Friday 26 May 2017

L1e-A Type Approval - Missed Opportunities

1 - L1e-A Type Approval - Missed Opportunities - Intro

The L1e-A class of vehicle is at at present described in European Directive 168/2013, at the moment there is no way of obtaining UK type approval for this vehicle. If you built a 15 mph 1000w ebike it would need to undergo the same inspection process as a Motor Bike.

But for now let us imagine that the DVSA had the resources to publish a list of requirements. If they followed the requirements set out in European Directive 168/2013, then the below list (Chapter 2) would be required, and uptake of the L1e-A vehicle class would be minimal. 

If we are to release to full environmental benefits of electrically assisted pedal cycles then we must allow a higher power rating under existing EAPC regulations, whilst maintaining current 15mph speed limit. 

If one has to tax and insure these higher powered, but low speed (15mph) vehicles what is the incentive in operating one? One may as-well opt for a "real" motor bike or a car.

In my various emails shared with the Department for Transport (Chapter 4) no reason for the current 250w limit has been given, the USA have a 750w limit which has been in use for over a decade. 

In short this could be a very useful, zero emission, transport solution. We need to clean up our air, we need to reduce our carbon emissions. 1000w 15mph EBikes and ETrikes could take over many of the jobs that Small Vans and Car currently do in our cities. 

Passengers . . .
. . . post. . . .
. . .  or freight.
Most of these heavier cycles are popular in the "low countries" such as Belgium and Holland. In the hilly UK, if these pedal powered vehicles are to be success then we will need a 1000w power limit on an assisting electric motor.  

2 - L1e-A Type Approval - Missed Opportunities - Requirements

L1e-A - Horn

You will not need am audible warning device. AKA a Horn.

L1e-A - Brakes


According to UNECE Reg. 78 unless the vehicle weighs less than 35kg. In which case normal bike brakes will be OK.

Rim widths must be kept under 45mm to avoid stopping distance requirements.

L1e-A - Endurance

Needs to be able to last for 5 years. Which bits this applies to I do not know, likley the frame I should think. 

L1e-A - Lights and Signals

A headlamp, a side reflectors, pedal reflectors. Headlights can be switched automatically or manually. No rear light is required.

This is rather silly. A rea light is one of the most important safety features on a bicycle. . . . the mind boggles.

L1e-A - Saddle

A normal bicycle saddle.

L1e-A - Tires

Normal bike tires provide loaded weight is below 150kg, and the tires are less than 67mm in width. This translates to 2.35" cycle tires being OK, which is pretty wide. 

L1e-A - Anti Tamper

The vehicle user should not be able to alter the vehicle speed above 15mph, with (i am guessing) an off road switch or similar.

L1e-A - Vehicle structure integrity

Must conform with EN 14764:2005. This is a bicycle standard realting to "City and trekking bicycles." So if you are converting a modern bike of the correct type then it should comply. However, this standard does not apply to:

"It does not apply to mountain bicycles and racing bicycles, tradesman's delivery bicycles, recumbent bicycles, tandems and bicycles designed and equipped for use in sanctioned competitive events."

L1e-A -Passenger handholds and footrests

These are not required. However this would suggest passengers are allowed. . . 

L1e-A - Registration Plate / Number Plate

10cm by 17,5cm space is required for mounting. This is annoying. This is large un-aerodynamic thing to fit on to a bicycle. 

L1e-A - Kick Stand

Yes you need one of these. A kick stand, or two foot stand for example. 

L1e-A - Propulsion Unit performance

This is a little complex, and will depend on the type of system. If a pedal assistance system then there are standards to be met (EN 15194:2009 &  UNECE Reg. No 8)

L1e-A -Electric energy consumption and electric range

There are no minimum range requirements. 

3 - L1e-A Type Approval - Missed Opportunities - - Conclusions

One of the great joys of owning a ebike is the lack of legislative burdens. No tax, no insurance, no requirement to wear a helmet. . . . 

The L1e - A category has the potential to revolutionise inner city transport if implemented correctly and sensitively. But if regulators are too heavy handed this form of vehicle will be relegated to an obscure and underutilized form of transport. 

4 - Type Approval Requirements L1e-A - Letters to DfT

I have had various contacts with the the Department for Transport. I would rather see this L1e-A bracket included under EAPC regulations.

Letter 1

An initial enquiry, brought boiler plate response. So . . . my response.


I think in the days before the world wide web, the response may well have been a useful one. But it is repetition of information that I have already read, and already have access to. It is all very well to choose 250 watts as a maximum power rating, but I fear this figure has been chosen at random with no true understanding how an electric motor works.

