally freewheel at 38mph. The brakes on my Kona are equal to if not better than on my VW! Keep up the good work, and stay safe

I don’t think the limit should be lifted as much as I’d like them too, although 20 mph is a good speed. Although it’s more about the person, not the bike…Too many idiots cycling on unrestricted bikes in cycle lanes. They going far faster then 25/30/35 mph and throttle assisted, and more importantly driven badly in an anti social manner. If they increase the limit above 20 mph…They shouldn’t be able to use cycle paths If you want to go fast on an e bike, buy an electric road bike. People are just buying the wrong bikes

The assistance speed limit isn't a speed limit for the e-bike.

brilliant channel, content and presentation, I'm thinking of getting my first electric bike and this channel's been very helpful, thank you!

Idea (given consultation ends this week): Having a full UK driving licence for any class allows you to have 750w/20mph max speed with a throttle (same as USA). Without: 250w/15.5 mph max and no throttle (same as EU). Easy to implement and police, would automatically restrict

Being a recent convert to e-bikes, I can see your point about updating the law to allow a larger motor and a greater maximum assisted speed. However, comparing yourself (on an ebike) to someone on a standard cycle could push for laws that could bring in a problem. Firstly, if you feel that you want to increase the allowed speed for ebikes (whilst in full-assist motor mode) to be comparable to other motorised (petrol / diesel) vehicles, you may find that the new law would compel you to use only the regulated traffic lanes and you may not be able to use cycle / bus lanes and pavements (when allowed). After all, if you can keep up with motorised traffic you should use the appropriate lane. I realise that this could cause a problem regarding feeling "safe" on the general roads, so I don't see this as a solution. This is where the realms of e-scooters (not pedal assist) should be and if you feel the need to go this fast I recommend you look into trying this out as a daily commute. Secondly, if you feel that a manual cyclist has an issue with you going slower than them on a cycle path, then that is their problem and not yours. Cyclists (both electric and assisted) have a "safe" lane to use. If the faster manual cyclist cannot hold back for a few moments to pass you safely, then they are being as ignorant as the motorist who will not offer the same courtesy on the public highway. I am an ebike convert and use my bike as a daily commute. My round trip is just 4.5 miles but 99% of this has to be on the public highway. So far I have found the majority of road users to be courteous. I do however make sure that I use lights, hi-vis jacket and stripes on my bike to help them see me. After all, I am a much smaller object to see, especially when it is dark. It would be great to have a much more powerful motor when I travel home (all uphill) but I take my time and I am happy to get there in a reasonable time. As you say in many of your videos, this is "assisted cycling" and I enjoy getting some work-out while I get there. My final thoughts are: Upgrading from 15.5mph to 20mph (as a maximum assisted speed) should be fine, but anything over that could bring in more unwanted legislation regarding the current "pedal-assist" ebike laws. If you want to go faster, get an e-scooter with a throttle, no pedaling and stick on the general roads. Also if the maximum speed for ebikes is increased to 20mph, riders should be aware that many times they are occupying the same routes as pedestrians and they need, in the same way that motorists should be aware, to be alert to slower moving users. I often use a cycle / pedestrian track to go to my local supermarket. I encounter many people with prams, using headphones, with dogs (off a leash) or just stopped for a chat who get in my way. Does that bother me? No. I just ring my bell, slow down and wait to get passed. If you want to be a cyclist, and I think that is a great thing to do, just be aware of the issues you have when traveling on main roads and offer the same courtesy to the slower moving users on designated cycle / pedestrian paths.

I totally agree with you on this, make it 20mph! We need to get a campaign up for this.

Great video. One of the problems here in the US is throttle only riding. People buy an electric bike but become addicted to the throttle and the bicycle becomes a motorcycle. I've seen e bike riders weave around and between baby strollers, elderly citizens with walkers and dogs on leashes. When I want to go faster, I just go out into the roadway and compete with cars. I like to pedal but for some people using the throttle becomes a bad habit.

i am totally agreed with you , we should encourage more people to use e-bike instead of car. Sometimes it is a waste of energy or fuel to have just one person inside the car, we should encourage to use more e-bike to commute from one place to another place when it is nearby

Pedaling an acoustic bike at 21mph to pass the electric bikes on the rail trail is a good interval workout:)

What is an acoustic bike - does it have built in music centre?

I use my road bike to get around London and I overtake a few e bikes while going at 25-30kph so I think I understand. Going slower than traffic on my bike sometimes feels dangerous and because e bikes are heavier, you end up doing more work to keep up once the motor caps off which defeats the point of the electronic assistance imo.

