Pedaling Electric Bikes: Is It Possible Or Pointless?

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are a great way to enjoy the benefits of cycling with a little less physical effort. But do you have to pedal them? The answer is yes and no. While some e-bikes require you to pedal in order to engage the battery and motor, others feature a throttle that allows you to ride without pedalling. In the UK and EU, you do need to pedal an electric bike, and the same applies to electric bikes with motors that deliver more than 250 watts of power. However, in most US states, there is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes that can be powered up to 20mph without pedalling. So, while you can technically ride an electric bike without pedalling, it depends on the specific type of e-bike and the regulations in your region.

Electric bikes with motors over 250 watts still require pedalling

In the UK and EU, you do need to pedal an electric bike to enjoy the benefits of cycling with a little less physical effort. However, some e-bikes feature a throttle, which will allow you to ride without pedalling. These bikes are often treated as mopeds and may need to be registered and ridden by a licensed rider, as is the case in Australia.

If you're riding on flat land, a 250-watt motor will be enough to give you and most everyday riders plenty of pedalling assistance. However, if you're tackling hills, you may need to add some extra pedalling power, especially if you're a heavier rider.

So, while electric bikes with motors over 250 watts can provide a boost, you'll still need to put in some effort and pedal, especially if you're riding on challenging terrain.

Some electric bikes have a throttle, meaning you don't need to pedal

Yes, you do need to pedal an electric bike if you want to enjoy the benefits of cycling but with a little less physical effort. However, some electric bikes have a throttle, meaning you don't need to pedal at all. This is not true of all e-bikes, as some are just pedal-assist, meaning you have to pedal for the motor to kick in. In those cases, if they don't come with a throttle, there will be no way to engage the motor other than pedalling.

In the US, there's 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.

If an electric bike has no pedals, it's considered a moped, which is treated differently to an electric bike. However, you can pedal an electric bike without turning the motor on if you want to get some exercise.

Electric bikes with pedals are not mopeds

Electric bikes with pedals offer several benefits over mopeds. Firstly, they provide the rider with the option to get some exercise by pedalling without the assistance of the motor. This can be achieved by removing the battery or simply by not turning the motor on. Secondly, electric bikes with pedals are often legally treated differently from mopeds. For example, in the US, there is a separate class of throttle-controlled electric bikes that can be powered by a throttle on the handlebars without the need for pedalling.

While electric bikes with pedals are not mopeds, it is important to note that there are some electric bikes that do not have pedals and are essentially just mopeds. These bikes are powered solely by their motors and do not offer the option to pedal.

You can pedal an electric bike without turning the motor on

Yes, you can pedal an electric bike without turning the motor on. In fact, some e-bikes require you to pedal in order to engage the battery and the motor. If you want to get some exercise, you can even remove the battery and leave it at home.

However, some e-bikes feature a throttle, which will allow you to ride without pedalling. In the US, there's 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.

Electric bikes require less physical effort than non-electric bikes

Some e-bikes are just pedal-assist, meaning you have to pedal for the motor to kick in. However, some e-bikes feature a throttle, which will allow you to ride without pedalling. If you want to get some exercise, you can even pedal an electric bike without turning the motor on, or remove the battery and leave it at home.

Frequently asked questions