Q: Do I require road tax and insurance?

All Powabyke models are classed as bicycles, so there is no need for road tax. It is wise to insure your vehicle against theft and third party liability. Powabyke has arranged a special policy with Cycleguard, details of which are supplied with each bike. Or visit our Insurance page. Also, we have included the details for bikeregister.com which lets you register your bike so if it is recovered by the Police after being stolen, they will find your contact details online.

Q: How fast will it go?

To gain exemption from road tax, insurance and wearing a motorcycle helmet, we have to restrict the powered speed to 15mph.  You can pedal the bike faster than 15mph if you wish.

Q: Do I need to pedal?

No. Once the Powabyke reaches 2mph the motor power will take over and propel you to the desired speed up to 15mph. You can supplement the battery power at any time by using the pedals, for example on steep inclines. This will increase the range of the battery. You can ride any Powabyke model like a normal bicycle, with or without the battery connected.

Q: What is the range of the Powabyke?

The range on all two-wheel Powabykes from a fully charged battery is approximately 20 miles without pedalling. However, the Euro bike has a range of over 30 miles in Power Assist mode (PAS). In PAS, you must keep pedalling while using the motor. Range depends on the weight of the rider and the severity of the gradients on your journey. Our calculations are based on a 95 kg rider on an undulating road.

Q: What are the running costs?

To fully charge the battery, which takes eight hours, you will use 0.75kw of electricity, costing about 5p. Battery recycling costs £125 through our recycling programme and includes the collection of your old battery and its return complete with new battery cells. The service normally takes two weeks. In most cases, your local dealer can provide a much faster turnaround time. Total running cost works out at roughly 1.5p per mile.

Q: Is the Powabyke expensive to maintain?

Q: Why don't you supply Powabykes with lights?

Although the Powabyke runs on a battery, it is of 36 volts capacity whereas bike light systems are 12 volts. Any proprietary set of cycle lights can be fitted easily at a small extra cost.

Q: What are the laws pertaining to Powabykes?

To be used on the road without tax, driving licence and motor cycle crash helmet Powabykes have to conform to the following rules. These rules are set out in the Road Traffic Act.

1. Riders must be over 14 years old.
2. Motor power must be less than 200 watts.
3. Weight must be under 40kg without rider.
4. Speed under power must be limited to 15mph.