If you are interested in investing in an e-bike for your daily commute or simply for pleasure, then you may have a few questions about how they differ from a traditional bicycle or even an electric scooter.
One of the first questions people have about e-bikes is: do you have to pedal on e-bikes?
While this may seem like a straightforward question, the answer isn’t necessarily cut and dry or applicable to all e-bikes. The different types and classes of e-bikes all have varying requirements when it comes to pedaling.
How e-bikes work
An e-bike or electric bike is commonly confused with an electric scooter of some kind, but they are more similar to traditional bicycles. The primary difference between an e-bike and a standard bicycle is that an e-bike contains electrical components, like a motor, to add a power assist.
Since the design of e-bikes is similar to a regular bicycle, they will ride and handle similarly. Electric bikes tend to be heavier because of their extra components, but they are designed to make riding up hills or into a headwind much easier. You can travel farther, faster, and with less effort than with a regular bike.
The speed and distance you can cover with an e-bike depend on the model that you are riding. There are also different types of motor assists and e-bike classes that will change your riding experience and determine how much you have to pedal.
E-Bike Classes
There are three classes of e-bikes, and they are categorized by numbers 1-3. The class of your e-bike can influence whether or not you have to pedal or how much you should pedal for best performance.
Class 1: Electric bikes within this class do not have a throttle and usually have a speed cap at 20 mph. You will have to pedal when riding a class 1 e-bike because they do not have a throttle. In most cities and countries, class 1 e-bikes are treated similarly to standard bicycles without additional restrictions or rules.
Class 2: Electric bikes in this class are often throttle-assisted and will have a maximum speed of 20 mph. This is the only class of e-bike you do not have to pedal while riding because it has a throttle and can power itself. You can pedal if you want, but it isn’t required for movement.
Class 3: Electric bikes in this class usually have no throttle but have a maximum speed of 28 mph. You have to pedal class 3 e-bikes because, like class 1 e-bikes, they do not have a throttle.
Throttle Assist E-Bike
Electric bikes that have a throttle fall are class 2 e-bikes, and they are sometimes referred to as “electric-only” e-bikes. With a throttle assist e-bike, you do not have to pedal to move forward as long as you still have battery power.
The throttle on e-bikes is likely as you imagine it would be as it operates similar to the throttle on a motorcycle or electric scooter. This means that when you engage the throttle on the handlebar, it propels the bike forward with a motor assist. Most e-bikes have different settings or a volume-type dial that lets you adjust the throttle power from low to full power.
Note that not all countries allow throttle e-bikes, and they only allow pedelec e-bikes. Throttle e-bikes are permitted in the United States.
While almost all throttle features will be on the handlebar of the bike, there are different designs. There is the half twist grip is most similar to a motorcycle and is engaged by twisting the throttle.
Some e-bikes use a thumb throttle that is under the grip of the handlebar. To engage this throttle assist, you push the thumb paddle forward. Similar button designs under or next to the handlebar allow the rider to push the button to engage the throttle.
The least common type of throttle you may see is an on/off switch. The reason this throttle design is not common is that it doesn’t have a variety of speeds. Either the throttle is on or off, meaning you have no control of the power output.
Pedelec e-bike (pedal assist)
Unlike a throttle-assisted e-bike, when you are riding a pedal-assist or pedelec e-bike, you do have to pedal. There are some e-bikes that are a combination of a throttle and pedelec, and on those, you don’t have to pedal consistently either.
Many riders prefer the pedelec e-bike because it is more similar to riding a regular bicycle. It enables you to focus on pedaling and where you are going instead of holding the throttle in a specific position.
Pedal-assist e-bikes also tend to give you more range than a throttle e-bike. Pedelec bikes also have varying levels of assistance ranging from low to high. Some e-bikes will have 4-5 pedal-assist settings but having low, medium, and high as the settings are most common.
Low: Minimal assistance, requiring more pedal power from the rider.
Medium: Provides a favorable balance between human pedal power and eclectic motor power.
High: Ideal when you are in a hurry or going up a hill because high pedal assist provides the most power with minimal rider exertion while pedaling.
While pedelec bikes vary in power output and range, they can also come with two different sensor systems: cadence and torque.
Cadence sensor system: This system provides pedal assistance based on the level you select, and it will not increase or decrease based on your pedaling speed or power. So once you’ve chosen the power level, you can pedal the bike as fast or as slow you want with the same power output. It is essentially powered by the cranks of the bike when they are turning.
Torque sensor system: This pedal-assist system measures how much power you are putting into pedaling and will increase or decrease based on the rider’s pedal output. Torque pedelec systems often feel very natural and intuitive for the rider.
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