Electric Bikes: Pedaling Required, But Why?

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly common on roads and cycle paths. They are a great option for those who want to enjoy cycling but with less physical effort. However, you may be wondering whether you have to pedal an electric bike at all. The answer is that it depends on the type of electric bike you have and the circumstances in which you are riding. In this article, we will explore the different types of electric bikes and how they work, as well as the rules and regulations surrounding their use.

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 as long as the electric assistance cuts off at 15.5mph. However, some ebikes provide starting assistance without the user pedalling, which is legal as long as it is up to 6km per hour (3.7 miles).

Electric bikes have an electric motor powered by a battery. This motor is controlled by a display mounted on the handlebars that allow the rider to control the riding mode, whether pedal-assist or throttle. With pedal-assist, the motor gives you a boost as you pedal; with a throttle, the bike runs even if you don't pedal, making it work similar to a scooter. Some electric bikes can detect if their rider is exerting force on the cranks via a torque sensor, in which case it provides more or less assistance based on how hard you pedal. Others have cadence sensors, which assist you simply when you begin pedalling.

Electric bikes can be operated with a throttle, but pedalling is encouraged

Electric bikes have an electric motor powered by a battery. This motor is controlled by a display mounted on the handlebars that allow the rider to control the riding mode, whether pedal-assist or throttle. With pedal-assist, the motor gives you a boost as you pedal; with a throttle, the bike runs even if you don't pedal, making it work similar to a scooter.

Some electric bikes can detect if their rider is exerting force on the cranks via a torque sensor, in which case it provides more or less assistance based on how hard you pedal. Others have cadence sensors, which assist you simply when you begin pedalling.

Even with bikes that can accelerate without pedalling, you'll still have to pedal in some circumstances, such as when you're going up inclines or if you want to reach higher speeds.

Electric bikes are like regular bikes, but with a battery and motor

Some electric bikes can detect if their rider is exerting force on the cranks via a torque sensor, in which case it provides more or less assistance based on how hard you pedal. Others have cadence sensors, which assist you simply when you begin pedalling.

You can also operate your electric bike with the throttle and reach speeds of up to 20mph without pedalling. However, pedalling is still encouraged and is likely necessary for higher speeds and steeper inclines.

Electric bikes can detect how much assistance to provide based on how hard you pedal

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly common, particularly for those who want to enjoy cycling but with less physical effort. Legally, to be classified as an electric bike, the motor has to assist your pedalling. This means that the bike can't provide power if you're not putting in at least some of your own effort.

Electric bikes have an electric motor powered by a battery. The motor is controlled by a display mounted on the handlebars, which allows the rider to control the riding mode. The two main riding modes are pedal-assist and throttle. With pedal-assist, the motor gives you a boost as you pedal, whereas with a throttle, the bike runs even if you don't pedal, similar to a scooter.

Some electric bikes can detect if their rider is exerting force on the cranks via a torque sensor, in which case it provides more or less assistance based on how hard you pedal. This means that the harder you pedal, the more assistance the bike will provide. Other electric bikes have cadence sensors, which assist you simply when you begin pedalling.

While you can operate some electric bikes with just a throttle and without pedalling, pedalling is still encouraged. It is likely necessary for higher speeds and steeper inclines. The distance your electric bike can go without pedalling depends on several factors, including the model of your bike and the condition of your ride.

The distance an electric bike can go without pedalling depends on the model and condition of the bike

In the UK and EU, you do need to pedal an electric bike if you want to enjoy the benefits of cycling but with a little less physical effort. This is because, legally, to classify as an electric bike, the motor has to assist your pedalling. So it can’t provide power if you’re not putting in at least some of your own effort.

However, some electric bikes can accelerate without pedalling, just using the throttle. But even with bikes like these, you’ll still have to pedal in some circumstances, such as when you’re going up inclines or if you want to reach higher speeds.

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