eBikes with Throttles don't need to be pedaled

Do You Have to Pedal eBikes?

Are you wondering if it is necessary to pedal e-bikes? It is logical to assume that an e-bike doesn’t require pedaling, but this is not always the case.

Electric bikes with a throttle can be operated without pedaling. Electric bikes have three modes: pedal assist (adds power while pedaling), throttle (applies power without pedaling) or a combination of pedal assist with a throttle. My favorite is a combination. Remember this when shopping for an eBike, sometimes it isn’t clear what mode options are on the eBike.

This article covers all the instances in which you must pedal an e-bike.

eBike Throttle
eBike Throttle, read about how it works ๐Ÿ‘‰ What is a Throttle on an eBike

What is the difference between the throttle and pedal assist?

An e-bike can use either a throttle or pedal assist system. The main difference between the two is how the electric motor is activated.

A throttle-controlled e-bike activates via a handgrip or thumb throttle on the handlebar. The rider can control the bike’s speed by turning the throttle, regardless of whether they are pedaling. It allows the rider to ride the bike without pedaling, similar to a moped or scooter.

A pedal-assist e-bike is activated by pedaling. The electric motor assists the rider while they are pedaling. Usually, you can adjust the level of assistance the engine provides to low, medium, or high using a controller on the handlebar.

The rider can also completely turn off the pedal assist and ride like a traditional bicycle.

In summary, a throttle-controlled e-bike allows the rider to control the speed without pedaling. In contrast, a pedal-assist e-bike requires pedaling to activate the motor’s assistance.

It’s essential to check your local regulations before using an e-bike with a throttle. Some countries or local laws may require pedaling for an e-bike to be considered a bicycle, not a motorcycle.

I’ve got a group of articles explaining why eBikes are Awesome Check Them Out Below ๐Ÿ‘‡

If an e-bike has a throttle, do I have to pedal?

If an e-bike comes with a throttle, it allows the rider to control its speed without pedaling. However, in most cases, it is recommended to pedal along with the motor’s assistance to maintain the battery life.

When using a throttle on a very steep road, it might be necessary to pedal to help the bike get over the hill, although some e-bikes could go uphill without problems. But if that happens, you do not have to pedal too hard.

EBike Thumb Throttle
EBike Thumb Throttle

How many types of e-bikes are there?

Several e-bikes are available on the market, each with unique features and designs. Some have more powerful motors, for example, allowing the rider the freedom of not pedaling at all. Although, that’s now an electric motorbike, now isn’t it?

Some of the most common types of e-bikes include:

  1. Pedal-Assist E-Bikes: These e-bikes have a motor that assists the rider while pedaling. You can adjust the aid level to low, medium, or high.
  2. Throttle-controlled E-bikes: These e-bikes have a handgrip or thumb throttle on the handlebar that controls the bike’s speed, regardless of whether the rider is pedaling.
  3. Folding E-bikes: These e-bikes are easily collapsible, making them convenient for transportation and storage.
  4. Cargo E-bikes: These e-bikes transport cargo like a courier; they have a larger frame and carry more weight than other e-bikes.
  5. Mountain E-bikes: These e-bikes are great off-road use machines, with features such as suspension, knobby tires, and a powerful motor.
  6. Road E-bikes: By design, these e-bikes are for on-road use, with lightweight frames, narrow tires, and a more efficient motor.
  7. Fat tire E-bikes: These e-bikes have extra-wide tires that provide more stability and traction on rough terrain.
  8. Step-through E-bikes: These e-bikes have a lower-top tube, making it easier to get on and off.

How fast do electric bikes go without pedaling?

The top speed of an e-bike without pedaling depends on the motor’s power and design. Most e-bikes have a top speed of 20-28 mph (32-45 km/h) when using the electric motor alone.

However, some high-performance e-bikes can reach up to 45 mph (ca. 72 km/h) or even more. Local laws can also limit the speed; it’s essential to check your local regulations before using an e-bike.

