What is pedal assist on an electric bike and do you really need it?

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have revolutionized transportation with their outstanding convenience and environmentally friendly attributes. The very common question that may come up in one's mind is, do you have to pedal an e-bike?

Well, the answer actually depends on the features of a bike and how you want to use it.

While electric bikes provide electric assistance, in most cases, you will still need to pedal. Here are some key points regarding pedaling on e-bikes:

Benefits of pedal assist

Key points for pedaling

As mentioned, most e-bikes still require some amount of pedaling.

Most bikes have two modes: the pedal assist mode and the throttle mode. The amount of pedaling, and many other things, depends on your chosen mode.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Pedal assist

Most e-bikes come with a pedal-assist feature. You do have to pedal in this mode, but the electric motor in the bicycle assists your efforts through the pedals, making it simple to ride up steep hills, carry heavy loads, or travel longer distances.

Pedal assistance combines human and motor power, creating an efficient and smooth ride.

Throttle mode

A few e-bikes offer a throttle, where the motor alone powers the bike without requiring pedaling. The delivery riders particularly find this mode handy, as they need not waste energy over their long shifts.

That said, throttle-only e-bikes are more strictly regulated in some localities.

Laws and regulations

E-bike laws vary by country and region.

In the U.S., throttles are generally limited to 20 mph, with pedal-assisted e-bikes able to go up to 28 mph in some categories. However, this can vary depending on the state.

It's very important to be aware of local laws to avoid being caught in violation and having to pay a fine.

Safety

Even with the motor assist, pedaling provides better stability and control, especially over bumpy or slippery surfaces. Using the throttle alone may decrease your ability to respond to obstacles or sudden changes in the terrain.

Benefits of pedaling an e-bike

E-biking has health and practical benefits similar to pedaling a regular bike.

First, it provides gentle exercise, contributing to improving cardiovascular fitness and muscular firmness.

Plus, it helps extend a bike's range since the motor uses less battery when you pedal—a feature that can result in less recharging and longer shifts for delivery riders.

There are a few more benefits to pedaling an electric bike:

• Conservation of batteries: Pedaling reduces the use of the motor; thus, it conserves battery life and extends the range of the bike, especially during long rides or shifts.
• Cost savings: You use less battery power to save on charging costs and reduce wear on the motor and battery for longer life.
• More control of speed: Pedaling keeps the transitions of speed smoother, especially in traffic or tight spaces, and imparts greater control.
• Eco-friendly effect: The pedaling reduces the energy from the battery, making your ride even greener.
• Effort customization: You can pedal more or less depending on energy levels, terrain, or workload, so you have flexibility in the amount of physical effort you put into it.

All those benefits make pedaling crucial when it comes to the utility, performance, and value of an e-bike.

Read Also: Do you need a licence for an e-bike

Conclusion

Although some e-bikes can be used without pedaling, the best compromise is to be had from motor-assisted pedaling in terms of efficiency, safety, and increased range.

Retailers like Whizz offer excellent pedal assist models that are good for both commuters and delivery riders.

Specializing in the purchase and rental of electric bikes for delivery riders, these bikes satisfy the very demanding requirements that delivery professionals have for their vehicles, thus becoming a reference for reliability and performance.

By buying or renting from Whizz, you know you’ll get nothing short of the best quality out there.

FAQs

How often do you have to pedal an electric bike?

Next to wondering do you have to pedal an electric bike, this is probably the most commonly asked question.

How often you need to pedal an electric bike depends on its features and how you use it. In pedal assist mode, you have to pedal; however, the motor assists, making the riding feel much easier.

If your e-bike has a throttle, you don't need to pedal at all to ride it, but it's going to drain the battery faster. More often, you will switch between pedaling and using the motor to take a rest and further the bike's range.

Does an electric bike move on its own?

Yes, some electric bikes can move on their own if they have a throttle mode. If you open the throttle, the motor will drive the bike without pedaling. However, not all e-bikes have throttles. Pedal-assist-only bikes have the motor turn on only when you are pedaling.

Either way, the speed and power would depend on the capabilities of the motor and battery.

Why do electric bikes need pedals?

Electric bicycles must have pedals to give flexibility and to meet regulatory requirements. Pedals allow users to ride the bike manually when the battery has been depleted or to conserve the battery on long trips.

They also give a backup means of propulsion, ensuring the bike works in every situation.

Under many regulations, e-bikes are only considered bicycles if they retain pedal capability, which determines where they can be legally ridden. For example, this is one of the things that differentiates e-bikes from electric mopeds.

Pedals further promote better health and extended battery ranges, which then make e-bikes very practical and an effective hybrid between manual and motorized transport.