1. Restrict the performance of bicycles to that which is possible for average riders.
2. Make the law easy to enforce.
So basically what we will get if the law is changed will be:
Power: Instead of a paltry 200 watts, we get a slightly less paltry 250 watts - hills, watch out.
Control: Instead of the option of pedelec or a throttle to control the power, we get mandatory pedelec. People with knee injuries need not apply.
Max speed: Instead of the current situation where there is no stipulated maximum speed, we get steadily reducing power assistance till we get to 25kph, and then all assistance must cut out.
Does anyone else here share my opinion that this is worse than the current situation? The only positive feature is an extra 50 watts, for all the difference that will make, but we lose flexibility of control and possibly lose out on top speed in order to get that 50 watts.IMO this is not a good trade off. I am not too clear what will happen to all the bikes already sold that either are not pedelec (some) or do not enforce a maximum speed (most?).
So all those elderly, infirm, disabled or injured people hoping to get back on their bikes for a bit of healthy exercise will apparently have to look elsewhere, unless they are up to full time pedaling. And this pedelec trade-off has not been done for any reason other than to make it easier for authorities to enforce the edict that the bicycle in question must be a real bicycle not one with vestigial pedals. Is this another great trade-off? Punish the old, sick and infirm so as to make policing the law easier for the authorities? Should laws be framed to achieve a specific purpose or simply because they can be enforced easily? Mmmm. I am not even sure how pedelec actually will do what the RTA hopes it will. I still see no reason why a manufacturer cannot make a PAPC with pedals that only control the power, without actually being connected to a drive train and actually propelling the bicycle. The law only seems to require that the pedals activate the motor.
For anyone who thought that Australia was serious about making electric bikes into a useful form of general purpose green transportation, I would imagine they would be disappointed. At least I am.
There is of course still the chance that the proposal will be rejected by the Government. I for one hope this happens, but it seems rather unlikely.
I was foolishly hoping for something more in tune with the US or at least Canada, but thats looking less likely than ever.
What more can I say, except perhaps, damn! At least i'll save a mot of dosh on motors and Lithium batteries. To hell with healthy living - wheres the TV.

