Primarily activated with a pedal-assist system, many eBikes are now including a throttle system as well. Throttles are a fun inclusion, with the big benefit of helping you use the motor system without having to pedal. If you’re riding in business attire, or you’re just tired after a challenging ride, not having to pedal is pretty awesome.
There are a few other key benefits that come with using a throttle system, but are they enough to really need a throttle system? The answer to that question will vary significantly from person to person, which is why we developed this guide–to answer the questions you have about throttle systems. With our guide, we hope you’ll find an answer to whether you need a throttle eBike.
If you have any lingering questions, be sure to ask them at the end of the page.
What eBikes Have a Throttle System?
Electric bikes are categorized by a three-class system, with class II eBikes primarily designated as throttle eBikes. Some class III eBikes have a throttle system complimenting the high-speed pedal-assist system that differentiates class III eBikes from other electric bikes.
No class I eBikes have a throttle system since the inclusion of a throttle transforms a class I eBike into a class II eBike.
Class II and class III eBikes have a 20 MPH speed cap on the throttle system. The throttle system is capped so you can purchase and ride your eBike without needing additional licensing. Many electric bikes with a throttle can be customized to exceed the 20 MPH speed cap, especially since class III eBikes have a 28 MPH speed cap on their pedal assistance systems.
If you do make modifications, your eBike will be classified as a moped in many parts of the world, which will require a motor vehicle license to operate along with additional registration and fees.
What is the Difference Between a Pedal Assist and Throttle System?
Pedal activated motor assistance systems are the standard way to control your eBike motor. When pedaling, a sensor that measures either your cadence or torque will activate motor power according to your settings. Many eBikes have different pedal-assist levels, with higher levels providing greater motor power and lower levels providing a greater motor range. If you would like to learn more about pedal activated motor assistance systems, we have another blog post dedicated to discussing the subject at length.
Throttle activated motor assistance systems differ in several ways. You have to twist the throttle to start the motor, saving you energy since you don’t have to pedal to travel on your eBike. Throttle systems typically do not have multiple levels you can set your motor to and instead will provide max motor power the moment you activate the throttle system.
However, many premium eBike models are now including different throttle levels, customizable throttle caps, and even variable throttles that will change your power output depending on how much you twist the throttle. Outside of a more considerable power drain, throttle systems tend to be more jerky to use overall, providing a ride closer to a moped than a traditional bicycle.
Which Type of eBike Should I Get a Throttle on?
Budget
Throttle activated motor systems tend to be more expensive than pedal activated motor systems, so you’re generally not going to find budget eBikes with a throttle. Throttle systems also tend to wear down the drivetrain quicker than a pedal only motor system, leading to higher maintenance costs. If you’re hoping to save money when you buy an eBike, we don’t think you’ll need a throttle eBike motor system.
City Commuters
Throttle systems are highly recommended for city commuter eBikes. Stop and go traffic is a big challenge for those living in the city, and a throttle makes it easier to navigate traffic. From a complete stop, a throttle will help you climb to max speeds in just a few seconds, making it much easier to keep up with the flow of traffic. Unless you’re looking for a dedicated class III high-speed city bicycle, you’re definitely going to want to consider a throttle system for your eBike if you’re commuting to work or around the city.
Mountain Bikes
We’re a bit mixed on whether you need a throttle system on your mountain bike. Throttles are excellent for providing a short boost, which can help you climb a very steep portion of a trail more safely. However, throttle systems are also jerky, and if you’re riding on a tricky pathway, accidental throttle usage can cause a crash. Furthermore, some trails specifically ban throttle class II eBikes from being used on them. You’ll find eMountain bikes with throttle systems, but be considerate when you use your motor if you’re riding on a mountain trail.
Racing/Cross-Country Bikes
Racing eBikes and cross-country eBikes typically do not feature throttle systems for several reasons. First, throttle eBikes go against the purpose of a bike race since they don’t rely on much athleticism to operate. Second, throttle systems add additional weight, causing you to be slightly slower compared to eBikes without a throttle.
Third and finally, throttle systems drain the battery more quickly than pedal assist systems, limiting the battery range if traveling cross-country. We would not recommend adding a throttle system to your eBike for these reasons.
Cruiser Bikes
Cruiser eBikes are some of the most popular models to feature a throttle system. Cruiser bikes are designed from the ground up to help you explore the world in comfort, something throttle motor systems are very good at doing. Furthermore, you’ll often be traveling through sand, and other loose terrain where pedaling is difficult, a problem you don’t have if you just need to twist a throttle to turn on the motor. As such, you’ll rarely find a true, dedicated cruiser eBike that doesn’t have a throttle system of some kind.
Family/Cargo Bikes
Family and cargo bikes are extra heavy due to their large frame designs, which often means they’re difficult to pedal, even if you have a great motor. Just like cruiser bikes, you’ll rarely find a good family or cargo bike that doesn’t have a throttle activated motor system. Just be aware that even with a large battery, these eBikes are notorious for having a short range, and are exhaustive to try to ride home if you don’t have your motor helping you along the way.
Conclusion: Make Riding Easier with an eBike Throttle!
Class II and III eBikes that have a throttle can make your overall riding experience even more enjoyable. You won’t have to pedal as hard–or at all– and you’ll be able to boost up hills and other difficult terrain. And you can build up your riding speed faster to keep up with friends and traffic.
There are some disadvantages to using them, including greater motor jerkiness and increased bike price and weight. So we wouldn’t necessarily recommend a throttle eBike to everyone, especially for those who want an eBike with a 50+ mile range.
For casual cyclists or those who want a more comfortable riding experience, we would recommend checking out a throttle eBike. If you don’t know where to look, check out our reviews, with over a dozen highly recommended throttle options available at this writing.
Thank you so much for reading our guide to throttle eBikes! If you have any other questions, be sure to leave a comment below. Our team at Best Electric Bikes will answer your questions as soon as they can, and may even incorporate your question into our next blog post update!
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