Bafang Mid-Drive Electric Bike Conversion
Bafang Mid-Drive Electric Bike Conversion

Did you Know You Can Convert a Regular MTB to Electric?

Bafang a leader in DIY electric bike conversions has a mid-drive kit that will fit on most regular bikes. I’d recommend the BBSHD kit, it’s a complete setup with a huge capacity battery and a 1000 watt motor. Why this setup?

  • Heavy duty 1000 watt motor (built for cargo bikes)
  • +50 volt 17.5 Ah battery for speed and distance
  • Easy installation with provided tools.

If you’re considering a conversion, do what I’m doing get the BANFANG BBSHD 1000w eBike Conversion with Battery

Can you turn off the pedal assist on an eBike?

Yes, it is possible to turn off the pedal assist on an e-bike. Most e-bikes have a controller that allows the rider to adjust the level of assistance the motor provides.

The level of assistance can typically be adjusted to low, medium, high, or turned off completely.

When the pedal assist is off, the rider must pedal the bike without the electric motor’s assistance. Some e-bikes have a “walk assist” feature that allows the rider to use the electric motor to walk the bike when it is too heavy to push.

RIDE e MTB Pro Tip: With eBikes growing in popularity learning all the terms and definitions can be a bit overwhelming. Let me help with this comprehensive glossary. ๐Ÿ‘‰ eBike Glossary

When you pedal an electric bike, does it charge the battery?

When you pedal an e-bike, the movement of the pedals DOES NOT generate electricity to charge the battery.

Some e-bikes use a system called regenerative braking, which captures some energy generated when the rider applies the brakes and uses it to charge the battery. It is a common way to recharge the battery while riding an e-bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go uphill on an electric bike without pedaling?

It is possible to go uphill on an e-bike without pedaling. However, the amount you’ll have to work depends on the power of the motor and the design of the bike, as well as the steepness of the hill. You might have to pedal some if the bike is not powerful enough. Generally, e-bikes are equipped with a motor that assists the rider while pedaling, and this assistance can help the rider climb hills with less effort.

Check out this article if your interested in hills ๐Ÿ‘‰ Can an eBike Climb Steep Hills

Do Ebikes use a lot of electricity?

The amount of electricity an e-bike uses depends on several factors, such as the motor’s power, the level of assistance used, the terrain, and the rider’s weight. On average, an e-bike can travel between 20โ€“50 miles (32-80 km) per charge, with the cost to charge the battery typically ranging from a few cents to a dollar or so.

How far will an electric bike go without pedaling?

On average, most e-bikes can travel between 20โ€“50 miles (32-80 km) per charge when using the electric motor alone. However, high-performance e-bikes with larger batteries can travel up to 100 miles (ca. 161 km) per charge.


David Humphries Author at Ride e MTB

Hi David Humphries here the guy doing all the pedaling behind the scenes with this blog. I’ve been in the MTB world for a while and recently started getting into eMTBs. You can check out more about me HERE and on my other passion project – DIYMountainBike.com

Resources:

  1. Cybergyebikes,โ€œ FAQ,โ€ https://www.cynergyebikes.com/about-ebikes-s/117.htm#:~:, last accessed January 26, 2023
  2. Electrek.co,โ€œ The truth: How far can an electric bicycle really go on a single charge?,โ€ https://electrek.co/2020/06/12/how-far-can-an-electric-bicycle-really-go-on-a-charge/, last accessed January 26, 2023
  3. Electric Biking, โ€œWill an Electric Bike Charge as You Pedal?โ€, https://electric-biking.com/will-an-electric-bike-charge-as-you-pedal/, last accessed January 26, 2023
  4. History Computer, โ€œGuide to e-Bikes: How They Work, Different Types, and Road vs Mountain,โ€ https://history-computer.com/e-bikes-guide/, last accessed January 26, 2023
  5. Wikipedia, โ€œElectric bikes,โ€https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle, last accessed January 26, 2023