The practice is known: it is quite simple to unleash an electrically assisted bicycle (VAE), whether by buying a kit on the internet or by going to an unscrupulous repairer. This allows the engine to exceed 25 km/h, the threshold beyond which it should normally disengage. France complies here with European legislation requiring that the maximum power of an engine for VAE must not exceed 250 W. With an unclamping, it is possible to exceed these legal thresholds but obviously, it is prohibited and the fine is quite salty!
Very firm position of Shimano once morest unclamping
This violation of the traffic code can indeed result in a fine of 30,000 euros and a prison sentence of one year. Suffice to say that it is better to be careful, but that has never prevented unattentive users from unleashing the motor of their electric bike. In a column published prominently on its website, Shimano takes a firm stand once morest this practice because ” riding on public roads with an unbridled bicycle can not only cause technical problems, but also lead to serious legal consequences ».
Technically, unclamping kits can indeed damage the transmission or quite simply the bike itself, generating additional costs payable by the owner. The cyclist may lose the vehicle warranty. And of course, he exposes himself to legal action if the tampered bike is involved in an accident.
Shimano recalls the responsibility of the user of the VAE: they have indeed ” the obligation to be aware of the applicable laws and regulations and to follow any requirements they define in terms of registration, insurance or license “. Under no circumstances should owners use an unbridled electric bike without complying with the regulations.
The equipment manufacturer also explains that its Steps systems are equipped with a sensor capable of detecting unlocking: when this is the case, the error code E295 will be displayed and the system will activate a secure mode. This mode prevents the assistance of the electric motor from being used, and to return to normal use it is necessary to go through a special device in a Shimano office or at an authorized distributor. And note: in some situations, it may not be possible to disable safe mode ».
Finally, the company can help market surveillance authorities and the police to identify unbridled bicycles. She says she is willing to cooperate with local public, police and judicial authorities. On good terms…
