E-Bikes Should Not Require Pedaling, Proposes U.K. Government, Diverging From E.U. ( www.forbes.com )

Gradually_Adjusting , 1 month ago

As an American immigrant among the English, I have never seen a deliverer pedal their bike in my LIFE. We're not even talking about changing what happens, we're talking about reducing the burden on the police.

They're too busy putting the boot in on people who don't like genocide, so I get it.

insomniac_lemon , 1 month ago (edited 1 month ago)

I don't mind the idea, I'm in the US but I've got a 250w ebike w/the EU speed limit* just because it was cheaper... plus faster is less efficient and human power means I get less blob-like so it's a win-win.

Then again, it does have a twist throttle and I use this most often to slowly approach** or accelerate out of a stop sign (esp. crossing a road). Sometimes I've used it so I didn't need to pedal in the sun (I cannot really sweat). I've needed to use it twice when my chain fell off and I didn't have gloves with me. But generally my legs are contributing something... I wouldn't mind some sort of different throttle programming, but really I don't think my bike is one that is an issue at all w/throttle and throttle programming definitely wouldn't cover all of these scenarios.

Another thing is if I come to a stop and have forgotten to change gears, throttle is a save there too thanks to it not using the chain for its gearing. Or it can just mean less gear-changing in general.

*= 25 km/h (~15mph). I have not changed it, plus my bike (with me riding it at least) is not even quickly hitting this speed, most of the time I was going ~10mph. To hit motor cutoff speed on flat ground I'd probably need to be be in highest gear+PAS and be really putting a lot of effort in (including leaning down for less drag, I normally ride in a relaxed position).

**= cadence sensor does not allow it w/o brake usage