andrew_s wrote:That's what the law means when it says "no assistance over 15.5 mph".
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I followed a guy on a bike the other day doing 30-35mph (not electric).
If doing 30mph on a bicycle is dangerous then it should be banned - electric or not makes no difference.
andrew_s wrote:If you really want to go fast without effort, pass the test (if required), and get a motorcycle, electric or otherwise.
We've been through power-assisted pedal cycles, and people saying "if only you do this, I could go faster" once already, and the end result is the Suzuki Hayabusa and its ilk.
I'm sorry that's nonsense.
Large motorcycles require large licenses, large insurances and these days even special training. Claiming that a 250w bicycle will turn into a 'busa is a logical fallacy and has absolutely no relevance.
I'm more than happy to argue for change where I think it's needed. Personally I think the speed limit is nonsense and unnecessary since it's implied by the power limit anyway. Removing it won't have ebikes tailgating large motorcycles or wheelying past you at motorway speeds.
As I've posted further up I'd also argue for another class of e-bike a little more power and no speed limit but with compulsory insurance.
It's difficult to see what possible argument there could be against an insured but still 'simple' electric bicycle, particularly if it can get more folk out of cars.
I also know from experience that on some roads being able to keep up with traffic is the safest option by far (even if it means doing <cough> 30mph). And we are genuinely interested in safety are we not? (Although I appreciate everyone and their dog is a traffic policeman, happy with their own 'safe' indiscretions but absolutely rabid when it comes to others).