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A couple of positive notes: firstly the soon-to-be world's largest windfarm started supplying power for the first time this week:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/11/biggest-...

Secondly I've just become aware of how much e-bikes have come on, to the point that they could feasibly replace more and more journeys in future. Sadly in the UK the legislation lags behind the technology at present in that either you have a 250w/15.5 mph limited bike, or you have to go full blown motor vehicle registration with number plate, insurance, etc., whereas in Europe they recognise a third category between the two. Hoping this gets sorted out in future (no Brexit comments, please..).

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Is that 15.5mph limit only for motor output on flat ground? I routinely hit 40-50mph downhill while commuting on my non-motorized road bike.

That’s the point where the motor stops assisting, to go faster you just need to peddle harder.

In reality it’s fairly easy to deresrict these bikes, the only problem is most car drivers won’t expect you to be going so fast.

> the only problem is most car drivers won’t expect you to be going so fast.

Not the only problem - if you get caught there's also possible prosecution, points on your driving license etc. What's doubly annoying is that even if you want to do the right thing and register your 1000w e-bike as a moped there are still barriers in the way, e.g. finding insurance, getting it MOT-d. Still another issue is that once it's registered as a moped it cannot be used on cycle paths etc. It really is ridiculous at present and the law needs updating.

I’m not sure allowing 1000W unrestricted bikes on cycle lanes is a good idea.

..hence the fact there should be a middle category, to remove the temptation. It does make me pretty cynical about political rhetoric on climate change when the opportunity to act fast to promote new technology is there, and they apparently do sweet FA.

Actually thinking about it I'd really like to see something down about electric scooters, the type that companies like Bird rent out. Currently they are illegal because they have a hand throttle.

Considering many use bikes as a way to save cost, mandatory insurance seems a bit ridiculous.

I subscribe to the ebikes subreddit, so I find it interesting and appealing.

But for mass-consumption, we already have motor-cycles and scooters that are like 2-4x more efficient than cars, but get relatively little use.

What will make ebikes different?

Most people already know how to ride a bike, for a start. E-bikes are also cheaper, cleaner, quieter, lighter, slower, (subject to power restrictions mentioned above) can be ridden on cycle paths, (here in the UK at least) require you to actually pedal to some degree and so have a fitness component, and come without the need for a license, insurance, MOT, road tax, and mandatory heavy protective gear, and require considerably less servicing, and can be easily wheeled into the house to prevent them being stolen. I like motorbikes etc. also and have been looking at them again after considering an e-bike because really if I'm considering dropping £3k on an e-bike why not just spend a little more for a motorbike and get rid of the range anxiety etc.? But I'd say the vast majority of people in the UK at least are never going to go to the hassle of getting a scooter/motorbike license whereas they would certainly contemplate buying what is effectively still a bike, but with an inoffensive strapped on power booster.

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