Originally Posted by
Mabman
The spendy and trendy EU compliant 250w PAS bikes are just window dressing. They obviously are working for many folks though as there are millions of them worldwide, but mainly in China and the EU. But I can ride a bike averaging 15 mph so they don't do a thing for me.
However I can't average 25 mph but can on a bike that is still legally compliant and costs less than the EU ones. If it means I have to be in the moped class so be it. I have lights and all that on my bike already because that is how I roll on the road. If I have to go get a plate for a small fee and wear a helmet that is not a problem with me in order to be able to be in the 30 mph top speed category. I have both a 20 mph electric and a gas 30 mph and the former works best in town and the other works way better on longer trips and I have lots of saddle time on both. If I could only have one though it would be a 30 mph moped class for sure.
The most important aspect of a motor assist bicycle for me is that I can pedal at all times in a hard enough gear to complement the motor. This relieves pressure on myself and the motor at the same time and I can go further faster using less energy overall. What can I say, I like to pedal. Mab's are alot like riding a tandem with a really strong stoker and are just way too much fun to pass up on.
If your state is like mine, wearing a dot approved helmet while pedaling seems a bit too much to go through as those helmets are hot and heavy.