How will this be enforced? – We have a enforcement system that measures speed, not power.


Practicality? – Would you place a power limit on a Tractor?


Worthy Contribution? – A moderately fit rider can produce 800w power when cycling. 250w as an addition is rather small.


I summary I am trying to investigate why this 250w figure has been chosen. I would like to think there was some science behind it somewhere. . . . but I have a strong suspicion it was plucked from the air.


DfT response to Enquiry on why current limit is 250w.

Directive 2002/24 made type approval compulsory for all two wheeled motor vehicles,  except powered cycles not exceeding 250 watts. 
Unfortunately we have no detailed information on why that threshold was chosen. It may  have come from a prior threshold in an EU country where such cycles were common eg  Netherlands.

Letter 2 - Higher Power for Low Speed EBikes 

My Letter - Enquiring About Power Increase

Now that we are leaving the EU could we open a dialog on how best to increase max allowable power on pedal assisted EVs? To be clear 15mph speed limit would be maintained, with increased assistance level and torque.



Since our last communication we have heard that diesels will likely be banned in cities, and I think it is likely that electrical assisted vehicles can fill this gap.



With the price of electric cars and vans being inhibitive for most, I think now is the time to investigate this possible review of the EAPC regulations. Here are some links to some vehciles that would benefit from a change to the regulations: 




For Passengers



http://pedalistcycles.com/

https://blogvelocity.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/excellent-piece-of-cargo-bike/



For Cargo



http://vrachtfiets.nl/

https://twitter.com/fahrradwien/status/800967612108783616?s=09



Surely this is worth looking at? We have an air quality and emissions mountain to climb in the next decade and this can only help. . . .

Dft Response to Increasing 

Thank you for your e-mail of 27 April concerning electrically assisted pedal  cycles (EAPCs). I have been asked to respond as I work in the Department  for Transport’s cycle policy team and lead on EAPCs.

As we are currently in the pre-election period, known as purdah, new policy  decisions cannot be taken until after 8 June when a new Government will  have been elected.

You may be aware that prior to the beginning of the purdah period detailed  guidance on compliance issues affecting certain EAPCs was published on the  Department for Transport’s website. For ease of reference here is a link to  the guidance.

My response to This

Thank you very much for you informative response. I had seen a draft of your linked document last year, I am worried that if these slow, low powered cycles are grouped with motor vehicles that the added administrative burdens will prevent their uptake.



I have recently read that there is a directive 168/2013 that introduces the category L1e-A for type approval. That is a 15mph top speed but with a 1000w power allowance.



This is exactly the type of bicycle I think that would prove useful for passenger and load carrying, and would provide a real alternative to cars and vans. Especially in hilly areas, were the current 250w allowance does not contribute meaningfully.



These types of cycle would also allow individuals and businesses to opt for zero emissions transport at a fraction of the cost of an electric car. This would accelerate the inner city air quality improvements required of the UK, whilst adding to the fitness and wellbeing of those using the cycles.



I believe that the DfT are updating type approval regulations at present, I would ask that the L1e-A category is merged with the EAPC regulations. I am of the opinion that attempts to classify these cycles as motor vehicles would severely restrict there up take, and thus limit the myriad of positive effects that they would bring for those using them, and air quality.



Finally, it is very difficult to enforce a system based on power ratings, at present our enforcement system favours speed as an enforcement mechanism, which most police can measure easily. If a bicycle is limited to 15mph, then there is very little point in having any more than 1000w power, any more and it is surplus to requirements. 

Environmental Permit Applications  

Desktop Study

Monday 8 May 2017

Thorpy's Grass Track Dilly Cart Build

Thorpy's Grass Track Dilly Cart Build - Intro


This is a brief write up of the dilly cart / box cart that my kids and I have built for the National Trust, Landhydrock, Dilly Cart Race. I am not racing in the kart, instead my wife, and two daughters are entering because I enjoy building things, but not driving.

The race is a grass track race, and as such the rolling resistance is quite high. For this reason the race organisers suggest the use of 24" wheels or bigger.

Normally a box cart, or dilly cart track is paved in some way, and on these tracks a smaller 20" BMX wheel will serve you well, they have more spokes and are generally stronger.

I chose large wheels, because I think it will be annoying if the cart does not roll well. I think my kids will use the brake quite a lot, and not gauge the track ahead very well in terms of the momentum, required. Bigger wheels will reduce the likelihood of stalling on a grass track. So that is why I think the bigger the better even if you are not out to win.

Watch the length. 2.5 meters is soon used up!