Yes and yes. So true Eilis! I could do with a bit more power up hills too. I love my R&M and feel free. I would sign any petition you set up.

Love mine. Only had it a few weeks. Here in the States few of our suburban town, cities or counties are very bike friendly so I have been exploring neighborhood streets and greenway bike paths to try to learn ways to get around my community on mine. I also own a motorcycle, car and pickup truck so I am hoping every trip I can do on my electric bike keeps those parked and that hopefully helps to make the planet a better place for all of us. Plus, it's fun to ride too!

I agree seems ridiculous when I can ride my road bike at 35kph. But here in Australia the police don't enforce limits for e-bikes

Brilliantly articulated! I briefly mention this in my ebike video, but you've expanded upon my thoughts on the speed limit. I commute in a rural part of North Essex where about one in five car drivers have little regard for slow moving bicycles and thus take risks, putting all road users lives in danger. Being able to go that much faster would be better for all, however I imagine the limit is tied into legal issues around insurance. You are right though, a higher upper limit would encourage more ebike use and that's gotta be a good thing right?

Excellent video and I agree with all the points you make. Here in the Uk they also 'banned' the 'power on demand' throttle. This means the assistance only kicks in once you start pedalling. As a pensioner living in a very hilly area I find this ridiculous. At the precise moment when you need the assistance most, you can't have it. Hill starts are unnecessarily difficult and when there's other traffic about it can be a wobbly and dangerous process.

They still haven't legalised e-scooters.....madness!!!

For your reference in New Zealand the max power is 300w and max speed with assist is 32kmph or 20mph. I took,a Sinch Jount 2 for a spin earlier this year and it was fabulous and can be purchased for $4850NZ or around £2540.

15.5 is OK for me, I can get a lot faster when I choose to put in the effort, but over the last 11K miles, i like to average 10-12 mph.

The weight of an electric bike shouldn’t really factor in. The weight of two different riders can be drastically more a factor imo. For instance a small female and a large male. Difference can be well over 100lbs. I’m not in the U.K., but would like to chime in that 20mph is the goldilocks speed for these bikes. It’s not so fast 🐇 a speed that you cannot stop safely, but also reasonable enough a speed to feel that it’s not at a snails 🐌 pace either. And I’ve found that at that speed on a rather warm day, it’s sort of a sweet spot speed (20mph) for cooling.

Great topic. USA has 25 mph speed limit (for cars and everyone else) streets in neighborhoods and downtown urban settings. And we're pushing for speed reductions on many streets following Dutch design leads. Admittedly, if we are pushing to replace cars in all places, then the longer distances and more rural settings should allow for greater speeds for bikes and micromobility. But with the urban spaces trying to keep acoustic mixing with e-bikes in cycleways we should expect to keep speeds low. Ideally, we design bike infrastructure to be wide enough to support faster and slower bike traffic. Also ideally, we set limits (or create proper design) for ALL mobility to be slow enough to keep cycling feeling and being safe for all. Unfortunately, no one has a golden formula for cars + 28 mph e-bikes + fast scooters + 20 mph e-bikes + fast road cyclists + slow utility cyclists + messengers and delivery cyclists moving at money-making speeds. We'll do well to plan for a high volume future and allow for a variety of speeds where we can manage it. 25 kph seems like it's limiting folks in UK from performing longer commutes on e-bikes, they might otherwise make. Can we count on people to use their head, and regulate their speed when it's wise to do so? Speeding car drivers tell us no, but most e-bikers will argue at least give us the same benefit of doubt you currently give motorists to self-regulate. Dutch (and Danish?) street design does have the solution by actually introducing visual cues and traffic design that psychologically induces slowing. BTW, interview Melissa or Chris Bruntlett about this subject if you want to get a planner's point of view on thoughtful bike infrastructure design and why your slow EU e-bike limits might be helping or hindering e-bike adoption in and out of the city. Maybe this starts with a standardized voluntary 28mph, 20mph, 15.5mph selectable limit on all e-bikes for cyclists to quickly set the speed to match their environment. In California, we do allow for 28 mph speed pedalecs, but we then limit them to certain bike infrastructure or to use the road (always still an allowable option here). You cannot legally operate a 28mph capable (Class 3) bike on a Class 1 bike path, even if you go slowly. But owners do operate there. We just use our heads (hopefully) and so far, no bike police are stopping us to see if our bikes are overrated and shouldn't be there.

