SA may be getting new rules on what qualifies as a bicycle – with big implications for e-bikes

[J Wakefield]

I get the RAF point of view but not sure how this will be implemented in general. 

 

https://www.businessinsider.co.za/bicycle-and-e-bike-definitions-for-south-africa-promise-to-change-bike-lanes-and-insurance-2020-6

[The Ouzo]

Once they classify them as motor vehicles they'll then need brake lights, turn signals number plates etc.

It will get messy.

[Vetplant]

Under 25mk/h assist, still  a bicycle.

Assist above 45km/h, motorised vehicle.

 

What happens in between?

[bertusras]

I honestly couldn't get past this 

 

[LongDonkey]

What are mopeds defined as? Those wonderful pedal assisted petrol driven bikes? For those millenials who never heard of them.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Here I thought it was going to be a dull Friday......

Always thought E-bikes were closer to motorbikes than bicycle

[Bonus]

If e-bikes are put into a "motorbike" category, will it be easier to ban them from MTB races?

 

Asking for a friend . . . . 

[Nick]

Under 25mk/h assist, still  a bicycle.

Assist above 45km/h, motorised vehicle.

 

What happens in between?

 

To further confuse, that is for unassisted bicycles. Where does an assisted system fit it that? Because assisted vs unassisted are very different machines.

 

Also, 25km/h is slower than many people's average speeds on a road ride. That needs to go up.

[MORNE]

To further confuse, that is for unassisted bicycles. Where does an assisted system fit it that? Because assisted vs unassisted are very different machines.

 

Also, 25km/h is slower than many people's average speeds on a road ride. That needs to go up.

the article argues (if you read it   ) that the difference comes in with weight of the bikes. It mentions that a road bike at 7kg (some rich-ass cyclist they must be lol) vs an e-bike at 20/30kg pose very different dangers when considering a collision with pedestrians or cars. What about fat vs thin cyclists then I say haha

Edited June 5, 2020 by morneS555

[Fat Boab]

The mass (momentum) point is interesting but they may have forgotten about the rider's mass...

[Nick]

the article argues (if you read it   ) that the difference comes in with weight of the bikes. It mentions that a road bike at 7kg (some rich-ass cyclist they must be lol) vs an e-bike at 20/30kg pose very different dangers when considering a collision with pedestrians or cars. What about fat vs thin cyclists then I say haha

 

Assuming rider weight is the same   The current crop of e-road bikes are around 13-14 kg. Paint them all with the same brush?

 

I think there might be some confusion or lack of distinction between e-moped type vehicles and recreational/ commuter e-bikes.

[Charlie600]

South Africa is seemingly simply considering legislation similar to that what's already been in place within most of the EU etc. for a number of years.

 

In general an e-bike that provide assistance (i.e. you have to pedal) up to 25km/h is categorised as a bicycle like any other. Some market such as the US allow up to 32km/h but for most the max is 25km/h whilst these e-bikes are usually called "pedelecs" where we live.

 

The moment that the assistance provide support up to a maximum of 45 km/h it is indeed classified under moped (scooter) legislation and called a speed pedelec, so insurance, helmet, moped licence together with a number plate is is mandatory and also policed fairly strict. Also, you're not allowed to have any kiddies seat on a speed pedelec.

 

The downside if you for example use the speed pedelec for commuting purposes is that you're not allowed to use combined pedestrian / cycle way paths which makes up most of Brussels, in which instance you need to share the road with all other users such as cars, busses and trams which can be a bit gnarly and the main benefit for me personally would be when using it outside of the city (in which case a car might just be easier).

 

Also, e-bikes that provide assistance by way of a throttle/button or anything similar is not allowed - it may only provide assistance whilst pedalling.

 

Without going into the e-bike debate, my wife's e-bike with thule child-seat at the rear is truly awesome and a great addition to the N+1 principle. Although she was never keen on cycling, she's suddenly loving it and we make it a family outing, whilst she is naturally thrilled to kick my ass during serious climbing sessions.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Charlie600

[Bateleur1]

This really should not be difficult.  I look at how things get done here in Germany. Germany have their normal car licenses where the car has number plate and all.  This is effective for any vehicle over certain amount of horsepower (not sure what that limit is).  Then you have any powered vehicle below that limit which must still be registered with your insurance for liability cover.  Such vehicle are not allowed to drive on public roads without insurance cover.  So they have a special looking little licence plate.  The colour of this plate changes from time to time, making it easy for police to spot when a plate has expired.  So now comes the the e-bike.  E-bikes should be goverened to not exceed 25 km/h or 250watt.  You can ride it faster but you will do that with your own power.  If you want to ride an e-bike which is stronger, you will also have to register it with the insurance and get you special licence, oh and you are not allowed to cycle on cycle paths anymore.  Now you will always get someone bying a e-bike limited to 25 km/h and then fiddle with the speed sensor or something to override the governer but should you have an accident the police will check the bike and you will have fun with the police and the insurance afterwards.

[Yo-Yo]

This really should not be difficult.  I look at how things get done here in Germany. Germany have their normal car licenses where the car has number plate and all.  This is effective for any vehicle over certain amount of horsepower (not sure what that limit is).  Then you have any powered vehicle below that limit which must still be registered with your insurance for liability cover.  Such vehicle are not allowed to drive on public roads without insurance cover.  So they have a special looking little licence plate.  The colour of this plate changes from time to time, making it easy for police to spot when a plate has expired.  So now comes the the e-bike.  E-bikes should be goverened to not exceed 25 km/h or 250watt.  You can ride it faster but you will do that with your own power.  If you want to ride an e-bike which is stronger, you will also have to register it with the insurance and get you special licence, oh and you are not allowed to cycle on cycle paths anymore.  Now you will always get someone bying a e-bike limited to 25 km/h and then fiddle with the speed sensor or something to override the governer but should you have an accident the police will check the bike and you will have fun with the police and the insurance afterwards.

 

That is nice and simple. Can we all go home now? 

[Robbie Stewart]

I dunno about the 25 km/h bit, as just yesterday I was riding my full-sus on the Melkbos cyclepath at a steady 28 km/h ave when I got passed by a laaitie on a e-bike. He made me feel like I was standing still. He was clipping easy 40-ish km/h. I did not feel "threatened" by his speed, more just intimidated that such a bean-stalk could make me look silly on my bike. His dad was furiously pedaling beside him, and he even leaned over to dad and gave him a fist pump. Talk about adding salt to a bleeding wound...

[Markellis]

None of my bikes go over 25km/h so I’m safe...