Throttle vs pedal assist ebikes

People who start riding pedal assist ebikes are likely already cyclists or those who like to ride. If that sounds like you, then you might be looking for a bit of a boost in order to go further and ride faster with natural-feeling motorized assistance.

Riding an ebike with pedal assist is still a great form of exercise that preserves the experience and active lifestyle we enjoy from standard bicycles.

Pedal assist ebikes are especially popular among:

Throttle ebikes offer a fun and fast way of getting around, attracting people to cycling who otherwise may not as regularly ride a bike. For many people, throttle ebikes are an efficient method of transport that mixes the thrill of two wheel travel with the ease of pedal-free cruising. The on-demand power of a throttle adds a bit of zest to the experience on two wheels and the quick acceleration makes city riding, with its many stops and starts, a total breeze.

Throttle ebikes are a great choice for:

Pedal assist electric bikes, also called pedelecs, amplify the rider's own pedal power with a boost from the compact electric motor. Riders can toggle between different levels to adjust their desired speed and effort. The smooth combination of pedaling and ebike assist preserves a natural-feeling ride that’s similar to traditional bikes.

Pedal assist ebikes combine with organic pedal power rather than pulling energy from the motor alone, extending the battery’s range. Riders can still use the higher pedal assist levels for a bigger boost when necessary and preserve battery life while using the lower modes. This flexibility gives cyclists more options to control their ebike’s range, ideal for returning from a long ride without running out of juice.

Even more, the motor’s torque sensors are programmed to scale power output in the most efficient way. For ebikes with both pedal assist and throttle capabilities, you’ll always have more range while riding in pedal assist mode.

The combination of pedal assist and leg power also contributes to these ebikes being better suited to climbing hills. For riders who still want to feel a bit of the burn and exert energy, pedal-assist ebikes are a great form of exercise. Simply adjust the pedal assist levels to fit your desired amount of effort! Many pedal-assist ebikes have high-quality mid-drive motors that are designed with sufficient torque to handle steep gradients and mountain bike climbs.

One of the most noticeable benefits of pedal assist ebikes is their natural-feeling boost that meshes seamlessly with your own pedal power. People report the sensation of riding a standard bike, only now with stronger legs! Cyclists that already enjoy analog riding appreciate that pedal assist ebikes don’t feel too different from what they’re used to. And when it comes to more performance-oriented riding like mountain or gravel disciplines, riding a pedal-assisted ebike preserves the natural handling as much as possible.

Throttle ebikes provide fun, on-demand power with a simple flick of the wrist or thumb press. The immediate thrill of squeezing the throttle and picking up speed is a large part of what throttle ebikes so enjoyable to ride. These ebikes emulate the feel of a motorbike that’s great for ripping around town, keeping up with traffic, and making it to your destination fast. Throttle designs vary between a thumb/trigger throttle and full- or half-twist grip throttles.

Nearly all electric bikes with a throttle also have pedal assist levels, providing users with tons of options for how they want to ride. Many throttle ebikes utilize hub motors which adds to that motorcycle-like sensation of rear-wheel power and being pushed along while riding.

The top advantage of throttle ebikes is that riders don’t have to pedal in order to go fast! If you enjoy pedal-free cruising and letting the ebike do the work, throttle models are right for you. Of course, you can always switch to pedal assist, but the throttle is always there to provide a much-needed rest after a long day at the office or once fatigue sets in.

Throttle ebikes open up the world of cycling to everyone because they are so easy to use. This is especially helpful for people who aren’t as familiar with biking or riders with difficulty pedaling for extended periods of time. The benefits aren’t only for those with limited strength or mobility, though— throttle ebikes are popular with riders who transport cargo or extra passengers! Specifically, having a throttle comes in handy to accelerate an electric cargo bike, etrike, or family people-movers with kids on the back. The fun and accessible throttle ebikes have been introducing people to the cycling community and that’s something we can all get behind.

If you plan to mostly use your ebike for recreation and casual rides, pedal-assist models offer a helpful boost while preserving that natural biking sensation recreational riders enjoy. Pedal assist ebikes keep your legs moving and provide exercise along the bike path, around town, and wherever else you like to roll. Another advantage is that pedal-assist ebikes are legal to ride in more places than throttle-only models— high-powered throttle ebikes are often restricted from local bike paths and multi-use trails.

Throttle-equipped ebikes, however, can still be a good choice for some recreational riders. Engaging the throttle is a fun and easy way to zip around that’s perfect for new cyclists or taking a pedaling break mid-ride. If you are attracted to that kind of moped-inspired ride feel, throttle ebikes provide tons of entertainment.

Throttle capabilities come in handy in commuting situations, such as frequent starts and stops in traffic. Twisting the throttle and accelerating off the line requires no legwork so you can cruise pedal-free from point A to point B. If you want to feel a bit like a moped or motorcycle in the city, a throttle ebike can be a good choice.

Pedal-assist ebikes are also a common choice for commuters looking to electrify their daily ride. Pedal assistance uses less power than a throttle which better conserves battery life, meaning you’re less likely to run out of juice while out and about. If you commute by bike, you likely already enjoy cycling but are less thrilled about arriving at work or school drenched in sweat. Pedal-assist models feel most similar to standard bikes while getting you to your destination faster and with less effort.

Best ebike type for mountain biking

Pedal-assist ebikes are far and away the best option when it comes to mountain biking. The moderate boost means you’ll still have to put in some effort on the climbs while saving your energy for the demanding descents. For sport- and performance-oriented riders, pedal assistance means you’ll still get a workout and active ride experience.

Most eMTBs are pedal-assist models because of weight balance and local trail rules. Throttle ebikes typically have a rear hub motor which would disrupt the natural center of gravity of the bike, altering the bike’s handling. Importantly, many local areas restrict throttle-only ebikes from using mountain bike trails.

Best ebike type for road biking

Similar to mountain biking, pedal-assist ebikes are the way to go if you’re looking for a model that resembles a regular road bike and is designed for top speed on pavement.

You likely won’t find a drop bar ebike with narrow tires that features a throttle, and even if you did you’ll be much better off on a pedal assist electric road bike that rides more naturally.

Canadian federal law mandates that all electric bikes be limited to 500 W output motors, and cannot travel faster than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone on level ground.

So if you’re shopping for a new ebike that you want to be able to ride on bike paths, streets, or trails, legal models will be limited to numbers above. It’s just a question of whether you choose a pedal assist or a throttle equipped model. Fortunately, 32 km/h is more than enough to help you zip around efficiently!

Pedal-assist vs throttle FAQs

What's better, pedal assist or throttle ebike? 
Pedal assist ebikes provide a more natural-feeling boost that requires less battery power, extending the battery life. However, riders who desire pedal-free cruising will enjoy a throttle ebike’s extra functionality.

Can ebikes have both pedal assist and a throttle?  
Yes, all ebikes with a throttle also have pedal assist functionality. But ebikes designed specifically to be used with pedal assist motors do not have throttle capability..

Does pedal assist use more battery? 
Using pedal assist consumes less battery power compared to throttle mode. However, the specific pedal assist levels use different amounts of power— the faster levels draw more power from the battery than lower-speed pedal assist levels.

How hard is it to pedal an e-bike without assistance?
Pedaling an ebike without assistance from the motor requires more effort than riding a standard bike. Ebikes are heavier than traditional bicycles due to the battery and motor but can still be ridden without assistance if needed. The ebikes that are easiest to pedal unassisted are lightweight and have reduced motor drag.