Legislators main role in the UK is to keep joe average under the thumb first and foremost not to make us feel free and empowered! Facts , data and logic don’t really come into the equation! Hopefully your words will reach someone willing to apply common sense and actually do what we pay them to do which is to assist us and not hinder our lives!! Great video 👍

100% agree with you. Even 20mph / 32km/h is too slow I find when keeping up next to traffic. Either all cars need to also be reduced to 30km/h, or ebikes should be allowed to go up to 28mph / 45km/h. I bought a Swiss Speed Pedelec purely because it allowed me to ride up to 45km/h, but Stromer bloody pushed out a firmware update that electronically limited the bike to 32km/h! Super frustrating.

i made my own with a normal bike and its so much better without restrictions. its a legal 250w motor with a 10ah bottle battery and it moves like the wind....just off the throttle it hits 25 mph if I peddle to I can reach 36 mph with ease.totally agree the motor gets out off fast at traffic lights and gets you out of scrapes. great video.

One of the benefits of an E-Bike is that you still get some exercise. My average speed is around 15 mph so half the time I am not using the boost. I tend to use it most on steep hills and into headwinds when I am doing less than 15mph. If you upped it to 750 watts and 20 mph then you would get no exercise at all. In that case why even bother with an ebike why not just have electric mopeds? The only reason for upping the limit is to make e-cargo bikes more effective IMHO.

Agree with all your points. I've cycled to work exclusively for 10 years (my car lives at home). I was looking at an ebike for work, but the law, especially here in Scotland, means that any ebike with a throttle function is classed as a moped. It prevents me from using one and potentially losing my drivers license. I got a folding bike instead. The law is ridiculous.

I agree. Have an option to travel at 20mph with pedal assist. I’m a ebike mechanic, Colorado. Local speed limits are 25mph. I suggest to customers to buy the 28mph bikes, instead of the 20 mph bikes, as it allows the rider to take the lane with traffic, thus avoiding skimming car doors and to prevent cars overtaking unnecessarily. Riders must be more mindful and educated, and local governance must adapt to the needs of the people. If they want less congestion, and a healthier public, they need to change the laws.

Nice vid, totally agree that the assist speed limit should be higher, 20mph would be great but even 18mph is useful

Thank you for this!!! I've owned E bikes for over 20 years the discussion on electric bikes usually falls to complaints of cheating,laziness ECT but I've been obsessed with them so long now!18mph is what we need as it keeps you constant going up hills you don't drop to 10mph as with the 15.5 regulations there is less frustration from car drivers as they are not held up so long behind you!! I think there definitely needs to be a Electric bike Zsar!Someone to lobby the Government and I can think of no better Candidate than you young lady!haha! You are a breath of fresh air! This was an amazing Video!We need more representation and as a daily commuter I'm hoping this happens soon as it's getting more and more dangerous out there on the roads!something needs to be done!Once again Thankyou!🚴💨👍

250w is stupid low. I feel for you guys. My 1500w motor barely keeps up on 30mph roads Flat roads no elevation

Absolutely agree, it’s my main issue with current ebike regulations too. Many people just don’t/can’t understand the big safety/security difference between 16 and 20 MPH on a bike in urban traffic. You get overtaken a lot more in stop/start traffic at 16 (25kph) than you do at 20. Reducing passes, lowers the potential for being clipped, or pushed into parked cars. 20 is still a long way from moped speeds, which I’m not advocating for, but is far safer than 16.

Faster "normal" e-bikes is not the solution, car traffic should be slowed down in cities for everybody's safety. The 30km/h speed limit in city center in Oslo and Helsinki resulting in nearly zero death of pedestrians speaks for itself! But if you need to go faster in the EU and Switzerland there are speed-pedelecs that has a speed limit of 45km/h. The speed-pedelec needs to have a signalhorn , a brake light and license plate , insurance and a permit ( at least in Sweden) . They are not allowed on bike lanes, they are like the 45km/h mopeds but with pedals :)

Couple points UK law is 250watt motor correct but that’s at continuous not peak every UK street legal 250 watt motors peaks at much higher power levels also 15.5. Mph is fast enough I see your a Young fit rider I’m 73 I can easily go faster on the flat on my ebike it makes you fitter I feel it’s a good compromise between assistance when you need it and effort you put in certainly has improved my fitness .There are more powerful ebikes like the Sur Ron which are capable of 50 mph but to be legal you’ll need to register with DVLA get insurance and road tax.

Fully agree, in the city we should all be traveling at 20MPH/30km/h , bikes and cars. In exchange for the increased speed cutoff, they should make mandatory, always-on lights, directly connected to the battery. DRL+low beam+rear light. PS I strongly doubt there is any difference in stopping distance between acoustic and electric bikes: brakes are quite powerful and the limit is given by the rear wheel lifting, which in turn is connected to weight distribution, which may be better on mid-drive e-bikes.

