Throttle
The throttle pattern of an e-bike is similar to that of a motorcycle or electric scooter because when it is engaged, the motor provides power and propels the bike forward. It gives you full power on demand without involving automatic pedal assist. If you just want to cruise, the throttle allows you to sit back and enjoy an easy ride, as the bike runs without pedaling.
In the eSoulbike electric bike kit, the throttle style is thumb throttle. The button for the thumb throttle is conveniently located where the rider’s thumb naturally fits.The thumb throttle can be located on the left or right handlebar.
When you press the thumb button, it activates the motor and lets your e-bike move without you touching the pedals. Using the thumb throttle, you have full control over the speed of the e-bike without having to hold on to the handlebars. The thumb buttons can be activated by pressure; the more you press, the faster your e-bike will go.
Pros of e-bike throttles
- The faster speed and instant response of the throttle system make it the best choice for a faster ride on country roads or in heavy traffic, as you can quickly and easily activate the motor at intersections and lights and feel safer.
- Using the throttle is the best system for those who find pedal riding difficult or those who don't quite fit shape.
Cons of e-bike throttles
- Throttles look simple to use, but ones with poor modulation can be difficult to master in traffic.
- Unless ridden pretty carefully they can be quite inefficient compared to mid-drives which usually have torque sensors and are pedal-assist,limiting the battery range of the throttle option by comparison.
Pedal Assist
Pedal assist is an operating mode on e-bikes that, in order for the pedal assist to work, there is a sensor that "talks" to the bike's motor, so you can reach the speed you want based on the pedal assist settings. There are several levels of pedal assist, and with pedal assist on, you'll feel a little extra "power" propelling you forward, making it easy to ride long distances. There are two types of sensors, cadence and torque, both of which tell the bike's PAS (pedal assist system) when to engage the motor and propel the bike forward.
Torque vs. Cadence Pedal Assist
TORQUE SENSING PEDAL ASSIST
Torque sensing is the various systems used to sense when the pedals are turned to detect how hard the rider is pedaling. This signal is converted into electricity to power the motor and assist the rider. The best applications, such as the mid-drive systems of Bosch, Brose, Shimano and Yamaha, generate a momentary surge of power that matches exactly how you press the pedals, propelling the e-bike forward.
CADENCE SENSING PEDAL ASSIST
Cadence sensors are available on most eSoulbike models: MTB、Step-Thru City Bike、Road Bike、Urban Bike、Tricycle. The cadence sensor turns the motor on when you pedal and turns it off when you stop pedaling. On eSoulbike electric bike kits, the cadence sensor sets the expectation to stabilize at a set speed based on the pedal assist setting you're using.
Pedal assist can be activated by selecting the PAS level with the PAS selector button. The PAS selector buttons allow a rider to dial up a specific level of assistance from the motor between 1-5 on an colorful display. When pedaling, the magnetic ring and PAS sensor work with each pedal stroke to send a signal to the controller to draw power from the motor, which helps pedal the bike more easily. The higher the PAS level, the more power is delivered per pedal stroke and the easier it is to ride.
PROS OF E-BIKE PAS
- If you're used to riding a traditional bike, a good quality pedal assist system has a more intuitive feel than the throttle mode. Whether you are doing urban recreational riding or road sport riding. Pedal assist mode is nice because you can focus entirely on pedaling without having to hold the throttle in a certain position.
- A mid-drive pedal-assist with torque sensor is also often the best machine for climbing steep grades, because both the human and electrical power is fed through the rear gear hub or derailleur, multiplying the effort available more effectively over a wider range of speeds than throttle only machines.
- Pedal assist machines can be more efficient than throttle machines and so give more mileage.
Cons OF E-BIKE PAS
- You lack the instant acceleration of your throttlethumb, so the PAS system may not be well suited for city riding and weak scooters in traffic.
- A poor quality PAS system and a poorly performing cadence sensing system can be a very unpleasant result; you lack the advantages of a good throttle system and a high quality pedal sensing system. You'll get an unpredictable stop-start ride with power out of tune with your pedal movements.
- A high-quality torque-sensing system will cost more than your budget for a throttle system.
So, which one is better?
It depends on the situation! Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The ultimate answer may depend on how you use your e-bike. We believe that for casual urban riders, it will be more convenient to use the shifter and respond in time at intersections. But for hills, hillsides and other terrains, it is more suitable to use power assist.
