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What is pedal assist on an electric bike?

Jun 02, 22

Author: Konstantin Kaliuzhnyj

You have heard of it, but do you know what it actually means? What is pedal assist on an electric bike, and does your bike need to have it?

Pedal assist is a feature that provides a smooth and responsive pedaling experience. You really don’t need to work hard to get a lot out of the bike, and it’s part of what makes our bikes so versatile and effective, whether commuting or making deliveries.

Benefits of pedal assist

Understanding pedal assist is easier than you might think. Essentially, the motor delivers power to the bike while the rider pedals, making for a smoother, more effortless ride.

The pedal-assisted e-bike is much easier to use because it requires less effort than a traditional bicycle. This makes riding enjoyable and, more importantly, rather efficient.

Pedal assist gives you a steady stream of power, which gives you an edge in most scenarios.

Also, the pedal assist mode only gives you a gentle push. This is unlike the throttle, which can cause you to feel out of control.

All of this combined ensures delivery riders and commuters alike can greatly benefit from the pedal assist mode, making their ride more efficient.

Lastly, don’t think that you won’t do any exercise just because you’re riding an electric bike. Pedal assist helps you with this!

A study conducted by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity showed that the usage of e-bikes has significantly increased levels of physical activity during commuting.

Speed Sensors versus Torque Sensors

Pedal-assist electric bikes can have speed sensors and torque sensors. These sensors recognize the appropriate speed to match the rider’s effort.

Both of these types of sensors have their good and bad sides.

Speed sensors:

  • Only require forward movement from the bike.
  • Work according to the bike’s speed.
  • Take up more battery power.
  • Pedal-assist comes on whenever the rider goes below a particular speed, so it isn’t easily adjustable.
  • These e-bikes are typically more affordable.

Torque sensors:

  • Require active rider participation.
  • Work according to the amount of torque produced by the rider.
  • Conserve battery power.
  • Allow you to adjust the level of pedal assist easily.
  • Tend to be a bit more expensive.

In general, speed-sensor e-bikes are better for people with mobility issues or older people who might not be able to pedal all the time. In contrast, the torque-sensor e-bikes are more suitable for active riders or delivery riders.

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Conclusion

Well, there you have it! Now you know how a pedal-assist electric bike works.

If you’re looking to become a rider in the food delivery industry, you’re in the right place. Whizz produces e-bikes specially designed for delivery riders.

Our Storm-2 electric bike provides you with the range of up to 85 miles per charge with pedal assist, reaching the speed of 25 mph. This helps you complete your shift efficiently, increasing your earnings.

Don’t believe us? You’re welcome to visit our NYC and New Jersey locations to test drive one of our e-bikes.

As we like to say, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go fast and far, go with Whizz.

Contact Whizz to get your e-bike today!

FAQs

How does pedal assist work?

Pedal assist works through a sensor that detects pedaling activity and speed. When the rider pedals, the sensor signals the bike's motor to provide a proportional amount of power, thereby assisting in the pedaling effort. The level of assistance is adjustable, typically through a control on the handlebars, allowing the rider to customize the riding experience based on their needs and the terrain.

Can you control the level of assistance provided by pedal assist?

Yes, you can control the level of pedal assist on an electric bike. Most e-bikes come with a display or control unit mounted on the handlebars that allows delivery riders to select from multiple assistance levels. This feature enables riders to adjust the motor's power output to match their pedaling effort, terrain, and desired speed, offering a customizable riding experience.

Does pedal assist save battery?

Using pedal assist on an e-bike can increase its range. Generally, e-bikes with pedal assist have a superior range, especially when compared to throttle-controlled electric bikes. The main reason behind this is that the rider contributes to the energy required to ride a bike, reducing the battery strain.

How hard is it to pedal an e-bike without assist?

While it is possible to pedal an electric bike without a pedal assist option, this can be more challenging than pedaling on a traditional bike due to the additional weight. While it requires lots of effort, you will still get home or to the next charging point, even if your battery runs out.

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