What is Pedal Assist Electric Bike: A Definitive Guide

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Do you know what is pedal assist electric bike and how it works? Read on to find out!

Pedal assist is the secret to unlocking the true potential of electric bikes. This advanced technology provides a surge of power that allows you to effortlessly outpace slow cyclists. It enables you to keep up with car traffic and conquer steep hills with confidence.

However, many e-bike riders overlook the nuances between the two primary types of pedal sensors that make this possible. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of pedal assist. We will explore the different sensor types and how this technology delivers an unparalleled pedalling experience.

What is Pedal Assist? And How Does It Work?

Source: Himiway

Pedal assist is a game-changing feature that transforms the way you ride your electric bicycle. When activated, this mode engages the motor to provide power, making pedalling easier.  It allows you to reach higher speeds with minimal effort.

Unlike throttle-controlled e-bikes, pedal assist models rely on sensors to automatically activate the motor as soon as you start pedalling. There are two primary types of pedal assist sensors: cadence sensor and torque sensor. Each type offers you a distinct riding experience.

Cadence Sensors

Basic cadence sensors function like a simple switch: they activate the motor when you begin pedalling and deactivate it when you stop. On e-bikes equipped with cadence sensors, you can manually adjust the level of power assistance and speed by selecting different assist modes.

While cadence sensors are a popular choice for many e-bikes due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, they can sometimes lead to a less-than-ideal riding experience.

Riders may notice a lag or jerky motion, which can feel counterintuitive. Additionally, if you attempt to pedal faster than the motor’s output, you may encounter some resistance.

This type of pedal assist sensor is commonly found in e-bikes priced between $1,000 and $2,500+. It makes it a prevalent option for many riders seeking an affordable electric biking solution.

Torque Sensors

Torque sensors represent a significant advancement over cadence sensors. They utilize precision strain gauges to accurately measure the force you apply to the e-bike pedals. These sensors sample data 1,000 times per second throughout the entire pedal stroke, allowing for a highly responsive riding experience.

By measuring the intensity of your pedalling, torque sensors determine the appropriate amount of electric power to supply. Essentially, the harder you pedal, the more power the motor delivers. Conversely, if you pedal with less force, the motor provides reduced assistance.

This progressive power delivery creates a smoother, more responsive, and enjoyable pedalling experience compared to e-bikes that rely solely on cadence sensors.

The primary drawback of torque sensors is their higher implementation cost compared to cadence sensors. As a result, you will typically find this advanced pedal-assist technology on premium e-bikes. The enhanced riding experience of those electric bikes justifies the investment.

Dual Pedal Assist Technology

Some e-bike brands like Juiced Bikes incorporates both cadence and torque sensors in most of its models to provide an optimal pedalling experience. It ensures a smooth ride and maximum control over the available power.

This advanced dual pedal assistance technology allows the sensors to instantly respond to your pedalling inputs. It delivers the precise amount of power you need, and whenever you need it.

Whether you’re embarking on a long-distance journey or navigating a hilly commute, the combination of cadence and torque assistance gives you the extra boost to arrive at your destination energized rather than exhausted.

For those looking to increase their cardio workout, you can easily adjust the pedal assistance level or turn it off completely using the advanced LCD display. This feature allows you to increase resistance for a fun, low-impact workout, putting you in full control of your exercise intensity.

The ability to tailor your pedal assistance in real time not only enhances your riding range but also provides a better overall experience. Mixing manual pedalling with power assistance yields a greater range than relying solely on the throttle.

Additionally, many riders find pedal assistance to be more intuitive than throttle control, resulting in a lower learning curve and enabling a wider range of users to enjoy the benefits of e-bikes.

Main Benefits of Pedal Assist Electric Bikes

Before we explore how an e-bike with pedals can enhance your life, let’s first discuss electric bikes that feature throttles. Like a motorcycle, these e-bikes allow you to activate the throttle—typically via a twist grip or a button on the handlebars—enabling you to ride without pedalling.

