im building an electric bike

[hacky]

right ,due to the price of fuel and for other reasons i am going to build an electric motorbike(will it still be called that?) i will only be using it for short range as im going to build it out of scrap and re-cycled stuff, my only concern is the law.....the old bill cant( as in wont commit) tell me wether or not i need stuff like tax ,mot,registration,insurance..as it will still be a motorbike ,but powered by electric and not a petrol engine,trawled the net but no answers, as for recharging that will be done via solar and wind turbine,which im busy doing now..
for example heres the kinda thing im going to build...

btw both bikes pictured are homemade electric..... :D

[bird]

UK legislation here:


http://www.verteci.co.uk/legislation.asp


Any vehicle outside the scope of The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 due to the motor power output, speed up to which power can be provided, weight, or that do not have pedals by means of which the machine can be propelled, are considered to be motor vehicles. They will need to be registered, licensed and taxed, insured and the rider will need an appropriate driving license and wear a motorcycle safety helmet.

[hacky]

UK legislation here:


http://www.verteci.co.uk/legislation.asp


Any vehicle outside the scope of The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 due to the motor power output, speed up to which power can be provided, weight, or that do not have pedals by means of which the machine can be propelled, are considered to be motor vehicles. They will need to be registered, licensed and taxed, insured and the rider will need an appropriate driving license and wear a motorcycle safety helmet.
so how the feck do you register an electric bike?...msva dont cover them...?? :mad:

[hacky]

and while im here all!!! of the local mot stations cant test it as the computer has no section for them..and as for tax ,is it free cos its electric? :mad: :mad:

[MSVA Tech]

Oh yes we do!
*Pantomime mode off.*

Electric bikes are covered by MSVA its the "and/or a maximum design speed of more tham 45km/h (28mph)" that allows us to accept electrics.

As an electric vehicle it would get a zero license (tax disc) you have to display one but it costs nowt.

I'll be back in the workshop if you need to ask anything.

Cheers

Chris

[pagan_flame]

Have a chat to this guy in Cambridge --> http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/ - also he has links to insurers who will insure electric bikes / mopeds.

From the FAQ page:

"...To gain exemption from road tax, road insurance, MOT tests, vehicle registration, the requirement of a driving licence and wearing a motorcycle helmet the speed under power is restricted to 15 miles per hour. They can of course be cycled beyond this speed...

...Strictly speaking when on the road the law requires you to pedal with the power assisting your pedalling (PAS)..."

I have an I-Zip (http://www.topelectricbikes.co.uk/Izip-Trailz--ST-Electric-Mountain-Bike-for-Gents/434.htm) - basically an electric mountain bike with a slimline battery pack... plus I can strap a second battery pack on as well if I want to. No licence etc required... 500 quid?!?

Now where I am, 6 miles from Cambridge city centre - there is one bus every hour in the evenings, last one goes back at 11pm. So when doing anything in the city that involves having a drink etc, I either have to go home at 10.30pm (not practical) or get a taxi - usually 15-25 quid depending on the time of night and nationality of the taxi driver.

Mine paid for itself very quick...

[Oobyscoot]

I have asked the DVLA as I am planning this myself,

Here is what I got :-

Thank you for your email.

Perhaps the following information will be of help to you.

Statement This fact sheet provides our view of the current situation but should not be taken as definitive legal advice as this is a matter for the courts.


1. The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 – Statutory Instrument 1983 No.1168 and The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations - 1983 Statutory Instrument 1983 No. 1176 together "the Regulations".


An Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle which complies with the technical requirements in SI 1983/1168 (an "EAPC") is not considered to be a motor vehicle within the meaning of The Road Traffic Act 1988. An EAPC is not required to be registered, pay vehicle excise duty (road tax) or be insured as a motor vehicle. An EAPC cannot be ridden by anyone under the age of 14 years.


The Regulations apply to any bicycle, tandem bicycle or tricycle fitted with pedals by means of which it is capable of being propelled. If the vehicle is to be regarded as an EAPC the motor assistance must be provided by an electric motor and not by an internal combustion engine. The electric motor must not be able to propel the machine when it is travelling at more than 15mph.


Furthermore, in order to be an EAPC within the meaning of SI 1983/1168, the vehicle must also meet the following requirements:


Maximum kerbside weight (not including rider) shall not exceed

- bicycle: 40kg

- tandem bicycle: 60kg

- tricycle: 60kg


Maximum continuous rated power output of the motor shall not exceed

- bicycle: 200W

- tandem bicycle: 250W

- tricycle: 250W


The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1983 (SI 1983/1176) imposes construction and use requirements for pedal cycles and EAPCs.






