Complete Guide to Pedal Assist and Throttle Electric Bikes

Electric bikes (e-bikes) offer numerous advantages, with two of the most important features being pedal assist and throttle systems. These features help you accelerate and maintain speed while reducing the effort needed for pedaling.

Most electric bikes come with a pedal assist system, but not all of them have a throttle. Whether or not you need a throttle depends on your personal preferences and riding abilities. Understanding how these two power-assist mechanisms work can help you choose the configuration that suits you best.

This article will cover throttle electric bikes and pedal assist electric bikes. You will learn about their functions, types, advantages, and speed limits.

What is a Pedal Assist Electric Bike?

A pedal assist electric bike has a built-in assist mode that helps you accelerate faster, maintain speed, and reduce fatigue and sweat, allowing you to ride longer distances with ease.

Pedal assist e-bikes, including fat bicycles and big tire electric bicycles, have 5 levels of assist, ranging from 0 to 5. Level 0 provides no assist, while Level 5 offers the maximum assist. The higher the assist level, the more power you get from the motor, but the battery will deplete faster.

How Does the Pedal Assist System Work?

Do you have to pedal to ride an e-bike? This is a common question.

The pedal assist mode works by utilizing your pedaling power. The pedals are connected to the motor via sensors. When you pedal, the sensors signal the motor to provide power to the pedals, which turns the wheels.

This is different from the throttle mechanism, which can turn the wheels on its own without pedaling. The pedal assist system only engages when you are pedaling.

Types of Pedal Assist Sensors

Each pedal assist electric bike, including heavy duty e-bikes, is equipped with a sensor that monitors performance metrics. When you start pedaling, the sensor signals the motor to engage, helping you accelerate and maintain speed.

There are two main types of pedal assist sensors: cadence sensors and torque sensors.

• Cadence sensors measure whether you are pedaling.

• Torque sensors measure both whether you are pedaling and how hard you are pedaling.

Cadence sensors are less expensive and simpler to make, while torque sensors offer a broader range of measurements and respond almost instantly to changes in your pedaling effort. This makes torque sensors more accurate, delivering smoother and more controlled power output.

How Fast Can You Go with Pedal Assist?

It depends on your e-bike, especially the motor. Typically, a 500W electric bike can reach a top speed of around 21 mph (34 km/h) in pedal assist mode. A 750W e-bike can reach speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h), while a 1000W e-bike can reach up to 32 mph (51 km/h).

To comply with local e-bike regulations, manufacturers take additional precautions. They design the pedal assist mode to automatically cut off once a certain speed limit is reached. You can still ride at maximum speed under manual pedaling.

Benefits of Pedal Assist

• Energy Efficiency: Pedal assist combines motor power with your pedaling effort, helping to conserve battery life for longer rides.

• Easier to Learn: This mode makes it easier for riders of all skill levels and physical abilities, including seniors and those recovering from injury, to enjoy riding.

• Exercise Benefits: Pedal assist provides a balanced experience by allowing you to exercise at your own pace while receiving motorized assistance.

Energy Efficiency

Throttle mode uses only the motor for acceleration, while pedal assist distributes the power between the motor and manual pedaling, reducing battery consumption and enabling longer rides.

Higher Accessibility

Pedal assist makes e-bikes accessible to a wider range of people with different skill levels or physical conditions. This is especially important for seniors, individuals recovering from injuries, or people with disabilities.

Exercise Benefits

Can riding an e-bike be a workout? Absolutely!

Pedal assist lets you enjoy both the convenience of electric power and the freedom of pedaling. You get the best of both worlds: easy riding and physical exercise, depending on how much effort you want to put in.

What is a Throttle Electric Bike?

A throttle electric bike is equipped with a full-throttle system. The system is controlled by a throttle located on the handlebars, which sends current to the motor. When the throttle is twisted or pressed, the motor drives the wheels, propelling the bike forward.

Unlike pedal assist systems, throttle systems do not depend on your pedaling effort.

Types of Throttle Systems

There are two types of throttle systems on electric bikes, including big tire electric bicycles: twist throttles and thumb throttles.

• Twist Throttle: This type of throttle works by twisting the throttle grip towards you. The more you twist, the faster you accelerate.

• Thumb Throttle: This type has a lever that you press down with your thumb to accelerate.

How Fast Can You Go with Throttle Only?

Throttle-only e-bikes generally have a lower top speed than pedal assist models. This is due to legal and logistical reasons. In the US, the top speed for throttle-controlled bikes is typically 21 mph (34 km/h) for Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes.

Throttle systems only use the motor to drive the wheels, and you do not need to pedal.

Benefits of Throttle Mode

• Most Convenient Option: A throttle-controlled e-bike allows you to ride without pedaling, making it more accessible for people with physical limitations.

• Easy Start and Stop: The throttle enables faster acceleration after stopping, which can make it safer and more convenient to navigate through heavy traffic.

The Easiest Electric Riding Option

Throttle electric bikes are easier to ride compared to pedal assist bikes because they do not require pedaling. This makes them a good choice for beginners or those with limited leg strength.

Easy Start and Stop

When riding in heavy traffic, you may need to stop and start frequently. Throttles help you regain speed quickly after stopping, making it safer and more convenient to navigate congested areas.

Can You Use Throttle and Pedal Assist Together?

Yes, you can buy electric bikes that come with both throttle and pedal assist functions. These bikes allow you to use both modes, giving you more versatility. However, bikes with both features tend to be more expensive.

At TT-EBIKE, all of our e-bikes come equipped with both pedal assist and throttle. They provide 26 to 70 miles of range in pedal assist mode, but the range decreases in throttle-only mode. This means using the throttle will drain the battery faster.

Advantages of Both Pedal Assist and Throttle

The main advantage of having both assist modes is the flexibility to choose between pedal assist or throttle at any time. You can start with pedal assist to activate the motor, then use the throttle to accelerate when needed. This is especially useful for quickly starting off or climbing steep hills.

Recommended E-Bikes with Both Pedal Assist and Throttle

Choosing between throttle-only and pedal assist e-bikes can be tricky, but with TT-EBIKE, you don’t have to choose. Almost all of our e-bikes come with both features, making it easy for you to ride in a variety of conditions.

Whether you're looking for a heavy duty e-bike for tough terrain or a fat bicycle for off-road adventures, our bikes are designed to meet all your needs. Our big tire electric bicycles provide excellent traction and stability, making them ideal for a variety of surfaces, from rough trails to sandy beaches.

Explore our range of e-bikes with both pedal assist and throttle features, and enjoy a versatile and enjoyable ride!