The connection between an electric bicycle (e-bike) and its rider is established through the throttle, which serves as the physical interface. Within a few square centimeters, a unique bond is formed between humans and machines, allowing them to understand and respond to each other’s thoughts and desires.
While this sounds romanticized, the type of throttle on an e-bike genuinely influences the entire riding experience. Three primary types of throttles are available: thumb, half-twist, and full-twist. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, impacting the overall riding experience and garnering ardent supporters who defend their preferred throttle option.
Rarely have I witnessed such divided support for a specific e-bike feature among riders. The choice of e-bike throttle tends to evoke strong opinions, with proponents claiming their favored type to be superior and detractors dismissing it entirely. Let’s delve into a detailed analysis of these three main types of e-bike throttles to understand the reasons behind all the fuss better.
Thumb Throttles:
As the name suggests, thumb throttles are designed to be operated by the thumb. They consist of a small lever protruding from the handlebar towards the rider. Thumb throttles are the least obtrusive among the three types, rarely interfering with brake levers or twist shifters. They may occasionally obstruct lever shifters, but adjusting the thumb throttle’s lever position can usually resolve this issue.
One notable advantage of thumb throttles is that they allow greater freedom for handlebar accessories, such as lights and mirrors since they occupy minimal space. Moreover, they permit aftermarket handlebar grips, as they do not extend to the end of the handlebar.
Interestingly, thumb throttles offer a slight safety advantage. Unlike other throttle types with a higher chance of accidental engagement, thumb throttles are less prone to unintentional activation due to collisions with walls, doorways, or other objects. They require deliberate thumb engagement to initiate.
However, thumb exhaustion can be a common complaint with these throttles. Extended periods of riding at full throttle may cause discomfort and fatigue in the thumb, as the entire force of the return spring is concentrated on this digit. Additionally, thumb throttles necessitate keeping one finger less on the handlebars, potentially compromising grip and maneuverability, particularly in emergencies that require quick reaction times.
An unexpected downside of thumb throttles, which I discovered during cold Pittsburgh winters, is their vulnerability to freezing temperatures. While the four fingers are protected and kept warm by wrapping around the handlebar, the exposed thumb protrudes below, exposed to the chilly air. Even with thick gloves, a 15-minute commute in winter made my right thumb numb. While this issue may be relevant only to certain climates, it’s worth considering for those living in colder regions.
Full Twist Throttles:
Full twist throttles are the largest type of e-bike throttle and require the entire hand for operation. They encompass the entire end of the handlebar, effectively replacing the original grip. The rider grasps the throttle to engage them and twists it back towards themselves.
Those familiar with motorcycles or mopeds will find full twist throttles reminiscent of the throttle controls on these vehicles. Many riders prefer them because they allow a firm grip using all five fingers, providing better control and enabling the use of the wrist instead of the thumb for the twisting motion.
However, some complaint about wrist fatigue associated with full twist throttles over prolonged rides. Just as riding at full speed with a thumb throttle can exhaust the thumb, full-twist throttles tend to strain the rider’s wrist.
Another disadvantage of full twist throttles is their susceptibility to accidental engagement. Since they extend to the end of the handlebars, collisions with walls, doorways, or neighboring bikes can unintentionally accelerate the e-bike, catching the unprepared rider off guard. I have witnessed such incidents on multiple occasions and admittedly experienced them a few times.
Moreover, the full twist throttle’s design makes it impossible to use handlebar end mirrors, which may be a concern for some riders, although not universally relevant.
Half Twist Throttles (All BeeCool models are equipped with a half-twist throttle):
Half-twist throttles can be considered the smaller sibling of full-twist throttles. They operate similarly but do not extend to the end of the handlebar. Instead, they reach about halfway and feature a non-twisting rubber grip that remains securely attached to the handlebar. The attached rubber grip compensates for the missing half.
Half-twist throttles offer most of the advantages of full-twist throttles, allowing the use of multiple fingers (usually the first two fingers and thumb) and enabling the twisting motion to be applied using the wrist.
Regarding safety, half-twist throttles are slightly improved over full-twist throttles, as they are less likely to be accidentally engaged. Although they can still be bumped and activated by contact with obstacles, the shorter reach reduces the chances of unintentional engagement.
Another advantage of half-twist throttles is their compatibility with handlebar end accessories, such as mirrors, since they do not extend to the end of the handlebar.
Interestingly, half-twist throttles provide a unique solution to mitigate wrist fatigue. When operating at full throttle, the rider can grip the throttle with three fingers while keeping the other two on the rubber grip firmly attached to the handlebar. This grip configuration prevents the half-twist throttle from springing back to the zero-throttle position, allowing the tension in the throttle spring to be held by the grip on the handlebar rather than the wrist muscles. Over long rides, this hand position proves more comfortable, reducing or eliminating the exhaustion associated with thumb or full twist throttles.
Choosing the Right Ebike Throttle:
Ultimately, the choice of throttle comes down to personal preference. Each type of e-bike throttle has its advantages and drawbacks, so it is up to the individual rider to determine which trade-offs they are willing to make and which advantages matter most to them.
I have presented the arguments for each throttle type as impartially as possible, allowing you to decide based on your specific requirements and preferences.
It is worth mentioning that there is another, less common type of throttle known as the “push button” throttle. However, it is considered inferior to the three main throttle types discussed above. The push button throttle provides full acceleration when pressed and no throttle when released, resembling an on/off (full-gas/no-gas) mechanism. Throttles are intended to offer gradual control rather than an all-or-nothing approach, making push-button throttles less desirable. It is advisable to steer clear of this type.
In conclusion, when selecting an e-bike throttle, consider your needs and prioritize each type's advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice is yours. As for me, “HALF TWIST FOR LIFE, BABY!!!”
