Electric bikes are designed to help overcome terrain and limit the amount of stress the rider experiences. The riding experience varies greatly depending on the throttle system the bicycle is equipped with. There are 3 main types of throttles being used on electric assist bikes: speed sensors, torque sensors, and conventional twist throttles.

Twist Throttles (Power On Demand): Similar to a motorcycle or a scooter, the twist throttle is mounted to the handlebars and the rider merely turns the throttle to apply power assist. These throttles can be used with or without the rider pedaling. Additionally, twist throttles tend to offer decreased range from the two options, due to the constant and static load against the battery.

Torque Sensors (Power Assist or Pedelec): A torque sensor is a system built into the front crank of the bicycle. It measures how hard the rider is pushing against the pedals, and automatically increases the motors power to compensate. This system helps the rider accelerate from a stop and helps level out hills, all while preserving as much battery life as possible. It also allows for the greatest safety margin—the assist is directly tied to your pedal action. Torque sensors offer the best available range along with a riding experience closest to a normal bike.

Speed Sensors: Somewhere between a throttle and a torque sensor, the speed sensor monitors that the rider is actually turning the pedals and then turns on the motor. Unlike the torque sensor, the output of the motor is not variable instead it operates at full power all the time. The speed sensor does require the rider to pedal at all times to gain any assist. Like the throttle, the speed sensor puts a constant load against the battery, leading to a lower range.

Every electric bicycle offers a charger that allows you to replenish the battery when the bike is not in use. These chargers can range from simple 110v power adapters, like a laptop computer would use, to elaborate fast chargers that require industrial-type power service. A normal 9Ah battery should charge in around 4-hours.

Regenerative braking, like on a hybrid car, is available on very few electric bicycles for several reasons. First, on a two-wheeled vehicle, your forward momentum is your stability. The regeneration system introduces significant drag against the rear wheel that can compromise your stability under braking. Other systems rely on a pedal mounted generator to charge the battery while you are riding. This essentially transfers the energy you would use riding up a hill to a less strenuous time of the ride—essentially negating any net assist.

Finally, assist speeds can vary between different manufacturer’s. Many limit the power assist to speeds under 15mph, allowing for compliance with the federal electric bicycle guidelines. Bikes with torque or speed sensors will allow the rider to pedal faster than the assist speed.