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Yes. They even have backing from the government.
In response to a question raised in Parliament September in 2003, Transport Minister George Jamieson MP stated on September 15, 2004:
"Electrically assisted pedal cycles complying with the requirements in The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Construction and Use Regulations 1983 are able to use facilities provided for ordinary bicycles. The Government are committed to encouraging more cycling as a healthy, useful and enjoyable means of travel."
In summary, under the regulations referred to above, an electric bicycle is not considered a motor vehicle and therefore does not require a licence, third-party insurance, road tax, registration plates if:
- The bicycle weighs less than 40kg without its rider.
The Agattu weighs around 25kg with battery.
- It cannot exceed 25kph - about 15.5mph - under power.
The Agattu's top assisted speed is about 15.5mph. The motor helps you get up to speed from a standing start and stay there - you can use the pedals to exceed 20mph.
- It has usable pedals
Many electric bikes and scooters come with basic pedals just to keep within the rules and are too heavy to ride. Ours are fully-functioning road bikes with electric motor assistance.
- Its motor has a rated output of less than 0.25kW (i.e.250 Watts).
The Agattu's motor is a 'strikingly efficient' 250W model.
All our electric bicycles comply with these rules and with the new EN 15194 standard that will come into force across the European Union shortly. You will not need to register your bicycle, hold a licence, take out compulsory insurance or pay road tax. However, you must be aged 14 years or over.
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