2. The effect of the European Community Directive 2002/24/EC – the amending framework Directive for European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) of powered two and three- wheeled vehicles


Technical construction standards


European Community Directive 2002/24/EC sets out harmonised technical construction standards for powered two and three-wheeled vehicles, including quadricycles (small four wheeled vehicles of limited mass and power). It is implemented in the UK by the Motor Cycles Etc. (EC Type Approval) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2920) as amended.


Approval routes

The system of ECWVTA normally applies to volume produced vehicles with manufacturers issuing a Certificate of Conformity ("CoC") in compliance with a type approved model. This provides a route for the vehicle to be registered and entered into service. An alternative approval route for vehicles is by way of the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme under The Motor Cycles Etc. (Single Vehicle Approval) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1959). This scheme provides for the approval of individual vehicles on the basis of an inspection, resulting (where appropriate) in the issue of a Minister's Approval Certificate ("MAC").


Low powered mopeds


The Directive includes within its scope low powered mopeds that may also be similar in definition to EAPCs. These are vehicles with pedals and fitted with an auxiliary electric motor having a continuously rated power output not greater than 1.0kW, capable of speeds not exceeding 25km/h.


However, there are certain vehicles in this category which may be regarded as EAPCs and are exempt from both ECWVTA and MSVA. These are cycles with pedal assistance and an electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power output of not more than 250W, and where the electrical assistance is cut off when the machine reaches a speed of 25km/h or where the cyclist stops pedalling. The exemption applies to two, three and four wheeled vehicles. Exempt EAPCs do not need a CoC or a MAC.


2.4 Power assistance


A vehicle is not exempt from ECWVTA or MSVA if it is fitted with pedals and a motor that can provide power assistance at any time without the rider pedalling (see also section 3 below).


However, if such vehicle (i.e. one which is able to provide power assistance without the rider pedalling) is an EAPC, our understanding is that the appropriate authorities (i.e. Trading Standards) are unlikely to take action to prevent the sale of these vehicles simply on the ground that they have neither a CoC nor MAC. But they must conform to the appropriate safety and construction and use Regulations/Directives cited in this fact sheet. Nevertheless, if you are a dealer intending to supply such vehicles elsewhere in the European Community or the European Economic Area, it may be advisable to consider obtaining ECWVTA.




3. Vehicles outside the requirements of The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983


A vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle if it is outside the scope of The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 due to the motor power output, speed up to which power can be provided, weight, or that it does not have pedals by means of which the machine can be propelled. It will need to be registered, licensed and taxed, insured and the rider will need an appropriate driving licence and will have to wear an approved motorcycle safety helmet.


Four wheeled vehicles and vehicles propelled by an internal combustion engine are also considered to be motor vehicles.


Machines resembling a child’s scooter, but which are fitted with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, have been determined by two High Court judgements to be motor vehicles within the meaning of The Road Traffic Act 1988.


4. Other legislation


EAPCs may also need to comply with the Electrical Equipment designed for use within certain Voltage Limits Directive 73/23/EEC (as amended) (commonly known as the Low Voltage Directive) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC (as amended). Confirmation should be sought via the Department of Trade and Industry (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services - LACORS i.e. Trading Standards).


5. Access to the Regulations and Directives


(a) The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 – Statutory Instrument (SI 1983 No.1168) and The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1983 - Statutory Instrument (SI 1983 No. 1176) are available from The Stationery Office (see below).


(b) Directive 2002/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 March 2002 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles is also available from The Stationery Office and is published on the EUR-Lex European Legislation website:

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/search/search_lif.html



The address of the Stationery Office is: TSO Orders/ Post Cash Dept, PO Box 29, Norwich, NR3 1GN (telephone: 0870 600 5522, website:

www.opsi.gov.uk

, Virtual Bookstore:

www.tso.co.uk

).



6. Further Information


If you require any further information regarding the Regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:


Transport Technology and Standards 3

Department for Transport

Zone 2/04

Great Minster House

76 Marsham Street Tel: 020 7944 2078

London Fax: 020 7944 2196

SW1P 4DR Email:

TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk



Regards

Judith George
www.direct.gov.uk/motoring

[hacky]

1.its the "and/or a maximum design speed of more tham 45km/h (28mph)" that allows us to accept electrics.

it will do over that speed..up to 70mph

2.Furthermore, in order to be an EAPC within the meaning of SI 1983/1168, the vehicle must also meet the following requirements:


Maximum kerbside weight (not including rider) shall not exceed

- bicycle: 40kg

it will be over the 40kg kerbside weight..

3.Maximum continuous rated power output of the motor shall not exceed

- bicycle: 200W

maximum could be in the region of 1kw.. plus

so with this in mind ,basically if i get an msva test its just a case of registering it as a new vehichle?
what about lighting? ie high/low beam..indicators..brake lights front and rear...as they will all be l.e.d ?

sorry for the questions but as this is all new tech stuff and most agencies wont commit...
cheers

:confused: :confused: