Basically if you're implying that a 25kph limit isn't safe, then you're implying all manual bicycles are not safe either ?
Hey, I totally get where you're coming from, and just to set the record straight—I'm not saying the current 25kph limit is a danger zone, nor am I dissing manual bikes for being speed demons in their own right. What's really bugging me is how this one-size-fits-all speed cap on e-bikes is kinda backfiring.
You know how it is, when something feels way too slow, there's always that temptation to tinker, to 'chip' the bike to break free from those speed shackles, or even to jump ship to some beastly, but not exactly street-legal, rides. And it's not just a couple of rebels doing this; it's becoming more of a thing, which has these souped-up e-bikes hitting speeds that leave the 20 mph limit in the dust, going way faster and getting way riskier.
I've chewed over this a bunch on
my website making the case that if we nudged up the speed limit just a bit, it might actually dial down the need for riders to go rogue with their rides. If e-bikes could roll at speeds that vibe better with how the city pulse beats and keep pace with the pedal-pushers, maybe we'd see fewer folks feeling the need to hot-rod their bikes into uncharted—and unsafe—territory.
To quote directly from the section addressing this:
How increasing speed improve safety?
Reducing the Inclination to Modify Bikes:
By allowing e-bikes to achieve speeds that are comparable to those of non-assisted bikes on flat terrain, riders are less likely to modify their bikes illegally. Currently, some riders “chip” or unlock their e-bikes to bypass the speed limit, which can lead to speeds much higher than the typical 20 mph limit, risking overheating of batteries and motors. This not only increases the chance of mechanical failures but also poses significant fire hazards. A higher, yet safe, speed limit could reduce these unsafe practices by providing sufficient speed for most riding conditions, negating the need for dangerous modifications.
Improved Predictability and Road User Behavior:
When e-bikes can maintain speeds closer to those of traditional bicycles and even some city traffic, it results in more predictable movements for all road users. This predictability can lead to smoother traffic flow and reduce sudden maneuvers that often lead to accidents. For instance, when e-bike riders don’t have to constantly accelerate or decelerate to match the speed of traffic or other cyclists, their movement becomes more consistent, which helps both motorists and other cyclists anticipate and react to their presence on the road more effectively.
Furthermore, when e-bike speeds are aligned with the general flow, it can also reduce the impatience or frustration of other road users, such as drivers who might otherwise engage in risky overtaking. This harmony in traffic speeds can contribute to a calmer, safer road environment for everyone.
Discouraging the Purchase of Non-Certified Bikes:
The market is flooded with non-certified e-bikes, often from Chinese manufacturers, that come equipped with throttles and lack speed limitations. These bikes can reach dangerously high speeds and are tempting for those seeking faster e-bikes within a lower price range. Raising speed limits for certified e-bikes would make them more competitive with these non-certified alternatives, encouraging consumers to opt for safer, regulated, and trusted brands. This shift would also reduce the likelihood of accidents due to low-quality components and poor electrical connections found in non-certified bikes and conversion kits, which are known fire risks.
Promoting Consistent Riding Speeds:
Allowing e-bikes to maintain consistent speeds with non-assisted bikes on flat terrain means e-bike riders won’t feel pressured to overcompensate on more technical sections or climbs to stay with their group. Group riding is inherently safer, particularly on busy public roads, as it increases visibility and reduces the likelihood of accidents. A higher speed limit would facilitate this group cohesion, enhancing overall safety.
Matching Road Traffic Speeds:
In urban settings, where traffic speeds can often hover around 20 mph, a higher speed limit for e-bikes would allow them to better keep pace with cars. This capability would reduce instances of cars overtaking bikes, which is a common cause of accidents. By aligning e-bike speeds more closely with the flow of traffic, the interaction between cyclists and motorists can become smoother and safer, minimizing risky maneuvers and enhancing road safety for everyone involved.
In summary:
Carefully considered increase in the speed limits for e-bikes could lead to a safer riding environment by discouraging unsafe modifications, steering consumers towards certified and safer products, promoting more stable and consistent group riding, and improving the integration of e-bikes into road traffic.
Currently there are options to get a bit more speed if you want it via 3rd party methods.
If I really, really, really wanted an assist speed above 25kph, then I'd chip the motor or otherwise frig the system.
Absolutely, there are ways to tweak your e-bike for a bit more zip, but it's kind of a double-edged sword, isn't it? Messing with your bike's setup can kiss your warranty goodbye, and then where are you if something goes sideways? Plus, cranking up the speed too much might just be asking for trouble. Imagine your battery deciding to throw a tantrum and overheating—yikes, not cool, especially if you're about to hop on a bus or something.
I get the temptation, really. It's like, "If I can make my ride faster, why not?" But then, think about the bigger picture. If one of these modded e-bikes causes a scene, like starting a fire or breaking down, it's not just a headache for the rider but a bad look for all of us in the eMTB community. We don't want that kind of heat, no pun intended.
I'm all for squeezing a bit more fun out of our rides, but keeping it within the lines so we don't end up making things tougher for the whole e-bike scene. What do you think? Is pushing the limit worth the risk, or is there a better way to get that thrill without the drama?
I mean why should they spend time setting up committees, investigating, discussing evidence, hearing pleas for and against the case, debating, writing position papers and all the "Yes Minister" pantomime that goes on, without getting something in return?
I totally hear you on the whole circus that can go into making even the smallest change in the rules. It does seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, right? But, at the end of the day, that's kind of the gig when it comes to government stuff. Their job is to look out for us, to sift through all the noise, and make sure that the decisions they land on are good for the crew. They're supposed to be in our corner, helping make things better based on what we need and want. It's all part of the dance, and hopefully, it leads to tunes we all want to groove to.
