Are throttle electric bikes legal? 🚲 | Making e-bike with throttle legal 🛠️

[@ebannfriends3812]

This is still not clear. If the throttle is unplugged, can the bike be ridden on UK roads? Or does the throttle need to be completely removed to make it road legal?

[@gine-bikes]

Hello, To clarify, we offer a detachable throttle option for our bikes. When removed, it makes the bike fully compliant with UK road regulations. You can simply unplug and detach the throttle to ensure the bike meets legal standards. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Best regards, GIN team

[@johncodmore]

@@gine-bikes Sorry but that is not legal. I suggest you ask a legal professional, not a e-bike manufacturer.

[@snowwhitehair485]

I fitted to my bike an original Sinclair Zita, (Circa 1996), which is operated by a thumb throttle. It was legal to use when bought but Is it now illegal to use on the road?

[@gine-bikes]

Hi, It is illegal to ride Sinclair Zita, (Circa 1996), which is operated by a thumb throttle. As throttle on the e-bike itself in the UK is considered to be illegal. Laws can vary from place to place, so it's advisable to check with your local authorities for specific information regarding the use of such vehicles in your area.

[@paulm5443]

Here in the UK, if your ebike was built with a throttle before 1st January 2016 then it remains legal after this date. That being said, my bike has a throttle, but I do not have enough proof that my bike was electrified before this date.

[@nickwinn7812]

@@paulm5443 You do not have to worry. It will be for the prosecutor to prove that your bike was built after 2016. If you have any evidence that the bike itself was built before 2016, or that you purchased the electrical parts before 2016, keep that handy as it may save some hassle. However, you are innocent of an offence until proven guilty.

[@nickwinn7812]

@@gine-bikes Wrong. The law changed in 2016. Throttles were allowed up until then and the law is not retrospective. That is to say if your ebike is from before 2016 it can legally have a throttle.

[@paulm5443]

@@nickwinn7812 the problem is that British police often act outside the law. They will 'punish' you with their process. They could unlawfully confiscate your bike then make it difficult for you to claim it back. The police don't mind being caught doing the wrong thing, they don't even mind being sued as it's not their money if they lose.

[@tweakerkid]

Pathetic law, the throttle can help on hill starts.

[@gine-bikes]

It's true that in some cases, a thumb throttle or similar mechanisms can assist with hill starts and provide convenience. However, laws and regulations are often put in place to ensure safety and minimize risks.

[@uvwuvw-ol3fg]

Aren't cadence sensors and overly sensitive torque sensors also dangerous when forgetting to reduce the PAS level resulting in unexpected acceleration? Throttle can be used on hills only to allow the motor to spin at high RPM for better efficiency and better rider balance on hills around 10-15 mph.