Issue Six - Spring 2013 - Electric Bike Magazine

INTRODUCTIONI
The Law
The legal situation for electric MTBs is clear:
when used on the public highway they need
to comply with the same limitations as other
e-bikes if they are to be treated as bicycles not
mopeds (250W rated motor, 15 mph cut-off, rider
over 14 years old). This covers all public rights
of way: roads, bridleways, byways and footpaths
where cycling is permitted. Other areas such as
Forestry Commission land and canal towpaths
often allow off-road cycling on waymarked
routes by permission of the landowner, and
typically these will work on the same definition
of a ‘bicycle’ as for public highways.
There are a number of electric MTBs on the
market with ‘off road modes’, available either
instantly via a pushbutton or switch (now
illegal on new UK bikes) or via some sort of
set-up or configuration. This mode will provide
extra power, extra speed or usually both. High
power kits are also available, as are ‘mods’ to
de-restrict otherwise compliant drive systems.
As I understand it, such bikes can not be used
legally in higher power mode except on private
land with permission of the landowner, or
unless they are registered as a moped and then
used only where moped riding is legal.
Even when used on-road in ‘legal’ mode,
the presence of any extra power or speed
mode could prove a complication for insurance
purposes in the event of an accident.
There’s also considerable potential for
a backlash against all off-road electric
bikes if users of ‘boosted’ electric MTBs are
inconsiderate, unfortunate enough to cause an
accident, or even just too conspicuous.
I can’t deny such machines can be great fun
in an appropriate setting, but generally I’d
advise against their use to keep on the right
side of the law.
All off-road cyclists, powered or not, should of
course ride responsibly and carefully, respecting
other countryside users and giving way to
pedestrians and horse riders in particular.
PHOTO: Grace Bikes
physically demanding aspects taken
care of by the motor, the pleasures of
being out in the wild, the joy of free
movement and the social aspect of
keeping up with fitter companions
can all be enjoyed to the full.
And the downside? Well, it’s all
about the weight. With a lightweight
MTB, one of the pleasures is its easy
manoeuvrability. Add motor and
batteries, and the extra inertia of
the bike makes it less easy to move
around underneath you, or to hop it
over obstacles.
How much of an issue this is
depends on your riding style. Fast,
skilled riders who are used to lighter
bikes will, I’d venture to guess, find
it more of a concern than leisure
MTBers who will simply adapt their
riding to keep within their bike
handling comfort zone.
So is electric mountain biking
for you? There are now a number of
places offering electric MTB bike
hire, so you can try for yourself. See
page 42, or a web search for “electric
mountain bike hire UK” will find
them, often at tourism hotspots.
Dealers for brands with MTB models
in their ranges can also offer test
rides – but check with them first
before getting the bike too muddy!
Off-roading can certainly add a new
dimension to your cycling, taking
you into some of the UK’s most
beautiful scenery. And with electric
assist MTBs, it’s accessible to more
people than ever before.
On the following pages you’ll find
reviews of electric MTBs across the
price spectrum, followed by a roundup
of other models available, and
some closing thoughts. I hope it’ll
inspire you to take your riding off
the beaten track!
Peter Eland
PHOTO: Haibike
Issue 6 Electric Bike 9