As electric bicycles (ebikes) have exploded in popularity in recent years, more and more people are discovering the joy and convenience of pedal-assisted riding. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or exploring dirt trails on the weekend, an ebike can make your ride easier, more efficient, and just plain more fun.
But with all the different motor and battery configurations, not to mention the various riding modes and settings, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how to get the most out of your ebike. That's where this handy guide comes in. I'm going to break down the two main riding modes - throttle and pedal assist - and share some tips on how to use each one to your advantage for the best possible ebike experience.
Throttle Mode: The "Lazy" but Useful Option
Let's start with throttle mode. This is the simpler of the two riding modes, and the one that most closely resembles riding a moped or motorcycle. Basically, you just twist the throttle on the handlebar and the motor kicks in to propel you forward, with no pedaling required on your part.
The main benefit of throttle mode is that it requires the least physical effort from the rider. If you're feeling tired, or just want a little boost to get up a hill, you can simply twist the throttle and let the motor do the work. This makes throttle mode great for:
1) Commuting and running errands around town, where you may need a quick burst of speed to get through an intersection or pull away from a stop.
2) Conquering steep inclines that would be a real slog to pedal up on your own.
3) Giving your legs a break when you're feeling fatigued on a longer ride.
The downside of throttle mode is that it tends to drain your battery much faster than pedal assist mode. That's because the motor is working at full power the entire time, without any contribution from your own pedaling. So throttle mode is best used in moderation, or for short bursts when you really need the extra oomph.
To get the most out of throttle mode and preserve your battery life:
1) Only use it for short spurts, like getting up to speed from a stop or powering up steep hills.
2) Avoid leaving the throttle wide open for long periods of time.
3) Combine throttle mode with some light pedaling to take some of the load off the motor.
Pedal Assist Mode: The "Smart" Choice for Efficiency
Now let's talk about pedal assist mode. This is where things get a little more complex, but also a lot more efficient. In pedal assist mode, the motor provides a boost to your pedaling power, but the amount of assistance is determined by the level you've selected, as well as your own pedal input.
The key benefit of pedal assist is that it allows you to get more range out of your battery. Since the motor is only providing supplemental power, and not doing all the work like in throttle mode, your battery will last much longer. Pedal assist mode is great for:
1) Longer rides where you want to maximize your range and battery life.
2) Maintaining a steady, efficient pace without having to work too hard.
3) Tackling gradual climbs where a little extra oomph from the motor can make all the difference.
The tradeoff is that pedal assist mode requires a bit more physical effort from the rider. You can't just twist the throttle and let the motor do all the work - you have to actually pedal to get the motor assistance.
To get the most out of pedal assist mode:
1) Start with a lower assist level (1 or 2) and only increase it as needed.
2) Maintain a consistent, moderate pedaling cadence (60-80 RPM is ideal).
3) Use the lowest assist level that still allows you to maintain your desired speed.
4) Shift your weight back and pedal with more force on steep climbs to engage the motor more.
Finding the Right Balance
Ultimately, the key to maximizing your ebike experience is finding the right balance between throttle mode and pedal assist mode, depending on the situation.
For short, stop-and-go urban rides, throttle mode can be really handy for quickly accelerating away from intersections or powering up steep hills. But you'll want to limit its use to preserve your battery.
On longer rides where range is more of a concern, pedal assist mode is generally the more efficient and economical choice. By providing just the right amount of motor assistance to complement your own pedaling, you can ride farther on a single charge.
And don't be afraid to switch between the two modes as needed. Maybe start your ride in a higher pedal assist setting, then drop it down to a lower level once you've gained some momentum. Or use the throttle for that one killer hill climb, then revert to pedal assist for the remainder of your ride.
The great thing about modern ebikes is that they give you this flexibility to customize your ride and riding experience. So experiment, have fun, and find the combination of throttle and pedal assist that works best for you!