I’m a rural ebike rider and totally agree with you. For so many of us the present speed limit is ridiculous but….having recently watched a video by Blackbelt Barrister highlighting the dangers of inconsiderate and dangerous ebike riding in built up urban areas and seen first hand the dangerous antics of many ebike riders in the NW part of London I can’t see the speed limit being increased. Better policing, sure that would really help but it isn’t going to happen 🙄

Absolutely. My theory is that some desk jockey told a cyclist on a pushbike to go out and ride for an hour. When he got back he had ridden 15 miles. Not understanding the concept of average speed, they made that the top speed. I can’t see any other logical explanation for the ludicrous European limit. My bike is not limited, and drawing 200w, I tend to cruise on the flat at around 20mph, so the Yanks seem to have got it about right. For riding on asphalt, I don’t really have an issue with the wattage limit. Higher watt usage drains one’s battery too quickly. 350w would be an ok limit, so that one can bump it up on very steep hills, but most highway cycling is done at between 100-200w The motors on UK bikes are identical to those on US bikes… it is just software governing the limits, so updating existing bikes would not be that difficult. Until the big bike manufacturers make a concerted case for a more sensible limit, it won’t change. The consumer needs to start demanding a product that is fit for purpose, and they will force the necessary change.

Most residential areas in the US have a speed limit of 20 mph, which is the limit of Class 1 ebikes (Pedal-assist only), and Class 2 ebikes ( Pedal-assist or throttle). Class 3 ebikes (Pedal assist only) have a speed limit of 28 mph. Class 3 ebikes have different regulation in different States. Some States consider them to be a Motor vehicles, others don't.

20 mph should also be the speed limit for future e-scooter law here in the UK. A 20 mph speed limit for e-scooter riders with a full driving licence (and full motorcycle licence) and then a lower 12.5 mph speed limit for people without a full UK drivers licence, meaning at the max 12.5 mph you'd still require a provisional licence. 12.5 mph is a good speed limit for road beginners. This two tier speed limit should apply to both e-bikes and e-scooters. Who agrees?

I fully agree with your speed limit recommendation. I only ride a normal mountain bike, and I get up to 20 on that, so it's dumb that ebikes cant go as fast!

Totally agree, I'd really like a throttle too, Pedal assist is great over long stretches and for efficiency but being able to turn on and cut off the motor at a whim is really useful when starting and stopping at junctions/ roundabouts and the extra control is so much safer too, Also helps massively for accessibility too

Your proposal seems sensible to me. BTW, the 10% allowance seems to be an urban myth! I did the "speed awareness" course very recently, to avoid a speeding offense. One of the others there was busted for doing 22 in a 20mph zone.

You make some very good points, yes please lets get that limit up to 20mph. One thing what car is only 1000Kg ? cars are now about 1500Kg upwards, and if it's a hybrid or electric it's heavier. And where can you buy a Ebike a low as 15Kg ? most are about 25Kg.

Start the petition!

After 55 years of driving, I walk everywhere. Love it.

Here in the U.S., I ride an ebike with a 500 watt hub motor and cargo bags that I use for shopping. My city provides striped bike lanes on many arterials. This class 2 rated bike has a maximum pedal assist speed of 20 mph. The arterial speed limit is mostly 30 mph so I find that the closing rate for auto traffic is comfortable. My wife has the same. She says that her ebike makes her feel safe in places she would have never ridden her non powered bicycle. I love London and hope to rent an ebike on our next visit. Thank you for posting this video.

Great video and some very solid points. A few things to add on the speed limiters thought: A higher limiter alone isn't entirely the best answer, a big part of the problem is that the manufacturers are their own worst enemy. A hard cut off at any speed just feels bad, but on the flip side, no brand is going to willingly kneecap their ebike and make it clearly slower on paper for the sake of the intangible ride experience that can't be listed on a spec sheet. IMHO the best solution actually appeases just about everyone and gets the best experience for us riders. Simply put, my suggestion is that an ebike is allowed to make it's full power up to 15mph, after that has to reduce it's power by 20% of it's maximum every 1mph after that ending in a full cut of power at 20mph. The idea is to have power taper off smoothly beyond 15mph rather than just ending up with a hard cut out at any speed. IMO almost everyone wins here: Smoother more predictable power = safer and easier to ride for less confident riders Not hitting a wall as the motor cuts out = it's surprisingly easier to pedal on through it and transition into riding as if you were on a regular bike, especially with suitable road tyres. The bike brands win = Big high torque motors will actually offer value outside of cargo bikes or that second or two of initial acceleration before you smash into the limiter. And depressingly, it's a compromise that the anti ebike crowd are less likely to instantly hate = They'll see 'less power' as a balance for more speed.

