Understanding Electric Bike Modes: Throttle vs. Pedal Assist (Pedelec)

There are many different types of electric bikes with different ways of activating the electric assist.

In this article you will learn about the different throttle types (twist grip, thumb, push button), pedal assist types (torque sensor and cadence sensor) and which mode may be best for you.

Throttle Mode

The throttle mode is similar to how a motorcycle or scooter operates.  When the throttle is engaged the motor provides power and propels you and the bike forward.

A throttle allows you to pedal or just kick back and enjoy a “free” ride!  Most throttles can be fine tuned like a volume dial between low and full power.

A lot of e-bikes in the US have the throttle feature.  In some countries the throttle electric bike is not allowed; only pedal assist.

Here are a few of the different types of throttles found on electric bikes:

This is the half grip twist throttle on the eFlow E3 Nitro electric bike.  The throttle is engaged by twisting the throttle; similar to a motorcycle or scooter.  This is the most common type of e-bike throttle.

This is the thumb throttle on the Prodeco Outlaw SS electric mountain bike.  The throttle is engaged by pushing the throttle “paddle” forward with your thumb.

This is the thumb throttle of the BionX system on the OHM XS750 electric bike.  The throttle is engaged by pushing the red button forward with your thumb.

This is the push button throttle on the Clean Republic Hill Topper electric bike kit.  This particular throttle is simply an on/off switch; there is no way to adjust between low and full power.

Pedal Assist (Pedelec) Mode

Pedal assist, also referred to as pedelec, is a mode that provides power only when you are pedaling.  If you are used to riding a traditional bike, the pedal assist mode has a more intuitive feel compared to the throttle mode.

The pedal assist mode is also nice because you can focus purely on your pedaling and you don’t have to hold the throttle in a certain position.

Since you have to pedal, the pedal assist mode will generally give you more range when compared to the throttle mode.  Here are 10 tips to increase your electric bike’s range.

A lot of pedal assist bikes have different levels of assistance, for example: low, medium, or high assist.  Please note that some e-bikes have 4 or 5 pedal assist settings, but for this example we will just stick with low, medium, and high.

Low pedal assist = you are feeling pretty good on the bike.  Low assist provides a little electric assist while you provide more pedal power and get more of a workout.

Medium pedal assist = you have a nice tailwind everywhere you go.  Medium pedal assist can be a nice balance of your pedal power and the motor power.

High pedal assist = you feel like superman!  High pedal assist is when you want to get somewhere quickly and with minimal effort.  This could be useful if you want to get to work without sweating too much.  On the way home you could use the low pedal assist to workout the stress of the day.

This is the display of the Easy Motion Neo Jumper electric mountain bike.  The pedal assist settings can be adjusted up or down using the + or – buttons on the left side of the display.  In this picture the pedal assist is set to the highest level; see the right side of the display.

There are a few different pedal assist types on the market; the torque sensor and the cadence sensor systems.

The torque sensor pedal assist systems measure the amount of power you are putting into the pedals and it will increase or decrease the electric assist based on your pedaling power.

The torque sensor systems have a very intuitive ride feel because they emulate your pedal power very well.  They are also generally found on the more expensive e-bikes or e-bike kits.

The torque sensors are generally found in the bottom bracket, rear drop out, or in the rear hub motor.

This is the TMM4 torque sensor on the inside of the rear dropout of the Easy Motion Neo Jumper electric mountain bike.

The cadence sensor pedal assist systems provide assistance when the cranks of the bike are turning.

Compared to the torque sensor system, the cadence sensor will just provide the assist based purely on the level assist you have selected and it will not increase or decrease the assist based on your actual pedal power.  You could be pedaling very lightly or very hard and it will provide the same level of assist.

This is the cadence sensor at the cranks of the Pedego City Commuter electric bike.

The Combination: Throttle & Pedal Assist Mode

Some e-bikes come equipped with both the throttle and the pedal assist modes.

On some e-bikes you can be operating the bike in the pedal assist mode and then get an additional boost by twisting the throttle.

There are also e-bikes that have both modes, but they cannot be used at the same time.

Which Mode is Best for You?

If you want the option to simply cruise along and pedal or not pedal, then you should consider a throttle e-bike.

If you enjoy pedaling and want to a more intuitive e-bike then go for the pedal assist (pedelec).

More and more e-bikes are coming with both systems so you may have the option of using both systems depending on your mood.

I hope this helps in understanding the different electric bike assist modes.

I recommend that you visit your local electric bike dealer to try the throttle and pedal assist modes for yourself to see which one fits your riding style.

If you already have an electric bike, which mode do you prefer and why?  Please leave your comments in the section below.

Thanks!

-Pete

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