What is Pedal Assist on an Electric Bike ?

When shopping for an electric bike, you will come across the term ‘pedal assist.’ This is a common feature, one that you will find in pretty much every electric bike. It can help you ride for longer, and with less physical stress than a conventional bike.

However, the inclusion of a pedal assist system (PAS) does raise a few questions. What does it do? How does it work? More important to you, how do different electric bikes implement the feature into their design?

In this article, you will find out how an electric bicycle with pedals work. You’ll also learn about the different types of pedal assist systems.

How Does Pedal Assist Work ?

On an electric bike, the pedal assist mode helps you accelerate and maintain speed. The four main components that make this possible are the internal battery, electric motor, sensor, and controller.

When you engage the pedals, the sensor detects the pedal’s motion. Then, the controller calculates how much power the electric motor should supply to the pedals. From there, the electric motor kicks in, rotating the pedals.

Most electric assisted pedal cycles let you adjust the amount of pedal assistance you receive. This lets you customize the power of the assistance based on your situation. Every model in the Heybike range has 3 PAS levels, where 3 provides the most pedal assistance while 1 provides the least.

FURTHER READING: What is an Electric Bike and How Does It Work ?

Why Do Ebikes Have Pedal Assist ?

The main purpose of an electric bike is to overcome the limitations of a conventional pedal bike. One way that they achieve this is with the pedal assist feature. It is a useful way to retain the functionality of a conventional bike while also making cycling more accessible.

With power assist for bicycles, you don’t need to pedal as hard to travel the same distance. This is a huge advantage for people with limited physical capabilities, such as the elderly or those recovering from an injury.

Even outside of these circumstances, the pedal assist helps. It helps you sweat less and conserve energy. Do you need to ride to work but don’t want to arrive tired? Use the pedal assist mode. This way, the electric motor will do some of the legwork – quite literally – for you.

Types of Pedal Assist Systems

The two main PAS on an electric bike are cadence and torque sensors. Both sensors provide some form of pedal assistance. But they achieve their intended outcomes differently. Here’s how the two systems work.

Cadence Sensor

A cadence sensor is a device that measures pedalling effort. When you engage the pedals, the electric motor kicks in and provides pedal assistance.

With a cadence sensor, the amount of power that the electric motor supplies will remain the same, regardless of how hard you pedal. It functions like an on-and-off switch. When you start pedalling, the electric motor switches on. Once you stop pedalling, the electric motor disengages.

Torque Sensor

A torque sensor is like a more advanced version of a cadence sensor. Instead of just detecting when you pedal, it also measures how hard you pedal. As you pedal faster, the electric motor works harder to provide more pedal assistance.

Since torque sensors can match your pedalling effort, they deliver a more natural, seamless power transition. You feel like you are easing in and out of using the engine. Many riders find this sensation more pleasant than a cadence sensor.

FURTHER READING: Torque Sensor vs Cadence Sensor on an Ebike: What’s Different?

Benefits of Using Pedal Assist

There are many benefits to using the pedal assist on an electric bike. For one, you will have an easier cycling experience. Instead of doing all the pedalling, the electric motor can do some work for you. You can also ride for longer without getting as tired.

Another advantage to the pedal assist mode is the terrain capabilities. Dirt, snow, and sand can be hard to traverse on a conventional bike. However, with the extra boost from the pedal assist, you can climb steep hills and navigate rough terrain easily.

Lastly, the pedal assist mode helps promote a more active lifestyle. Many people cannot ride a conventional bike due to physical limitations. An electric bike helps overcome those limitations by letting you ride with less effort.

Choosing the Right Pedal Assist Level

Each PAS offers various levels of assistance. The higher you go, the more pedal assistance you receive. Most have a PAS range of 1 to 3 or 1 to 5. However, more advanced systems can go up to 7.

To choose the right PAS level, consider your circumstances. Are you riding on smooth, flat terrain? Then you may need only 1 or 2 levels of assistance. Are you riding up a dirt hill? Then you may need a higher assistance level to reach the top.

Keep in mind that the higher the PAS level, the faster your battery will drain. For this reason, we recommend using the highest PAS level sparingly. This way, you’ll enjoy a longer battery life.

Common Misconceptions About Pedal Assist

Despite being more popular than ever, myths about e-bike technology persist. Let’s debunk some of the misconceptions surrounding pedal-assist technology:

• Pedal-assist bikes are slow: When combined with pedalling effort, electric bikes can reach a top speed of 20 to 28 mph (32.17-45.06 km/h). But according to the relative regulations in the UK, ebikes can only ride up to 25 km/h at most.
• Pedal-assist bikes are only for people with specific needs: Regardless of your age or ability, electric bikes are for everyone. While they do benefit certain people, such as those recovering from an injury, there is no reason why any other rider cannot enjoy the thrill of e-cycling.
• You cannot ride a pedal-assist bike in the wet: Most pedal assist bikes are water resistant. Their electrical components are housed in special materials designed to keep water out. Thus, you can ride most electric bikes in light rain.

Final Thoughts

When used properly, pedal-assist technology can enhance your cycling experience. It can help you ride faster and for longer than a conventional bike. It can also help you tackle steep inclines with less effort.

Now that you understand how pedal assist-technology works, explore the full electric bike range at Heybike. We offer electric bikes in a range of styles and configurations, giving you the freedom to choose one that best suits your needs.