DVSA Market Surveillance apparently ramping up illegal eBike investigations
UPDATED: Ed’s note – this story has been updated with more detail to clarify DVSA’s position [new info in bold below]
With eBike safety firmly lodged in the headlines, the DVSA Market Surveillance Investigations Team is among those taking an active interest and looking to crackdown on illegal eBikes entering the UK market.
eBike brand Wisper told CIN that it has recently been investigated by the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency), with the body satisfied how the firm is operating. Wisper also said that a number of its retailers have been in contact to explain they have also been under the scrutiny of the DVSA, indicating that a wider investigation is underway in the eBike market.
In a letter to its dealers, Wisper said: “Earlier this week we and two Wisper main dealers were contacted by the DVSA Market Surveillance Investigations Team regarding our full-throttle bikes as part of a wider crackdown on illegal eBikes entering the UK market.
“After a short but thorough investigation of our processes, we are very pleased to say that the DVSA were satisfied with the way we operate and were in fact very encouraging, praising us for the way we were administering the scheme.”
However, the DVSA did make one recommendation, which Wisper passed on to dealers:
“Whilst I am more than happy with the way Wisper operates in having full throttle bikes approved and the information that is provided on the Wisper website, some of the Wisper retailers don’t seem to be providing the same amount of information to their customers. The concern is that customers may not be aware of the legalities around full throttle ebikes, and they just expect to purchase one with the throttle enabled (Wisper bike or another brand).”
In response, Wisper is encouraging dealers to ensure key information – regarding clarity of the legalities surrounding full throttle eBikes in the UK – is displayed on their websites.
UPDATE: The DVSA has requested the legalities are given some extra emphasis in CIN’s story:
Full throttle electric bikes are only legal for use on the roads if they have been type approved or have received motorcycle single vehicle approval. They must also meet the requirements of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. Under the EAPC regulations, the electric bicycle must be:
- fitted with pedals capable of propelling the bicycle
- equipped with a motor which has a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 250 watts and the electrical assistance cuts out when the vehicle speed reaches 15.5mph
The requirement for approval is to ensure that the electric bike is properly constructed and is safe and legal for use on the roads. Full throttle eBikes that have not been approved cannot legally be ridden on roads, cycle paths or any publicly accessible place. They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Wisper added that in addition to the wording suggested, dealers could also list reasons why Wisper offers full throttle eBikes, including:
- Full Throttle eBikes offer a quick, eco friendly and cost efficient option for city commuters at a time when everyone is looking to save on rising fuel and transport costs.
- Full Throttle eBikes offer commuters better control and enhanced safety when moving slowly in traffic.
- Full throttle eBikes offer immediate power when accelerating especially from traffic lights or on hills.
- Full Throttle eBikes allow a rider to “take a breather” from time to time, particularly useful when commuting in hot weather.
- Full Throttle eBikes make cycling even more inclusive, enabling those of us with for example impaired movement to enjoy the benefits and freedom eBikes bring.
