Best Electric Bikes With Pedal Assist and Throttle

There is a lot to love about electric bikes. The two most important are the pedal assist and full throttle system. These features help you accelerate and maintain speed while saving you energy on pedaling.

Most electric bikes have a pedal assist system, but not all have a throttle. Whether you need a throttle depends on your personal preferences and riding ability. Understanding how the two assist mechanisms work can help you choose the best features.

In this article, you’ll learn about full throttle electric bikes and pedal assist electric bikes. You’ll learn about their functionality, types, advantages, and speed limits.

What is a Pedal Assist Ebike?

A pedal assist Ebike has a built-in pedal assist mode. It helps you accelerate faster, maintain speed, and ride for longer with less fatigue and sweat.

Pedal assist Ebikes have 5 PAS levels ranging from 0 to 5. Level 0 provides no pedal assist, while Level 5 provides the highest pedal assist. The higher the PAS level, the greater the pedal assist and the more energy the battery consumes.

How Does Pedal Assist Work?

Do you have to pedal an electric bike? We get asked this question often.

The pedal assist mode on an electric bike works with your pedaling effort. The pedals are connected to the motor via the sensor. When you rotate the pedals, the sensor instructs the electric motor to direct power to the pedals, thus rotating the wheels further.

This works differently to the throttle, which rotates the wheels independently of the pedals. The pedal assist mode only works when you rotate the pedals.

Tips: Types of Pedal Assist

Every pedal assist electric bike has a sensor. This is a device that monitors various aspects of the Ebike’s performance. When you start pedaling, the sensor tells the motor to start running and assisting you with accelerating and maintaining speed.

The two main types are cadence sensors and torque sensors. Cadence sensors measure if you’re pedaling, while torque sensors measure both if and how hard you’re pedaling.

Cadence sensors are cheaper and easier to make. However, torque sensors offer better range, and they respond almost instantly to your changes in pedaling. This results in a more predictive delivery of power and a smoother ride feel.

How Fast Can You Go With Pedal Assist Only?

That depends on your electric bike, particularly the motor. The average 500w electric bike can reach 21 mph on the pedal assist mode. Meanwhile, a 750w and 1000w electric bike can reach 28 and 32 mph respectively.

To comply with local Ebike law, manufacturers take extra precautions. They design the pedal assist mode to cut out after reaching a certain speed limit. You can still pedal normally at top speed.

Advantages of Pedal Assist

There are many advantages to using the pedal assist mode. Below are the key features that make this feature so special.

Energy Efficient

The full throttle mode uses only the motor to accelerate. The pedal assist mode is different. It divides power between the motor and manual pedaling, using less battery power so you can ride for longer.

Greater Accessibility

The pedal assist mode makes it easier for people of different skill levels and physical capabilities to ride. This is especially true for people who may be older, recovering from an injury, or living with a disability.

Workout Benefits

Can you get exercise on an electric bike? Absolutely.

With the pedal assist mode, you enjoy the best of both worlds. The combined benefits of the electrical assistance and the freedom to pedal on your own terms. This way, you can enjoy an easier ride and a more energetic workout.

What is a Throttle Ebike?

A throttle Ebike is an electric bicycle with a full throttle system. The system consists of a throttle mounted onto the handlebars, which sends electrical currents to the motor. When the throttle is engaged, the motor rotates the wheels and propels the Ebike forward.

Unlike a pedal assist system, a full throttle system operates independently of a rider’s pedaling effort.

There are two styles of Ebike throttles: twist and thumb.

Twist throttles are controlled by twisting the throttle toward you. The harder you twist, the faster you will accelerate. Thumb throttles have a paddle, which you press down on with your thumb.

How Fast Can You Go on With Throttle Only?

Typically, the throttle mode on an electric bike has a lower top speed than the pedal assist mode. This is for legal and logistical reasons. Most states in America limit the top speed of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes to 21 mph for the throttle mode.

Also, the throttle mode uses only the electric motor to turn the wheels. There is no need to apply pressure to the pedals.

Advantages of Throttle

Below are the main advantages of using the throttle on an electric bike.

Most Accessible E-Riding Option

A full throttle electric bike does not require you to use the pedals, which makes them more accessible than a pedal assist electric bike. You do not have to strain your legs or knees to operate the Ebike.

Easy Stop and Start

Riding in heavy traffic often forces you to stop and start. A throttle helps you regain speed faster (after a complete stop) than the pedal assist mode. This helps you stay safe in congested areas, as you can more easily keep up with the flow of traffic.

Can You Use the Throttle and Pedal Assist at the Same Time?

It is possible to get an Ebike with a throttle and pedal assist. They let you use two different assist modes on one bike. These models are typically more expensive than those with only one assist mode.

Every electric bike in the Heybike range has a pedal assist and throttle. They each have a pedal assist travel range of 45 to 65 miles, and a pure electric travel range of 30 to 45 miles. This means the throttle will drain your battery faster.\

The main benefit of a pedal assist and throttle is that you can use both assist modes at the same time. This means you can pedal to activate the pedal assist, and then use the throttle to accelerate faster. It’s a great way to make a quick start and climb steep hills.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between a throttle and pedal assist electric bike can be tough. At Heybike, you don’t have to decide. Virtually all of our electric bikes have both assist modes in one. This way, you can adapt to any situation you face.

Take your e-cycling experience to the next level. Explore the full Heybike electric bike range.