As a result, they don’t provide the same experience as traditional bicycles, especially if you rely solely on the throttle mode. This may not be ideal for those seeking the authentic feel and health benefits associated with regular biking.

Following are the main benefits of pedal assist electric bikes:

Feel Like a Normal Bike

Pedal assist e-bikes offer a riding experience like traditional bicycles, making them an excellent choice for cycling enthusiasts. The key difference is the “assist” mode, which provides an extra boost as you pedal. This means you can enjoy the familiar feel of cycling while benefiting from significantly more power with each stroke. What’s not to love about that?

Provide Super Health Benefits

Most pedal assist e-bikes offer more advanced features, including multiple levels of assistance. This allows you to customize the amount of boost you receive, which gives you control over how much effort you want to exert while riding.

As a result, these e-bikes are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a practical commuting companion without sacrificing the health and fitness benefits of cycling.

Different Levels of Assist

Many pedal assist e-bike brands, like Momentum, utilize battery-powered “assist” modes. When you pedal these bikes, a small motor engages to provide the extra boost you need. The harder you pedal, the more assistance you receive, making the ride feel natural and intuitive.

Why Are Pedal Assist Electric Bikes So Popular?

If you’re seeking the authentic experience of a traditional bike ride but appreciate the occasional extra boost, a pedal assist electric bike might be exactly what you need. Do you still need more reasons to consider one? Here are some compelling factors driving the growing popularity of e-bikes.

Sweat-Free

If you’re searching for a new commuting option but find that cycling at a high intensity leaves you too hot and sweaty for the office, a pedal assist e-bike could be the ideal solution.

With this type of bike, you can still enjoy cycling to work without arriving in a sweaty mess. The assist mode allows you to exert less energy on your ride. It helps you stay dry and ready for meetings as soon as you arrive.

Makes Tricky Terrain a Breeze

Traditional bikes are excellent for navigating flat roads, but if you find yourself in an area with more challenging terrain, a little extra boost can be beneficial. Pedal assist e-bikes are designed to help you tackle surfaces that require more effort than pedalling alone, whether you’re riding on gravel or dirt roads.

Hills Won’t Faze You

There’s nothing more frustrating than a pleasant ride being interrupted by an unexpected, gruelling hill. Have you ever found yourself halfway up, questioning whether your legs can make it to the top?

With pedal assist, you’ll never have to worry about conquering steep inclines again. Simply engage the “assist” mode, and you’ll reach the summit before you know it, without the dreaded lactic acid buildup in your legs.

Is a Great Low-Impact Cardio Exercise

Pedalling around town, even with assist mode, provides an excellent workout. Just like riding a conventional bicycle, pedalling enhances your core strength and muscular endurance in your legs. It also offers you a good challenge for your heart and lungs.

This makes it a popular option for those seeking cardiovascular exercise. Plus, you can adjust the level of assistance based on how much effort you want to put in that day.

It’s a Greener Choice for Your Daily Commute

For environmentally conscious individuals who want to minimize their impact on the planet but can’t fully commit to cycling to and from work, electric bikes offer the perfect compromise.

They allow you to travel further than a regular bicycle while significantly reducing the environmental harm compared to driving a car. If your workplace is too far to reach by regular bike, walking, or running, an electric bike can cover the distance with ease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pedal assist electric bikes represent a remarkable fusion of traditional cycling and modern technology. They offer you an enjoyable and efficient way to navigate various terrains.

With features like cadence and torque sensors, these bikes provide a customizable riding experience that allows you to tailor the level of assistance based on your needs and fitness goals. Whether you’re commuting to work, tackling steep hills, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, pedal assist e-bikes enhance your cycling experience without compromising the health benefits of traditional biking.

Moreover, they serve as an eco-friendly transportation alternative, significantly reducing your carbon footprint compared to driving a car. As the popularity of pedal assist electric bikes continues to grow, they are becoming an increasingly viable option for those seeking a practical, enjoyable, and sustainable mode of transport.

Embrace the future of cycling and discover how a pedal assist e-bike can transform your daily commute and recreational rides.