Engineering the Copenhagen Wheel: Revolutionizing Biking?

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The discussion highlights the potential impact of electric power-assisted cycles (EPACs) on biking, noting their innovative design while acknowledging that similar regulations have existed in the EU since 2009. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear rules to differentiate EPACs from more powerful electric vehicles, which would involve mandatory tax, insurance, and driving tests. Current UK laws are more restrictive than EU regulations, allowing for higher motor power and speeds in the latter. The term "pedelecs" is commonly used in the UK. Additionally, safety concerns are raised, as studies indicate that motorists may misjudge the behavior of electrically assisted bikes, particularly regarding speed and acceleration compared to traditional bicycles.
Greg Bernhardt
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Looks pretty awesome! Any thoughts from a engineering standpoint? Could it revolutionize biking?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S10GMfG2NMY
 
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Nice design, but not exactly new. The EU has had regulations for the design and construction EPACs (electrically power assisted cycles) since 2009.

There need to be some rules to distinguish them from more powerful electric vehicles requiring mandatory tax, insurance, driving tests, etc.

Current UK law is a bit more restrictive than the EU regulations and is summarized here:
https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules The EU regulations permit slightly higher motor power, and higher max speed with power assistance.

The generic name over here is "pedelecs". See google...

Some studies have found there are safety downsides. For example, motorists may wrongly predict how an electrically assisted bike will be ridden (speed traveling up hills, acceleration, etc), compared with a conventional bike.
 

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