Pedal Assist: What Is It and How Does It Function?

What's the excitement about ebikes keeping their demand and usage increasing daily? The pedal-assist feature sets it apart from other bicycles. It doesn't only give you the boost you need but also helps conquer rugged terrains. An electric assist bike has some components that regular bicycles don't offer.

Pedal assist and throttle are the two typical modes of motor engagement on ebikes. When using a pedal assist, the motor only activates when you turn the pedals. On the other hand, the throttle option activates the motor whether you are pedaling or not. You can choose the kind of electric bike that is best for you when you know some of its benefits. Both modes can be beneficial when riding, even though you can't utilize them simultaneously. This article explains how pedal assists works and the benefits it offers you.

What is pedal assist?

A distinguishing feature of ebikes is Pedal assist. Riders who prefer a traditional bike feature and optional assistance may consider pedal assist. They provide power from your ebike's motor, which helps you pedal faster. The motor gives a specific boost when you switch to your pedal assist mode and select the level of assistance. 

With the help of the included sensor, each method influences your travel by supplying less or more power. Although the Himiway bike battery determines how far it can go, the Himiway bike pedal assist is one of its best features. You can choose from several levels, from extremely low to maximum capacity, and the motor effortlessly delivers the level you select once you rotate the pedals. There are two kinds of pedal assist which include:

Torque Sensors: 

The torque sensor enables the controller to adjust the motor's power output in response to the force you're exerting on the pedals. The pedal assist mechanism provides more power when you pedal harder. The power supply automatically reduces as you cycle more slowly. It stops when you stop pedaling. Your pedal effort is increased or amplified by this torque sensor pedal aid.

Speed or cadence sensor: 

The speed or cadence pedal-assist uses a magnet or a crank. The ebike's motor turns on when you pedal. With a speed sensor, you can control your speed level by manually switching it. Thus, the ebike's sensor transfers a signal to its controller to switch its motor on or off. All Himiway bikes use speed sensors as their pedal assist.

How does Pedal Assist Work

The Pedal assist of an electric bicycle uses a cadence sensor built into its drivetrain. It detects when the rider is rotating the pedals and signals the motor to provide the level of pedal assistance you selected. 

The pedal assist settings of the Himiway bicycles range from level one to five. With level five as the highest mode of assist and level one as the lowest level of assist, you can select a high level of pedal assist and make your rides simple.

Pedal assist benefits

There are various advantages that pedal-assist electric bikes like Himiway bikes have over non-pedal assist bikes. The following are some of its benefits:

• Excellent for rough terrain

Electric bikes with pedal assistance are best for getting around rugged terrains and up slopes requiring more effort. This assistance helps get on hills and uneven surfaces much more accessible. You can quickly ride without exerting much effort if you increase the pedal-assist mode. The Himiway Zebra all-terrain electric bike with pedal assist can travel 80miles.

• Requires less physical effort

Electric bikes encourage you to keep riding, compared to the pains you incurred from riding traditional bikes. It helps you maintain traffic flow over longer distances without becoming exhausted. Also, as you ride with an ebike, you conserve energy since you need less effort to pedal. You would save yourself some stress when you ride with a pedal assist.

• It helps you go faster

One prominent feature of a pedal assist electric bike is its speed. This assist will enable you to explore and ride to places quickly. Whereas for ebikes without assistance, you must exert more effort as you ride. The Himiway battery with 48V 20Ah offers long-stricken trekking 60-80miles and has high speeds for a fat tire ebike.

• A form of cardio exercise

Cycling is a form of cardio fitness exercise, irrespective of its assistance. As you pedal on your assist mode, you still work on your leg muscles and physique while reducing stress. Himiway electric bikes offer great physical benefits and motivate you to pedal like traditional bicycles. Moreover, ebikes can help you lose weight and burn body calories at an increasing rate. 

What is a Throttle?

The throttle is on the grip or handlebar of an electric bike. It gives the motor power for its rider to bike up to its top speed without the need to pedal. You have to turn or push the throttle, and off you go. Also, you can get a bike with a throttle if you never want to pedal.

Here are the most popular throttles types:

Half-Grip Twist Throttle: 

The half-grip twist throttle operates similarly to a standard motorcycle throttle. Here, you use all your fingers, especially your thumb and first two figures to hold the handlebars and tighten your hands to make a twist. All Himiway ebikes have a twist throttle grip which gives your electric bike a motorcycle feel as it's twisted. The half twist throttle helps avoid wrist exhaustion.

Thumb Throttle: 

You navigate this throttle type with your thumb. Electric bikes with thumb throttle have a small lever that sticks out from the handlebar towards the rider.

Full twist throttles: 

Out of the three throttle kinds, the full twist throttle is the largest, and you need to use your full hands to operate it. You only need to hold the throttle and turn it back to handle it.

How do I get started with pedal assist?

There is some necessary information you need to know before you ride on the pedal assist.

• Turn on your pedal assistance: 

Ensure to use your power assist before you start riding your electric bike. Squeeze the brake levers when required while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars.

• Start with level one pedal assistance: 

The default setting for most electric bicycles is typically level one. You can raise the pedal assistance level as you ride.

• Start pedaling: 

The cadence sensor will excite the engine a little while after you start pedaling.

• Start riding: 

There is a delay of 1-2 seconds before the pedal assistance turns off when pedaling stops; however, don't squeeze the brake levers. Thus pressing it will lessen the power's tendency to cut out once you stop pedaling gradually and abruptly.

• Stop pedaling: 

To stop pedaling, you either twist your brake level or switch it off your pedal. Although, you would have to wait before the pedal assist power goes off.

Conclusion

Although traditional bikes are similar to electric bicycles, they vary in operations. However, the pedal assist makes all the difference. However, the pedal assistance gives you an extra boost to travel further and more quickly than regular bicycles. Depending on your chosen model, you can buy an e-bike with pedal assist choices, a throttle, or both. All Himiway ebikes have both a pedal assist and throttle.