These are not the cheapest systems on the market but we know that they are the most reliable. We have used the Heinzmann systems in our handcycles and other mobility products for 7 years now without any problems or breakdowns.

When you purchase one of these kits or bikes you are investing in a reliable, solid and robust system with proven German technology you know you can trust.

What is a Pedelec and E-bike?

Pedelecs (officially known as EAPC, Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) are a motorised vehicle generation, whose concept is that despite motorised assistance are classified as pedal cycles within the EU and accordingly exempt from registration.

The system works very simply. Motor assistance is only provided when the rider pedals, as detected by a movement sensor. The level of assistance is controlled by twist-grip and thereby the speed. According to EU regulations, pedelecs may have motor assistance of up to 250W up to a maximum speed of 25km/h. (UK: 200W, 15mph - see below).

There is no requirement to wear a helmet but riders must be aged 14 years or over. In contrast to pedelecs the e-bike, as with moped, is provided with motor power solely through turning the twist-grip. Motorisation and muscle power therefore work independently of one another. E-bikes may not only be ridden in mixed operation, as with the pedelec, or purely as a cycle, but also with motor power alone.

How do the United Kingdom regulations apply?

Despite attempts to harmonise rules throughout the EU E-Bike and pedelec legislation still varies from country to country within the EU. In the UK the EAPC Regulations 1983 (Statutory Instrument 1983 No 1168 ) permit both e-bikes and pedelecs subject to a maximum motor-assisted speed of 15mph, maximum continuous power rating of 200W (250W for tandems and trikes) and maximum vehicle weight of 40kg including batteries (60kg for tandems and trikes).

Further information may be found at the Department for Transport website or by clicking here for the pdf version.

Retro Fit Kit

Standard kits comprise a motor, control unit, throttle, pedal sensor (pedelec only), extension cable (front mounted motor only), luggage carrier (for mounting the controller and battery), battery and battery charger.

Non-standard motors or individual components may also be ordered as spares or to make up a custom kit. Discuss your needs with your specialist Heinzmann retailer.

These kits come with choice of motor for low inclines/city, moderate inclines and hilly terrain. Motors may be fitted to either front or rear hubs although this must be specified at time of ordering.

Digital System

The new digital system incorporates several new features to improve ride and economy.

The digital twist grip now includes a battery status display and push-buttons for on/off and an “ECO” mode.

Battery status LEDs give a true reading of remaining battery capacity and include a fault display in the event of a failed or incorrectly connected system component.

ECO mode allows the user to limit the power delivered to the motor, whilst attaining the full speed range. This allows the rider to extend battery range when high power operation is not required.

Also, for the pedelec versions, the start-assistance has an increased performance to enable standing starts to be fully aided for heavy load carrying or steep inclines. Start assistance for the pedelec version powers the rider to 3.5mph (6km/h) without having to pedal. Above this speed motor assistance will only continue to be provided whilst pedalling.

Lithium Battery Technology

Two new 36V batteries have been introduced to replace the older NiCd and NiMH versions. The new batteries are based on Li-Ion technology and are available in 5.2Ah and 9.6Ah versions, weighing in at 2.3kg and 4kg respectively. Range in pedelec mode is estimated at 19m (30km) for the 5.2Ah version and 32m (50km) for the 9.6Ah version (Based on average pedalling and 100kg total weight including rider).

Kits come with a single battery although additional batteries can be ordered to either double the range or allow a quick turnaround following the end of a ride.

These Li-Ion batteries incorporate the best in battery technology and quality and have undergone extensive testing alongside the Heinzmann drive system offering lower weight, increased range and greater flexibility in terms of charging requirements compared with their predecessors.

The batteries include their own battery management systems and charge status is shown locally on the battery case as well as on the digital twist grip.

The batteries are designed to fit into a removable, weatherproof, soft fabric protection case with locking facilities and may be fitted to either side of the luggage carrier. Battery charging may be carried out on or off the bike. Charging times for the 5.2Ah and 9.6Ah are around 6 hours and 10 hours respectively.

For existing users of Heinzmann kits with 36V NiCd battery technology, upgrading to Li-Ion batteries is possible without changes to existing drive system.

For existing users of Heinzmann kits with 36V NiMH battery technology, upgrading to Li-Ion is possible but will require controller modification.

Can I fit the kit myself?

There are a few things to watch out for when fitting the kit and not all bikes are suited to standard kits. It is therefore recommended that someone with specialist knowledge of the kits and bike assembly be consulted for retrofit kit installation.

Motors:

Kits may be made up of the following motor types:

870-00-751-6622 – 50Nm, 28A, steel internal gears, 15% climbing, 13mph (26” wheel)

870-00-751-1122 – 53Nm, 33A, steel internal gears, 15% climbing, 15mph (26” wheel)

Rear Hub:

870-00-753-6022– 43Nm, 25A, synthetic internal gears, 12% climbing, 14mph (26” wheel)

870-00-753-6622– 50Nm, 28A, steel internal gears, 15% climbing, 13mph (26” wheel)

870-00-753-1122– 53Nm, 33A, steel internal gears, 15% climbing, 15mph (26” wheel)

All are UK road legal (except 870-00-751-1122 and 870-00-753-1122 on 28” rims) and rated at 36V, 200W continuous power (S1 duty). Other motor types are available on request but must be ordered as individual components.

NOTE: Not all motors and kits are legal in all countries regions. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that they are complying with local and national regulations and legislation for operating electrically assisted vehicles and pedal cycles.

Throttles:

The digital system is only available with twist grip throttle. Thumb throttles are only available with analogue systems which will need to be ordered as individual components.

Controllers:

Standard kits include digital control units only. Analogue (the technology used to date) control units are still available and the NiCd versions are compatible with Li-Ion batteries. See note above under Lithium Battery Technology for compatibility with analogue NiMH control units.

NOTE: Analogue components are not compatible with the digital system. If in doubt consult retailer.