A Department for Transport (DfT) consultation has proposed doubling the permitted power limit for electric bike motors to 500 watts, up from the current level of 250 watts. To emphasize the point, Panasonic debuted the e-bikes at January’s sprawling International Consumer Electronics Show alongside the new Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle, LiveWire. The Japanese electronics giant, which posted sales of more than $73 billion in 2018, said the system is not just another electric bike motor. Both models come with full suspension frame, Bosch Performance Line Speed motor.
Bike Rumour carries news of a new speed pedelec helmet from Endura. It is certified to speed pedelec standards (designed for greater speed impact and covering more of your head than a regular helmet) and features tilting visor and Koroyd Core honeycomb structured shock absorbing material. There are two battery options, 625Wh and the dual battery system of 1125Wh and a choice of Kiox and Nyon displays and dropped top tube frame on the single battery options. It’s safe to say that not everyone’s entirely on board with the idea of children’s e-bikes. However, here in the UK (where legally you need to be over 14 to ride one) a number of firms have been selling them for a while now – including major names like Scott, Cube and Moustache.
(Luckily, my local bike co-op was able to hook me up with the needed parts!) But that was really the only major problem with assembly. To turn on the bike, you need to first hit a button underneath the battery, then another on the LED display. The battery’s on button isn’t in a highly visible place but is slightly raised so you can find it by touch.
If a ride ends outside of a GeoZone, SPIN will email the user with a warning. If non-compliance continues to be a problem, SPIN may issue a fine. SPIN will relocate bikes and eScooters throughout the day and ensure that they are parked in GeoZones. SPIN can be contacted to pick up or remove any eBikes(s) or eScooter(s) from campus and/or other Kent locations.
Explore a large collection of adult bikes to find the perfect one for you. The advantages of mid-drive motors, though, mean that you’ll usually find them on higher-end electric bikes, whereas low-cost electric bikes tend to favor hub motors. The rest of Kent’s mid-drive e-bike fits more in line with the other budget models in its class. A 36V and 10.5 Ah battery claims a range of 20 miles (32 km) from its 378 Wh of capacity. Simple front and rear suspension offer a bit of spring without costing an arm and a leg.
Spec is solid as you would expect from a manufacturer with a reputation for durable and high quality manufacture; Bosch Performance Line motor, 400Wh or 500 Wh battery, hydraulic disc brakes and a low-maintenance belt drive. Note that low power e-bikes like this are generally kent hybrid bike legal for children to ride in many US states and in most European countries, though in the UK you need to be 14 to ride an e-bike. If you want to check the precise laws for your own state check out People for Bikes excellent state by state guide to the rules on e-bikes.
One of the challenges of producing a viable e-bike for children is that while the size of the bike may be smaller, the equipment needed to provide motor power doesn’t necessarily scale in the same way. These are typically 24” or 26” mountain bikes, but the Kent Torpedo is particularly striking because it’s a 20” bike. With a front suspension fork that kent hybrid bike isn’t much to write home about but still works just fine, the bike is somewhat sporty. We built a classic front yard ramp and had fun seeing who could get the most air. My 7-year-old nephew struggles to touch the ground while my nearly 9-year-old nephew fits on the bike easily. The fact that younger kids can’t fit on it is probably a good thing.