Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Throttle vs Pedal Assist Electric Bikes – Facts Demystified

There are some electric bikes that are packed with both the pedal assist and throttle modes for best utilization of both the techniques but one by one not simultaneously. Whether it is electric bikes in Australia or in US the mechanism remains the same except a few changes in features. 

This piece is all about various throttle types (thumb, twist grip, push button) and pedal assist types like cadence and torque sensor.

Throttle Mode

The electric bike functioning on throttle mode is just like the functioning of a motorcycle. In throttle mechanism the motor generates power to propel you and the bike. A throttle keeps you pedaling and allows you enjoy a free ride effortlessly! Most throttles can be customized between full and low power.

Types of throttle that are integrated in electric bikes include:

Twist Grip: This throttle is mostly featured in the US eBikes. The irony is in some of the countries throttle eBikes are not allowed; pedal assist is the only feature that can be integrated to the electric bikes.

Half Grip Twist: This throttle can be seen on the eFlow E3 Nitro electric bike. It functions when the throttle is twisted; just like a scooter or motorcycle. Such mechanism is the most popular category of e Bike throttle.

Thumb Throttle: This mechanism can be witnessed on the Prodeco Outlaw SS electric mountain bike. In this the throttle is leveraged by propelling the throttle “paddle” forward using your thumb of often by pushing a button in some eBikes.

Push Button: This technology is found on the electric bike kit of Clean Republic Hill Topper.  Such throttle is just a switch, which can be pushed on or off and there is no provision to adjust it between full or low power modes.

Pedal Assist Mode

Pedelec mode generates power when you pedal. In case you are comfortable riding a traditional bike, it is more realistic and it also keeps you relaxed as you will concentrate only on your pedaling without diverting your focus to holding the throttle in a specific position. Pedal assist bikes can offer various levels of help like low, medium, or high. Even a few have 4 to 5 type of pedal assist modes.

Low Pedal Assist:  This assist provides some electric assistance and you have to pedal more and get more work out than relaxation.

Medium Pedal Assist: This type of pedal assist manifests a great balance between your pedal power and the power of your motor. It offers you a great tailwind wherever you go, reducing your effort reaching the destinations quickly due to favorable wind.

High Pedal Assist: This level of assist can really drive you quickly wherever you wish to go with least effort. It can help you getting anywhere without sweating much. Coming back home you can work out your day’s stress by using low pedal assist.
In addition two more pedal assist types are also available on the market:

Torque Sensor Pedal Assist: This system quantifies the level of power you are generating using pedals and accordingly it increases or decreases the electric assist matching with the pedaling power.

Cadence Sensor Pedal Assist: This system provides help when the handles of the bike are moving. 

1 comment:

  1. Although I did a full custom order, it came in pretty quick because Electric Bikes LA has reserved production slots every month. electric bikes nz

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