u/TieCalm1035

I'm looking at taking up biking as a hobby as it's more fun than running. I've purchased a standard bike for now and I'm trying to understand how UK e-bike regulations are actually applied, because I keep seeing conflicting information.

As far as I know, a legal UK e-bike is limited to:

• 250W continuous rated motor output
• Motor assistance cuts out at 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
• Pedal assist only (apart from walk assist)

1. A lot of motors advertised as "250W" have higher wattage motors but are restricted down. Is this legal?

2. Furthermore i've seen a lot of e-bikes that can be unlocked - is it illegal to own a bike that can be unlocked or is it only illegal if you're caught riding one that's been unlocked? I've got no desire to

3. Also does anyone have any reccomendations for a MTB/Hybrid e-bike for under £1500? I do have access to cycle2work if there's ones that are more expensive but worth it.

Age and Gender:
26, Male, 5’11

Age Range that you would want/require in a prospect:
23 – 31 +/- one or two depending on compatibility

Location, and are you willing to relocate for a prospect?
West Yorkshire, preference to stay in this region. I would ideally prefer someone who lives within this region or in surrounding regions to make it easy to visit each other’s families inshaAllah.

Ethnicity, and are you more open to mixing?
Pakistani. I was born and raised in the UK and I’m open to mixing.

Marital Status - Single/Divorced/Children:
Single, never married previously or had any relationships of any kind and no children.

Ideal marriage timeline: Ideally between 1-2 years but accepting if varies either way. Whatever Allah SWT wills.

Important characteristics you look for in a prospect:
Nothing I expect is stuff I wouldn’t also be subject to / actively do / hold myself to.

1. ⁠Religious: Someone who’s life is anchored with the deen in the center; aims to pray five times, fasts in Ramadan and pays zakat, avoids alcohol/smoking/substances, doesn’t have friends of the opposite gender and dresses modestly. I’m not expecting perfection in this, just someone who possesses the qualities and intentions of striving to be closer to Allah SWT.
2. ⁠Ambitions for deen and dunya: Someone who is driven and motivated in their goals in this life, and those which will benefit them also in the akhirah. Someone who values true growth of all kinds and works as a team to help achieve each other’s goals inshaAllah.
3. ⁠Empathy & Humility: I want a team-minded spouse, so we build a strong home together, inshaAllah. Someone who can understand the other perspective in a discussion within the household or outside, and remain humble in their approach towards anything.
4. ⁠Interests and passions: Someone who has her own hobbies and goals (or even potential hobbies and goals, no matter how small) and keeps pursuing what benefits them in this life and the akhirah, inshaAllah.
5. ⁠Communication & Sabr: Communicates clearly and patiently, staying calm and rational during challenges rather than reacting emotionally.

State/specify your level of religiosity:

- I’m a Sunni Muslim, I eat only halal, and I strive to fulfil the five pillars to the best of my ability.
- I memorised much of Juz ‘Amma when I was younger and, alhamdulillah, I’ve recently restarted my hifdh journey. I also keep clear boundaries and don’t have female friends.
- I regularly listen to Islamic lectures to increase knowledge and strengthen my understanding. I’m happy to share more about the scholars I benefit from, inshaAllah.
- I’m not by any means perfect in every regard but I sincerely intend as my overarching life goal to try to better myself daily in this regard inshaAllah.

Level of education, and what are you looking for? BSc. No preference on education level in potential partner at all. I would be open to my spouse working if they wished.

Current Job Status: Full time employed in tech alhamdulillah

Do you want kids? Up to my wife inshaAllah, i'm happy to remain child-free or have children.

List hobbies, or things you like to do in your spare time:

- I enjoy going for walks and hikes in nature - I find it really refreshing. I think the bit I appreciate the most is a good view where I can truly marvel at the creation of Allah SWT. I take far too many pictures of sunrises and sunsets and mountainous terrain.

- I enjoy occasionally playing video games (mostly story based stuff and the occasional multiplayer competitive game with friends) and watching tv series (mostly sitcoms, try guessing my favourite sitcom and I’m pretty sure compatibility will be through the roof if we share the same).

- I’m very focused on my career; I’m deeply grateful for the sacrifices made by my parents to get me to where i am, may Allah reward them. I grew up in a working class family and the importance of career and stability is really personally important to me. I’ve supported initiatives to help reduce barriers for others too. InshaAllah others in similar situations will be able to break the cycle and lead better lives in this dunya and subsequently in the akhirah.

- Also, I’ve recently become something of an amateur cook, and I actually enjoy it alhamdulillah. I’ve dabbled in everything at this point from baking to making the famous ‘marry me chicken’.

- Also Also, I’ve recently been getting involved in some DIY projects with woodwork, painting and decorating.

I’m interested in hearing from people who grew up in difficult or complicated family environments and still managed to find a loving, stable marriage. This could mean family conflict and challenges with parents or siblings, divorce, trauma, lack of support, or any other kind of challenging background.

For those who have been through this,

1. how did your background affect the process of looking for a partner?
2. Were there things you had to unlearn, boundaries you had to set, or fears you had to work through before feeling ready for marriage?
3. How did you navigate the search whilst this goes on, or did you not?
4. What helped you along the way i.e. dua, salat, therapy, etc.
5. How did you explain your family situation to potential partners, and how did you know someone was willing to handle it?
6. If you are now married, what does your life look like now compared with what you feared it might be? Has marriage brought healing, new challenges, or both? What advice would you give to someone who worries that their family background might make it harder for them to be chosen, accepted, or able to build a healthy relationship?

Open to input from all who have experience or know someone with experience. Happy for people to reach out and answer privately too.