UK newbie looking for help please

Posted by andrew_197@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 6 comments

Hi all, tried on a Facebook group but nobody wanted to help... 🙄 I'm in the UK and considering an ebike. Total newbie! I have back issues, injured myself at work 10 years ago and I have 2 slipped disk's and terrible sciatica. Used to love riding but now I just can't do it due to the pain. I had a go on my lads mates ebike and it was awesome. Could solve my problems. I want to be able to peddle but also when the pain kicks in I'd like to be able to use the throttle and not have to peddle while the pain subsides. Which is what the lads bike does. Do all ebikes have the option of not having to peddle? Would probably be looking for a hybrid style, although mountain bike could be on option. As it stands, I'd say my max budget is 1k. Any recommendations or help would be gratefully received please. And many thanks

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6 Comments

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DefinitelyYou@reddit

His electric bicycle is likely not a legal electric bicycle, but is legally classified as an electric moped or electric motorcycle. Legal electric bicycles with a throttle would likely only be for throttle assist, which would cut out at 6 kph (3.7 mph). If it's not a legal electric bicycle and the police catch you riding it, they will confiscate it and likely crush it – in the same way they would with someone riding any other motorcycle without tax, MOT, insurance, licence, helmet, etc.. Here are the UK requirements: [https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules](https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules) There is however another category called "Twist and Go" EAPC (250W Low Powered Moped category), where a throttle can legally be used up to 15.5 mph if the vehicle is type approved. See here: [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs-in-great-britain-information-sheet#power-assistance--twist-and-go](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs/electrically-assisted-pedal-cycles-eapcs-in-great-britain-information-sheet#power-assistance--twist-and-go) Personally, I would try a normal legal electric bicycle and test out it's highest assist level to see how you get on with it first.

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andrew_197@reddit (OP)

Thanks buddy, some really good info there. I shall read through it all this evening. At the end of the day, I want to do it properly and obviously not waste any money but buying dodgy things and having them crushed! Thanks again

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hairymouse@reddit

If you have the assistance level turned all the way up, pedalling is pretty much just for show. For my bike, no actual effort is required. You’ll be fine without a throttle.

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andrew_197@reddit (OP)

Really good to know, that's pretty much what I needed to know. thanks mate

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Consistent_Ball_7975@reddit

If it has a throttle only mode its classified as a vehicle and needs to be registered tax and insured, only pedal assist is legal. I would still recommend a pedal assist for your situation. If you get one ride it daily for a few weeks your body will either adapt and overcome or become unbearable to ride because of pain. I find the natural thing is for the body to develop strength the more you ride and with full assist you can grow from there. I also have back issues and ride a hardtail but have no issues as long as avoid jumping or heavy compressions. There always be a chance your medical condition will be an issue but it can hopefully be a positive thing for your overall health both physically and mentally. Its kind of remind me how the first week your butt is sore from the seat but the more you ride the pain go away and become a non issue. Good luck and have fun, be sure to get a helmet aswell.

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andrew_197@reddit (OP)

Awesome reply, thanks so much for taking the time to write it. I wouldn't be doing any off roading at all, not until I'm a bit fitter at least, if at all. But basically I need to rebuild some strength, get a bit fitter. That's what I'm hoping for. But excellent reply, thanks again