Engineering the Copenhagen Wheel: Revolutionizing Biking?

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    Copenhagen Wheel
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SUMMARY

The Copenhagen Wheel, an innovative electrically powered bicycle, has the potential to revolutionize biking, but it faces regulatory challenges. The EU has established regulations for electrically power assisted cycles (EPACs) since 2009, which differ from current UK laws that impose stricter limitations. Key distinctions include motor power and maximum speed allowances. Additionally, safety studies indicate that motorists may misjudge the behavior of these bikes, leading to potential hazards on the road.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of EU regulations for electrically power assisted cycles (EPACs)
  • Familiarity with UK electric bike laws
  • Knowledge of bicycle safety studies and their implications
  • Basic engineering principles related to bike design
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  • Research the latest EU regulations on EPACs and their impact on biking
  • Examine the differences between UK and EU electric bike laws
  • Investigate safety studies related to electrically assisted bicycles
  • Explore engineering innovations in bicycle design and their market implications
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Engineers, policymakers, cycling enthusiasts, and safety advocates interested in the future of biking and the implications of electric bicycle regulations.

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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