Pedal-Assist Electric Bikes: How Do They Work?

Pedal assist is an operating mode on an electric bike that makes riding easier. Once activated, the motor kicks in while you are pedalling. The amount of assistance provided by the motor is determined by a sensor that monitors how much pedal power you are providing. The two types of pedal assist sensors are cadence sensors and torque sensors. The former is the most basic sensor system for a pedal assist bike and uses magnets installed next to the pedals to determine when you are pedalling.

How does pedal assist work?

Pedal assist is an operating mode on an electric bike that makes riding easier. Once activated, the motor kicks in while you are pedalling. The amount of assistance provided by the motor depends on the PAS level chosen by the rider. PAS stands for 'pedal assist sensor' and there are two types: cadence sensors and torque sensors. Cadence sensors are the most basic system and use magnets installed next to the pedals to determine when you are pedalling. Torque sensors, on the other hand, measure the force applied to the pedals.

The amount of assistance provided by the motor can be adjusted to suit different riding conditions and maximise battery life. For example, when riding downhill or on flat terrain, a lower PAS level is recommended. This allows the rider to maintain their desired speed without expending too much energy.

Pedal assist is designed to make riding a bike more accessible and enjoyable for people of all fitness levels. It can help flatten hills and make riding feel effortless, regardless of the terrain.

How to adjust pedal assist

Pedal assist is an operating mode on an electric bike that helps you pedal easier. Once activated, the motor kicks in while you are pedalling. The level of assistance is determined by a sensor that monitors how much pedal power you are providing.

The majority of bikes have a digital display panel on their handlebars, where you can find all the settings for pedal assist. Power on your bike and use the buttons on the digital display to explore the menu. Look for a 'Settings' or 'Assist Levels' section, where you will see options for different assist levels. Choose the appropriate level that suits your riding style and the terrain. For example, when riding downhill or on flat, even terrain, you'll want to keep your e-bike on a low setting. You can then take your bike for a short ride to see how it feels.

The difference between cadence and torque sensors

Pedal assist is an operating mode on an electric bike that makes riding easier. Once activated, the motor kicks in while you are pedalling. It has varied settings that allow you to ride at your desired speed.

The two types of pedal assist sensors are cadence sensors and torque sensors.

Cadence sensors are the most basic sensor system for a pedal assist bike. They use magnets installed next to the pedals to determine when you are pedalling. They require relatively light pressure to employ and are therefore more comfortable for some riders. However, they do require the rider to move the pedals at least a little before initially engaging the motor. For this reason, cadence-based pedal assist systems are often coupled with a throttle, which the rider can press to get the bike moving before they start pedalling.

Torque sensors, on the other hand, use a strain gauge to determine how much force the rider is applying to the pedal. They adjust the motor's assistance based on how hard you are pedalling, providing a more natural and intuitive feel.

The difference between pedal assist and throttle mode

Pedal assist is an operating mode on an electric bike where the motor kicks in to help you pedal more easily. It is controlled via a sensor which monitors how much pedal power you are providing and signals to the motor how much help to give you. There are varied settings that allow you to ride at your desired speed, and you can adjust the pedal assist to maximise the battery life and range of your bike.

Throttle mode, on the other hand, is similar to a motorcycle or scooter, where the motor provides power and propels the bike forward without any automatic pedal assistance. This means you can sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride without having to pedal. On some bikes, the throttle style is a half grip twist, so when the throttle is twisted towards you, the bike is ready to go.

How to make the most of pedal assist

Pedal assist is an operating mode on an electric bike that makes riding easier. It is controlled by a sensor that monitors how much power you are providing and signals to the motor how much help to give you.

To make the most of pedal assist, it is important to understand how to adjust the settings to maximise the battery life and range of your bike. The settings will depend on the terrain you are riding on. For example, when riding down hills or on flat, even terrain, you should keep your e-bike on speed setting 1 or 2 on bikes with 5 PAS options, or LOW speed on bikes with 3 PAS options.

It is also worth noting that some electric bikes have a throttle mode, which is similar to a motorcycle or electric scooter. When engaged, the throttle mode provides full power on demand with no automatic pedal assistance involved. This can be useful if you want to take a break from pedalling and just enjoy the ride.

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