Date: 1 July 2013
CD 1001
Issue: 1.0
Vélo Cargo Owner’s Manual
Page 6 of 34
IMPORTANT:
Important:
please take note
TIP:
Tip:
helpful information
2.3 General safety instructions
The Vélo Electrique cargo tricycle is inherently much safer and easier to ride that a bicycle due to the
fact that it has three wheels – if one wheel hits an obstacle such as a stone or pinecone, the tricycle
cannot then easily flip over as a bicycle can. Whilst on the whole the tricycle is a more stable platform
to ride and transport your children or cargo, there are some very important differences to a bicycle
which must be understood.
2.3.1 UK Standards Compliance
The Vélo Cargo is defined as an ‘electric pedal cycle’ by law rather than a ‘vehicle’ (a vehicle requires
tax, MOT, insurance and a licence). The Vélo Electrique Cargo Tricycle conforms to the UK Standard
instrument for
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983
(SI 1983/1168), these laws whilst
theoretically superseded by a more recent EU requirement have not been rescinded and still apply.
These require that;
•
the motor has an average power output limited to 200 W (250 W for tricycles and tandems
•
unladen weight limited to 40 kg (60 kg for tricycles and tandems)
•
maximum speed when power-assisted of 15 mph.
•
manufacturers serial identification plate must be fitted showing motor wattage, battery
voltage and weight.
•
The operation of the brakes must override and disable the electric propulsion system
•
The throttle control must be of a type that defaults to zero power assist when released
For electric cycles meeting these requirements, the vehicle does not require registration or periodic
road worthiness assessment, and operators do not require a licence or insurance.
However operators must be at least 14 years of age.
IMPORTANT:
Important:
You must be 14 years of age or older in order to ride an electric cycle
2.3.2 European Standards Compliance
If you are going to ride your Vélo Electrique in EU countries there is one difference between the UK
Standards and the EU standards that must be noted. The UK allows the use of a ‘twist and go’ type
throttle whilst the EU favours the use of what is called a ‘Pedelec’ power administration system. This
senses when the rider is pedalling and only allows power to be applied when the rider is pedalling.
This requires the fitment of a ‘hall effect sensor’ to the crank, this is a fairly straight forward