Great video. Why limit the ebike speed? You don't limit car speeds by limiting the capabilities of said car!

well said. i have ridden an electric bike for 2 years. unfortunately, the battery recharge decreased to 10% and now i can't get more than 5 miles on a charge. my gripe is that governments are not requiring companies to buy back their bikes for disposal or refurbishing. so like many bicycles, they'll become another heap of garbage on the planet.

I have two e-bikes and if you're an arthritis sufferer it makes cycling possible. It gives me the freedom to travel round my district that I never had before, and much cooler than a mobility scooter.

As an Americano, I'll tell you that my nearby residential streets have a speed limit of 20mph/32kmph with a few areas having a maximum of 25mph/40kmph and Class 1 and 2 bikes are just fine for most of my town. The areas that have higher speed limits also have separated multi-use paths that allow cyclists to avoid faster traffic but that might just be in my area

Good bit of filming, thanks. Totally agree with you about the 20 mph speed limit. The trouble is, the UK government don't do common sense.

I think we just need to make more bike lanes. Protected bike lanes where no cars can get in.

I'm in the US and the car culture here is simply insane. I very much wish to get rid of my car and switch to biking, but living out in the country, it's somewhat impracticable. Years ago, when I lived in a big city, I biked everywhere. It was awesome! I agree, though, if more people rode bikes in the cities, then we'd become a happier, healthier people.

I built my own e-bike mainly for MTB. It has 2000W, has a throttle and 52 km/h top speed. On rare occasions I ride it on bicycle paths with a similar speed as everyone else and being careful. I encountered many people on regular bikes causing a lot more danger than me (one even crashed into me recently, lol). It's an amazing way of transport in a city, I just wish there was a way for me to legalize it as right now I'm stressed every time I see a cop when I'm riding it.

Agree with you. Would also urge we rethink the ban on thumb throttles. If e-scooters are to be legalised, then where is the logic in not allowing throttles on bikes? And if it's really too much to ask, what about allowing them to get you up to walking speed of 6kmh? That would help you to get away from the lights easily, and in fact dispense with the need for gears.

I'm braving potential backlash and saying I don't agree. This speed obsession brings bad motor driving mentality into bicycling and other wheeling transport. So what if you're a slower traveller? Others can just be patient and wait. Plus, we have a lot of shared paths in the UK with pedestrians mixing with wheelers. Slow down, take in the surroundings and enjoy the ride with others, as you would in other countries with a lot more bicyclists and equally crowded space. Less speed = less stress for all.

Elderly(74 in Feb) Ebiker here, and I built my own Ebike from a doner Bicycle and a mid drive Kit. I wanted to be legal so I went with a 250 watt motor even though my friends said get a 500 watt, and who stops an old guy like me. But no I want to be legal, anyway I built the Ebike and every time I hit 15.5 MPH the motor would cut out, so I would try to keep it going and it resulted in a very uncomfortable cutting in and out loop. I tried to ride slower, but on the flat it seems that my natural speed is around 17 mph. It drove me absolutely mad and put a strain on my pelvis which is held together with titanium plates(the reason I first got an Ebike). Anyway eventually i adjusted my maximum assisted speed up from 15.5 mph to 20 mph, what a difference it makes, just being able to go over the 15.5 speed cut out. Yes I am technically breaking the law, but I am a safer cyclist because of it, I'm not holding other road users up, and my Pelvis no longer gives me trouble.Its pedal assist, I can't just throttle up and go like the Americans do, No pedal, no motor assist and that's how I like it. I live in hilly Bristol so would love to be allowed a 500 watt motor to help me up the steep hills BUT I can manage the hills with a 250 watt motor and a bit of extra pedal power But that 15.5 MPH speed limit is a killer, they couldn't have chosen a worse speed limit.

What a really well put together video, and you are totally correct, I ride a road bike most of the time but also have an E-MTB for off road, however on the road sections when the E bike tops out at 15mph I feel so vulnerable and totally in the way, an extra 5mph would make such a huge difference being able to get through road sections faster, and as you rightly say there are much faster moving objects on the road that are far more dangerous than a bike doing 20mph, one can only hope the video is recognised by the government and department of transport, the E bike really should be the saviour for city commuting and not just an in fashion leisure bike.

Indeed an increase in speed would prob... oh look its balloon guy! He always cheers me up :-) ...