Thorpy's Grass Track Dilly Cart Build - Specifications / Rules


For Landhydrock, Dilly Cart Race 2017 the carts have to meet the following requirements, unlike many cart races, you only need 3 wheels, which makes things a lot easier in terms of steering!


  1. Carts must have a minimum of three load bearing wheels.   
  2. We recommend a wheel size minimum of 24 inches, as you will be racing on a grass track.  
  3. Carts must have effective steering. 
  4. Carts must have effective brakes. 
  5. Carts must fit within the following dimensions:  


  •     Maximum length 250cm, 
  •     Maximum width 150cm, 
  •     Minimum track width 60cm 
  •     Maximum weight of vehicle, ballast and driver 150kg. 


  1. Carts must not have any sharp edges, glass or loose parts.   
  2. Carts will be examined before racing, and any carts considered  dangerous or unsuitable for the course will not be allowed to race.   However, inspection does not constitute a warranty of safety.   Drivers are solely responsible for the safe construction and operation  of their vehicles. 

Wonky but Functional



Whilst I found the width allowance to be very generous, you will have the watch you length. The 26" wheels add a lot of length as there are approx 60cm front to back so there is 1.2 meters straight away. The pictured cart is 2.4 meter long approx.

Thorpy's Grass Track Dilly Cart Build - Ingredients


Two bikes will provide moist of the stuff you need, they will have mounts for brakes, wheels, and other handy bits saving time and trouble. To summarise, try to get hold of two old mountain bikes. The recycling centre is a good place to start, where you could get 2 bikes for £20.

To Weld or Not to Weld?


If you buy a welder, then I am pretty sure you will be able to learn to use it pretty quickly. A cheap gasless mig welder can be had on ebay for £120. A welder is such a handy thing to have, by the time you have spent £50 on an alternatives such as epoxy, rivets or bolts etc. then  you may as well make the investment.

If you were to building from wood, that is OK.  I have done this before and the results are not as good. And even then we used some welded parts for brackets etc. I have seen some good wooden carts built with wheel barrow wheels, but with larger wheels it become more difficult.

Extra Tubing

The best source for cheap tubing I have found is electrician's conduit which you can get from any plumbers store or electrician store. Not B&Q, somewhere like plumb-base. It come is 3 meters lengths so unless you have roof rack, take a hacksaw with you.

Seat


You will need something to make the seat, this could be a canvas only deck chair type thing, or as I have done a plyboard jobby with a bit of cushioning (roll matt).

Foot Rest

This could be wood, tubing of net / mesh as used in pictures.

Paint


I used water based exterior paint, with an undercoat. It was left over from our front door. Metal paint would do a better job, but it is very smelly (high VOC content) and I wanted my kids to help paint it.

Tires 

I am just using the tires that came on the bike. But you could opt for fatter tires with a shallow tread if you were really keen.

Ballast

Ballast is a heavy lump of something that you attach to the cart to make is go quicker. Heavier thing have greater momentum, and so speed gained down steeper sections will be maintained through flatter sections.  I am not putting ballast in the cart, I just want my family to have a nice day and I am not bothered about winning. If the dilly cart were to tip over with 25kg or 50kg of ballast in side then I do want a family member underneath that kind of fast moving weight.

Brakes


Hopefully you can use the brake son the bike. A front wheel break is not ideal as there will not be much weight of the front wheel, causing it to skid easily, at which point the steering will stop working! Not ideal.

1 Break on one side of the rear, will cause a little skewed, when braking, but is an ok option, if you have time then brake both rear wheels.

A very simple solution is a ground bearing break. Pull up a handle and a piece of wood hit the ground slowing the cat in the process.

Thorpy's Grass Track Dilly Cart Build - Design


Perhaps this should have come before ingredients. . . . . 

HAVE FUN. Do not worry too much about your design, unless you enjoy that part of it. Just try to keep the wheels aligned, and think about the human that has to fit inside the dilly cart. A good way would be to sit on your garage floor and draw around you required seating area, with a permanent marker. Then build the cart around this. 

Two Bikes Stuck Together make the Job Easier


Make sure the cart is strong enough. I will test out our dilly cart before I put my kids in it. I am double the weight of my wife, so I consider that an adequate test. 

So many things in life are prescriptive, why not just make it up as you go along!

Thorpy's Grass Track Dilly Cart Build - Extra Bits


Some extra bit s that might be considered . . . . . 

  • Flags 
  • Streamers 
  • Roll Bar - Stops youngsters getting squashed.
  • Horn
  • Spokey Dokeys
  • Spoiler
  • Mudguards - Stop debris front front wheel going in eyes.