As the first chill of winter spreads across the UK, we invite you to warm yourself by the Week in E-bikes woodburner electric fire. This week, we’ve got Andy Burnham’s intentions to fight illegal e-bikes and conversion kits, UK bike stalwarts’ new electric models, plus a nice update for Vanmoof riders.

UK government could crack down on illegal e-bikes and conversion kits

Deliveroo rider’s illegally modified e-bike 2
Deliveroo rider’s illegally modified e-bike (Image Credit: All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking)

Prime Minister Andy Burnham could introduce fresh legislation to clamp down on noncompliant e-bikes and high-powered DIY conversion kits. During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Labour MP Martin Rhodes asked what the government was doing to tackle the issue.

“My constituents in Glasgow North regularly raise with me the issue of illegally modified e-bikes travelling at dangerous speeds on our roads and pavements”, said Rhodes. “Online marketplaces are selling unsafe e-bikes and conversion kits that take pedal cycles beyond the legal limits, leaving pedestrians, families, vulnerable people worried for their safety when they’re going about their daily lives. Can the Prime Minister set out what action the government is taking to hold online sellers and marketplaces to account for selling these products?”

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“We are considering tougher regulations for the sale of noncompliant e-bikes and conversion kits across the UK”, Burnham said in response. “We will, of course, work with the Scottish Government to ensure it applies in Scotland, whatever we decide. I agree with my honourable friend: the safety risks posed by e-bikes that are running at excess speeds need to be stopped”.

The form a potential crackdown on e-bikes will take is yet to be confirmed. EU member states are facing pressure to make online sellers more accountable from the European Cycling Industries consortium, and it would make sense for the UK to piggyback any new rules that are enforced.

However, new e-bike legislation might take a little while in the UK — the Mayor of London recently urged the Department for Transport to speed up its implementation of micromobility scheme regulations.

Pashley powers up Skyline mini-velo

Skyline E
Skyline E (Image Credit: Pashley)

Pashley’s Skyline mini-velo is one of those adorable little bicycles that turns heads while being surprisingly versatile — I once saw an intrepid Audaxer tackling a 200 km Brevet Randonneur on one. Now, Pashley has introduced the Skyline E, an electric version of the bike.

“The Pashley Skyline E totally expands the possibilities and experience you get from a mini velo”, said Andy Smallwood, Pashley’s CEO. “Navigating the city, commuting to work, hitting trails or out for an adventure and sheer fun — this new e-model opens new horizons providing you the power to go far and beyond your everyday ride”.

The hand-built Reynolds steel frame is much the same as its non-electric counterpart, but the E edition slides a Mahle XS X30 drive system into its 20-inch rear wheel and pairs it with a bottle-cage battery that doubles as a USB-C power bank. Speaking of banks, the bike starts at £2,695 with a riser bar and knobbly tyres, and £2,999 for drop handlebars and smoother tyres. Both feature a Shimano CUES 10-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, and they’re available in three colourways (Earl Grey, Bottle Green, and Mustard Yellow) and three sizes. Cute!

… and J. Laverack jumps on the electric bandwagon

Titanium E-bike
Titanium E-bike (Image Credit: J. Laverack)

Hot on the heels of Litespeed last week, UK-based bicycle manufacturer J. Laverack has announced the electrification of its slick titanium models. Making use of the Mahle X20 system, the range can deliver a peak torque of 65Nm and peak power output of 275W, with a range of up to 200km plus an extra 55km with an optional range extender.

J. Laverack’s partially 3D-printed frames can be built to suit your physiology, and they come in MTB, all-road, gravel, road, and urban flavours. The bikes start at £7,495, and they’re limited to a run of just 22, so you’ll have to be quick. And rich.

Vanmoof adds free Rider Nav turn-by-turn routing to its app

Rider Nav
Rider Nav (Image Credit: Vanmoof)

The seemingly immortal Vanmoof has given its users an early Christmas present in the form of its biggest-ever app update, with all-new in-app journey routing. Dubbed Rider Nav by the Netherlands-based e-bike company, the update gives Vanmoof users seamless turn-by-turn navigation directly in the app, with spoken and haptic turn alerts, plus battery percentage and range estimates alongside their ETA on-screen.

“We set out to create navigation that is completely in line with what riders expect of their bikes: functional, beautiful, intuitive and best-in-class”, said Eliott Wertheimer, Vanmoof’s CEO. “We spent a lot of time optimising our routing algorithm and map integration to create one of the best ebike-optimised navigation systems in the world. Our Rider Nav is an extension of our bikes; a joy to use, 100% rider-focused and a massive time saver. This has been in the works for a long time and it delights us to be able to offer this at no cost to all our riders”.

The app is available now for iOS and Android users and will work with all connected Vanmoof e-bikes.