Pedal Assist Bikes: Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Since the start of the pandemic, e-bike sales have risen by 145 percent. This means many more people are riding them. So, if you’ve seen someone riding down the road on their bicycle without pedalling, you might be left wondering how they are moving?

The answer is simple: they’re using a pedal assist bike. Of course, this might raise further questions for you, and that’s great because we’ve created this handy FAQ all about pedal assist bikes.

 

What Are Pedal Assist Bikes?

Pedal assist bikes are a form of electric bikes with throttle and pedal assist. Basically, it’s a mode on an electric bike that, with the help of a motor, helps you pedal. This, in turn, makes your travel time quicker.

 

Types of E-bikes

You can get a pedal assist electric bike in a variety of genres. Let’s look at some below:

 

Hybrid E-bikes

These bikes are popular among commuters, leisure riders, and homeowners because they can be used for a variety of purposes.

 

Off-Road E-bikes

As more and more people feel the benefit of an electric assist can help in those off-road terrains. This helps you conserve your energy over the whole journey.

 

Folding E-bikes

These are handy for people who are travelling via multiple methods (i.e., metro and bike), where the rider can simply fold it up when hopping on board the metro.

 

Cargo Bikes

These have an extra seating compartment that can either transport small children or dogs or transport groceries. In addition, they are slightly more powerful than regular e-bikes.

 

The Benefits of Pedal Assist Bikes

Anyone can benefit from a pedal assist electric bike. It allows you to ride faster, which in turn allows you to ride further and take on inclines you might not have had energy for before.

It doesn’t matter what your initial fitness level is; using a pedal assist bike will encourage you to spend more time being active as well as allow them to take on terrains they may not have felt they could successfully navigate without assistance.

If you spend more time being active, eventually, it becomes part of your daily (or weekly) routine and no longer feels like the chore it may have in the beginning.

 

Torque vs. Cadence Sensors

Your entry-level electronic bikes will come with cadence sensors. These particular sensors turn the motor on when you start pedalling and turn off when you stop.

With this sensor, you have control of the boost level and the chosen speed, and you can do this by adjusting the levels, or modes, up and down accordingly.

With torque sensors, the motor does a lot more work. This technology uses a precision strain gauge. It samples at 1,000 times per second during every pedal stroked during every pedal stroke, measuring the force you exert on the pedal.

Basically, this sensor measures how hard you’re pedalling so it can compensate for how much power it provides to the motor. You’ll find this torque sensor technology on the more higher-end e-bikes if you’re willing to pony up the dough.

 

F.A.Q

What Is a Pedal Assist Bike?

A pedal assist bike is a modern type of e-bike (electronic bike). It has a motor that contributes some of the power that gets you moving, which is especially handy on more challenging terrains.

 

Do You Need to Pedal?

Not necessarily. Some bikes have a full-throttle mode which will power your bike without pedalling; however, because there is no additional power being provided by you, the rider, your ride will be slower.

This is especially true if you ride inclines on full throttle mode; your bike’s motor will take the strain, and the ride will take longer than if you pedalled along with the motor.

 

What Does Pedal Assist Mean?

Essentially, pedal assist means you have an electronic bicycle with a motor that can assist you while pedalling. Physically the bike looks the same as a normal bike, with the addition of a motor.

Since pedal assist is meant to assist you while pedalling rather than replace your pedalling, most of the parts are the same as a traditional bike.

 

Can I Only Pedal on My E-bike?

This is entirely possible. Pedal assist is an optional mode that you can turn on and off as you require. With pedal assist mode off, your bike functions the same as a traditional bike, relying on your energy to power the movement forward via pedalling.

 

How Do I Operate Pedal Assist Bikes?

Electronic bikes will have controls on the handlebars. You press the ON button to enable pedal assist, and then by pressing the ON button again, you can scroll through the different levels, or modes, depending on how much assistance you require.

 

What Speed Can I Go?

On average, a pedal assist bike can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. If you want to go faster, you might have to turn off pedal assist to reach higher speeds; otherwise, pedal assist will reduce its power until you’re at 28 mph.

 

Is There a Full Throttle Mode?

Yes, there are many e-bikes that have a full-throttle mode. This mode allows you to cease pedalling entirely and rely only on the motor to propel you forward. There are a few downsides to this, however. Namely, you will be restricted to speeds around 20mph (which is also the law for pedal assist bikes in the USA), and your battery will drain much quicker when using only the motor with no pedal assist.

Additionally, you will have to have your e-bike serviced more frequently due to the additional wear and tear on the motor.

 

How Many Levels Are There?

Most e-bikes range between one and five levels; however, some only have a total of four levels. Setting the level to 0 will allow the bike to function as a traditional bicycle with no assist from the motor.

Some bikes have levels you can switch between by twisting the throttle on the handlebar, but this depends on the manufacturer.

 

How Do I Start?

If you’re unsure how to begin riding a pedal assist bike, we have some tips for you to get you keen.

Remove all obstacles: when you’re getting ready to practice, you’ll want to make sure there are no obstacles that will get in your way. You want to be fully focused on riding initially, so making sure your practice area is clear of obstacles will allow you a greater chance of success while you’re still learning. Make sure you know what all the controls do, and keep close to the brake if needed.

Start at level one: Some e-bikes will have level 1 as the default level once the pedal assist is enabled, and this will allow you to get a feel for how a pedal assist e-bike handles. Don’t forget you can set it to level 0 for full manual mode.

Start pedalling: now that you’re familiar with the controls and braking system, it’s time to start moving. With your pedal assist mode on level 1, begin pedalling, and the cadence sensor will activate the motor after a couple of seconds.

Go for it: if you stop pedalling and don’t engage the brake, you will have a 1-2 second delay before the motor shuts off. This function helps reduce the power from surging on and off every time you pause your pedalling to adjust your seating position or your feet.

When you want to stop: As discussed above, you will find a couple of seconds delay before the motor turns off when you stop pedalling. You can also disengage the pedal assist by applying the brakes, which will end the assistance immediately.

 

What Is the Best Pedal Assist Bike?

There are many e-bikes on the market today, but how do you know which is the one to get? We’ve listed a few below that we can recommend to help you out.

Best value e-bike: Pace 530 by Aventon. This e-bike is inexpensive and reliable. It features a comfortable wider saddle, has a step-through frame, and averages a range of 35 miles. You’ll find this one retailing for around $1,299.

Best compact e-cargo: RadRunner by Rad Power Bikes. This bike is affordable and powerful. This bike comes mostly assembled, but this ride is reportedly fairly simple to complete the assembly. Retails around $1,299.

Great spec commuter: Level Commuter by Aventon. This powerful e-bike will have you commuting comfortably and speedily. Available in small, medium, and large, this also comes with a suspension fork for comfort, a range of 40 miles, and a top speed of 28 mph. Retails around $1,699.

Customizable cruiser: ModelX by Electric Bike Company. This e-bike arrives fully assembled so you can start riding the moment you receive it. It features an impressive range of up to 160 miles and weighs 300lbs. Retails for around $1,949.

 

Pedal to the Metal

E-bikes, or pedal assist bikes, are truly growing in popularity, allowing more and more people to become more active in their daily lives. If you have one for each family member, you can spend many memorable hours riding together. With pedal assist, there is no terrain you and your family can’t manage.

If you’re interested in more articles like this, you can check out our blog for more great articles. Also, if you’re interested in renting an e-bike, get in touch with us to assist.