Are you an ebike owner or curious about the workings of electric bikes? Either way, you’ve probably heard the term “pedal assist.”
In this article we’ll discuss the pedal-assist system and its benefits for ebike riders. Go Ride Bikes is your go-to for everything electric bike-related – with our help you’ll be an expert in pedal-assist bicycles by the time you finish reading.
What is Pedal Assist?
The system enables you to cruise along at your preferred speed without taking too much strain. Once you switch it on, you’ll feel a slight bump in speed and power, letting you go further and faster without getting tired.
Modern ebikes have different levels of pedal assist. A higher level will make pedaling very easy, while a lower level allows you to get a moderate workout, extend your ebike’s battery life, and increase your range of distance.
We’ll soon get into the nitty-gritty of how these bikes work, but, in basic terms, the bike uses sensors that monitor your pedaling power. The motor kicks in accordingly to provide you with assistance based on your chosen level.
How Does Pedal Assist Work?
Electric motor
The electric motor is the heart of the ebike. It assists the rider when pedaling to reduce the load.
The motor can either be on the wheels or centered on the frame. On the rear wheel, the motor interacts with the gears to provide traction. When it is centered, it interacts with the pedals, offering stability and power.
Sensors
The sensor is responsible for activating the motor to provide pedal assistance. There are two kinds of sensors: a cadence sensor and a torque sensor.
Cadence sensors
Most ebikes have this kind of pedal-assist sensor, as it’s straightforward and relatively affordable.
Torque sensors
The H6 MAX has a flexible hydraulic front fork that takes the worst sting out of bumps, even when taking the bike off-road. You can adjust the stiffness, depending on how much you weigh and your riding style. We loved this customizable feature as it always ensured a comfortable ride.
It also comes with double rear shocks which are designed for urban and rural environments, ensuring a stable ride no matter where you go.
Battery
The battery is the power source for the motor.
Most ebikes make use of lithium-ion batteries, as they are sustainable and lightweight. The voltage of the battery will determine how far you can ride on a single charge, ranging from 25 to 65 miles – although some ebikes do go further.
Control Unit
The control unit is fitted on all modern ebikes. It monitors the battery, motor, and charging efficiency, as well as allowing you to set your level of pedaling assistance.
Benefits of Pedal Assist
1. Reduced physical effort
You can easily cycle to work or the shop without becoming hot and bothered. By adjusting the pedal assistance level, you can decide how much of a workout you get.
Find yourself pedaling into a headwind or uphill? With pedal assist, this isn’t a problem, as the bike will give you that oomph you need.
2. Extended range
3. Great cardio workout
You may not be pedaling very hard, but even with pedal assistance, you’re still getting decent, low-impact cardio exercise, which benefits your health and wellness.
Ebikes work your core and legs, and give your heart and lungs some exercise, making it ideal for those who want to get the blood pumping. By selecting your pedal assistance level, you can adjust how tough your workout is.
4. Eco-friendly choice
5. Great for all terrains
These bikes do well on paved roads, and certain ebikes with fat tires can give you a boost when you’re off-roading as well.
Pedal Assist vs. Throttle Activated Electric Bike
Both throttle-activated and pedal-assist ebikes are able to push the ebike using an electric motor, but there is a slight difference.
Throttle-activated bikes are for when you want a relaxing ride. By using throttle mode, you can cruise without the use of the pedals at all.
An electric bike with pedal assistance still requires pedaling to keep you going.
Some electric bikes have both throttles and pedal assist.
Pros of a throttle-activated electric bike
- Immediate acceleration
- Precise speed control
- Very versatile, especially for beginners
- Requires less effort
Cons of a throttle-activated electric bike
- Not much of a workout
- Shorter range due to battery use
- Feels less natural
Pros of a throttle-activated electric bike
- Provides cardio exercise
- Efficient battery use resulting in longer range
- Environmentally friendly
- Smooth riding experience
Cons of a throttle-activated electric bike
- More expensive
- Reduced speed control
- More complex, requires more maintenance
If you want a smooth ride, a bit of a workout, and it’s within your budget, a pedal assist bike would be your top choice. But, if you have a limited budget and want an easy ride, you can’t go wrong with a throttle-activated ebike.
FAQs
Does pedal assist make you faster?
Are pedal assist bikes worth it?
Can I turn off pedal assist and ride the e-bike like a regular bike?
Are pedal assist e-bikes street legal?
Can I retrofit my regular bike with pedal assist?
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of electric bike models on the market, and knowing the lingo can help you find the right bike. Now that you understand bike pedal assist and how it compares to throttle-activated bikes, you can go out and get a bike that works for you.
Sam Hartman
Hey! I live in San Diego and am an electric bike fanatic and writer. About 8 years ago, I dove headfirst into the electrifying world of e-bikes and haven’t looked back since. It’s not just a pastime, it’s a lifestyle that keeps me going on new adventures and on the hunt for cool bikes.
What is Pedal Assist and How Does it Work?
By Sam Hartman