Electric Bikes: Pedal-Assist Or Full-Throttle?

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, but do you have to constantly pedal them? In the UK, EU, Australia and most of the world, the law states that an electric bike must be pedal-assisted, meaning that the motor can only provide power if the rider is also pedalling. In the US, there is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes that can be powered without pedalling, but these are not legally recognised as electric bikes in the UK or EU. So, while you may not have to constantly pedal an electric bike, some pedalling is usually required for it to be classified as an e-bike.

Electric bikes are legally required to be pedal-assisted in the UK, EU, Australia and most of the world

In the UK, EU, and Australia, the law states that the top speed for a motor on an electric bike to provide assistance is 25kph/15.5mph. In the UK, electric bikes are treated as normal pedal bikes, so there is no speed limit for them as long as the electric assistance cuts off at 15.5mph. However, in the UK and EU, if the motor of your electric bike is controlled via a throttle or twist grip on the bars, rather than its power being regulated in relation to the power you are providing via the pedals, the e-bike will not classify as an electric bike.

In the US, the law is a little different. There are three classes of e-bikes, with Class 1 e-bikes providing input up to 20mph, and Class 3 e-bike motors going up to 28mph. There is also a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes, Class 2, which can be controlled via a throttle on the handlebars and can power you up to 20mph without you needing to pedal.

In the US, there is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes that can be powered without pedalling

Electric bikes with pedals can function as regular bikes if the motor stops, and if the chain falls, it can be repaired with some effort. On the other hand, pedal-less bikes lack these features, and if the engine is damaged or out of power, the bike must be dragged back home, which can be a safety concern. The next best thing is sticking to pedal-assisted e-bikes, which are the safest and most legally recognised options throughout the US.

The rules are changing, though, and there is a newer category of cargo-carrying electric bikes that can use a motor providing greater power output to help their riders more when moving heavy loads around.

Electric bikes with pedals can function as regular bikes if the motor stops

In the UK, EU, Australia and most of the rest of the world, the law requires the motor of an electric bike to assist the rider's pedalling. This means that the rider must put in some effort, and the motor cannot provide all the power. However, in most US states, there is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes, Class 2, which can be powered by a throttle on the handlebars without the need for pedalling. These bikes can power the rider up to 20 mph without pedalling.

Electric bikes with pedals offer several benefits over pedal-less bikes. Firstly, they can function as regular bikes if the motor stops working, which means that you can still ride the bike home even if the motor is damaged or out of power. Secondly, pedal-assisted e-bikes are the safest and most legally recognised options throughout the US. Finally, electric bikes with pedals can provide some extra help when cycling, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of cycling with a little less physical effort.

Overall, electric bikes with pedals can function as regular bikes if the motor stops. They offer several benefits over pedal-less bikes, including the ability to ride the bike even if the motor is not working, increased safety, and legal recognition. Additionally, electric bikes with pedals can provide some extra assistance when cycling, making it a more enjoyable experience for those who may need some extra help.

Electric bikes without pedals cannot be used as regular bikes if the motor stops working

In the US, the law is a little different. There is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes, Class 2, which can be controlled via a throttle on the handlebars and can power you up to 20mph without you needing to pedal. However, even in the US, pedal-assisted e-bikes are the safest and most legally recognised option.

Electric bikes with pedals can function as regular bikes if the motor stops working. If the chain falls, it can be repaired with some effort. However, if an electric bike without pedals breaks down, the bike must be dragged back home, which can be a safety concern, especially if the motor is powerful enough to reach high speeds.

Riding at over 25kph is possible for a reasonably fit cyclist on flat roads or downhill on a lightweight e-bike

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly common, especially for those who want to enjoy cycling with a little less physical effort. To classify as an electric bike, the motor has to assist your pedalling, so you do need to pedal an electric bike. However, the amount of effort you need to put in can vary depending on the type of electric bike you have.

For example, riding at over 25kph is possible for a reasonably fit cyclist on flat roads or downhill on a lightweight e-bike. However, on heavier flat bar e-bikes with wide tyres, it may be a bit more difficult to maintain this speed. If you hit a hill or a gradually ascending road, your speed is likely to drop below 25kph, with the motor chipping in to help you once again.

In most US states, there is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes (Class 2) that can power you up to 20mph without you needing to pedal. These pedal-less bikes can be a safety concern, especially if the motor is powerful enough to reach high speeds, as if the engine is damaged or out of power, the bike must be dragged back home.

Overall, while you do need to pedal an electric bike, the level of assistance provided by the motor can vary depending on the type of bike and the regulations in your region.

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