Engwe unlock / EU speed pedelec
Posted by pinkfloydhomer@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 17 comments
Engwe sells their bike on the US market, some of them as class 3 bikes. So:
1) How come those same bikes sold in EU can't be unlocked?
2) Even weirder, EU allows for 45 kmph legal speed pedelecs. Why WHY WHY don't they sell those bikes as legal 45 kmph speed pedelecs in EU?
I wrote and asked them, they answered with one line, that their bikes are legal and assists to 25 kmph.
So frustrating.
Duct_TapeOrWD40@reddit
Because it is neither certified as speed pedelec nor as moped.
Here homebuilt mopeds has some major simplifications in paperwork ( for example DIY "jailbreked" one), but a mass produced one on the market need a complex and expensive certification if they pass standard pedelec.
pinkfloydhomer@reddit (OP)
What certification is needed for speed pedelec?
Duct_TapeOrWD40@reddit
IF not categorised otherwise (like here) Speed pedelecs belongs to the "L1e-B" Light moped/motorbike category. So they need to pass all requirements what a 50cc motobike need to. Apart from one. Emission tests are obviously futile.
pinkfloydhomer@reddit (OP)
Sure, but let me put it another way then: Speed Pedelecs in the EU are crazy expensive. Don't you think Engwe could make a cheaper speed pedelec than Gazelle etc?
I can see that Fafrees do https://www.fafreesebike.com/collections/ebikes/products/eufafrees-ff20-polar-certified
I don't understand why there isn't more competition in this segment.
MonHuque@reddit
I didn’t know this brand. It looks so suspicious.
Duct_TapeOrWD40@reddit
Due to the Legal classification mentioned above, the cheap alternative of a speed pedelec is not an Engwe, but something like a Super Soco TC. A light motorbike, et cheaper faster and more versatile than an S-pedelec..
pinkfloydhomer@reddit (OP)
I don't want a motor bike, I want an ebike that does more than 25 kmph. It already exists, it's just very expensive for no reason.
Worried_Document8668@reddit
low demand and the resulting low production numbers,coupled with the material safety requirements for EU registration means you end up with bikes way more expensive than a mass produced moped
pinkfloydhomer@reddit (OP)
Weird argument, tons of speed pedelecs are produced and sold in the EU, by a lot of brands. Not Engwe though.
Worried_Document8668@reddit
yes they are produced and sold, but in really low numbers compared to regular pedelecs. Demand is nowhere as big as the no-license 25kph bikes.
Enge probably can't get their product EU certified
QuillsROptional@reddit
It seems like you think there is a hole in the market for you to fill. But as the others have said, selling an e-bike classified as a moped gives the companies a whole new set of headaches, plus: you're not allowed to use them on bike paths, you have to use the road.
pinkfloydhomer@reddit (OP)
Not true. You can ride speed pedelecs on bike paths in EU.
QuillsROptional@reddit
Some countries in the EU will allow it, but most wont.
Source: https://www.diamantrad.com/en-GB/blog/speed-pedelec-rules/
pinkfloydhomer@reddit (OP)
Still, lots of expensive speed pedelecs are produced and sold in the EU. Why wouldn't there be a market for cheaper ones?
QuillsROptional@reddit
I suspect because the regulations that need to be fulfilled means that they have to be expensive.
Worried_Document8668@reddit
people around here barely bother with speed-pedelecs. they have all the requirements of a moped , aren't allowed on bicycle infrastructure and are expensive due to the safety requirements the manufacturer has to pass.
Most people that want more than the 25kph will just get a moped or scooter, because that costs less than a quality s-pedelec
MonHuque@reddit
I keep asking what the hell is wrong with s pedelec and their price in EU but no one can give me a satisfactory answer. I asked Aventon but no answer. I would love me an Aventon level 4 adv for 3k€ !
And apparently even if you do manage to unlock them and effectively make them s pedelec, it’s not legal. Tho how would they know, as long as you license the vehicle and have insurance.