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I can see real benefits from the throttle, it opens up bike use to people that have mobility issues. Next door to me there’s a couple in their mid 70’s and up until last year they would ride the 7 miles to the supermarket for their shopping every other day. Chris had a stoke and now can’t use one of her legs, she now has a trike, but is still unable to pedal it that distance. A perfect case use.
It would also open up the eGoods delivery job market to the less able.
The 500w thing is just legalising what is already done, most motors are really more powerful than 250w in the real world. Some already peak at close to 1kw. It’s about people that don’t understand now electric vehicles work using what they do understand ICE as a guide.
They have done it with eMopeds they can be up to 4kw which is meant to be equivalent to a 50cc ped, but is actually quicker than a 125cc on the road.
**Also with a 250w UA and a 250w Carla you have 500w already, with a possible peak of 2kw…
**feel free to disregard that bit :/
Chaley-
I would assume The Carla isn’t assisted as well. At work we used un-assisted Carla’s and custom trailers with huge loads pulled by the bosch motor alone.
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Yeah the mobility and accessibility angle is a great point I hadn't considered!
As MCamb pointed out, the Carla at work is unpowered. Although I haven't struggled to pull that weight with 250w, as you pointed out it's definitely a barrier to use for people with less experience. In an ideal world it'd make heavy cargo bikes more accessible and appealing as an alternative to emissions producing vehicles. Some good points!
MCamb
ltc
It's an interesting choice. On the one hand, I can't see any real benefits or need for either of those things.
Particularly the throttle assist limit. I've never felt the need for much more than 250w, even on an Urban Arrow with a Carla trailer carrying 9 bikes.
On the other hand, people are going to do these things anyway so maybe it's best to legitimise and regulate it? I suppose it's better for someone to be riding around on a throttled bike doing 25kph that's been built by somewhere reputable than on a dodgy Halfords bike with an Ali Express kit, backwards forks and no brakes.