Do you know why thousands of people are shifting towards electric bikes and abandoning their normal bicycles? They are doing so to enjoy electrical power assistance while riding on the same paths to not get exhausted while manoeuvring through congested city streets and going up hills.
Pedal assisted electric cycles have become the top choice of the riders because in most countries they can be ridden on normal bike lanes without a license. The whole magic is in the pedal assist system that powers your ride. You need to learn how does pedal assist work on e bikes, so that you can be aware of the working mechanism of the system responsible for moving you from point A to B without requiring you to put your whole body force on pedals.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is a Pedelec?
If you ask any seasoned biker, what is a pedelec, their answer would be, a normal bicycle connected with a pedal assist system that requires the rider to keep pedalling. In order to engage the electric motor and then moves the bike forward by combining your little efforts and the huge power of the electric motor.
The acronym pedelec refers to pedal-assisted electric cycles, which is self-explanatory to make anyone understand that this ride can only engage the electric motor when the rider pedals it.
How Does Pedal Assist Work?
You can activate the pedal assist system using the digital display screen usually placed on the handlebar of the vehicles and select the level of assistance you want and your ride supports.
For example, if you need slight assistance then you can just engage pedal assist level 1 and then its sensors attached with the drivetrain sense the body force you are putting on them. After making sure you are contributing your efforts, it signals the electric motor to deliver electric power and makes the journey smooth and hassle-free for you.
Role of Torque and Cadence Sensor in Running Pedal Assist System
How does pedal assist work in moving the ride from one point to another? It works in coordination with the sensors integrated into the drivetrain that signal the electric motor to produce certain power to meet the speed requirements of the rider.
There are mostly two kinds of sensors used in electric vehicles, one is cadence which is almost available in every ride and is cheap in comparison with torque sensor that is only used in premium e-bikes and is expensive as well.
Let's explore both types of sensor and their role in moving vehicles, to understand how does pedal assist work on e bikes.
1. Cadence Sensor
A cadence sensor only activates the pedal assist system (PAS) if it has detected the body force exerted on the pedals. It uses magnets that are installed next to the pedals and determines a rider is pedalling or not by sensing the force and then engages the electric motor for power delivery.
They are widely used in every cheap bike but their efficiency is not up to the mark because it makes the ride jerkier sometimes and cuts the power from the electric motor occasionally.
2. Torque Sensor
Torque sensors are more advanced in working because they not only detect whether a rider is pushing down on the pedals or not, but it also measures how much force a rider is exerting on the pedals to automatically engage the electric motor and provides assistance without requiring the rider to activate it manually like they do in case of cadence sensors.
There are usually two torque sensors integrated into the e-bikes, one is in the rear of the ride relying on a strain gauge and other is in the bottom of the bracket relying on the magnetic field produced from its magnet and metal shafts between the bike's cranks.
Torque sensors are more expensive than cadence sensors but provide smoother rides and continuous power delivery while commuting.
What are the Different Levels of Pedal Assist System?
There are usually five pedal assist levels (PAS) available in every e-bike, the higher level you will engage, the more assistance you will enjoy, but at the cost of draining your battery faster than normal levels.
- Level 1 (Eco): This mode provides minimal motor assistance, allowing you to conserve battery power. It's perfect for long-distance rides on flat terrain.
- Level 2 (Low Assist): A light boost that makes pedaling easier without consuming much battery, which is ideal for daily commutes or gentle rides around town.
- Level 3 (Normal/Standard): Balanced assistance that offers a smooth and natural riding experience. This level is great for mixed terrain and typical urban cycling.
- Level 4 (High Assist): It delivers a stronger boost to help you tackle moderate hills or accelerate quickly from a stop. Level 4 is best used when you need a little extra push.
- Level 5 (Turbo/Max Assist): The most powerful setting, providing maximum motor support. It is designed for steep inclines or when you want to ride with minimal effort.
You can also take a quick look at the table below:
| Assist Level | Power Output | Description |
| Level 1 (Eco) | Lowest Assist | Energy-saving mode, ideal for maximizing range |
| Level 2 | Low Assist | Suitable for city commuting and flat roads |
| Level 3 (Normal) | Medium Assist | Balanced mode between power and battery usage; most commonly used |
| Level 4 | High Assist | Good for uphill rides or quick starts |
| Level 5 (High/Turbo) | Maximum Assist | Provides full power output, great for climbing hills or fast riding |
Is Pedal Assist and Throttle the Same?
No, they are not the same because the pedal assist system requires the rider to keep pushing down the pedals of the vehicle in order to enjoy electrical assistance while commuting and doesn't work if the rider is not exerting their body force on pedals.
On the other hand, the throttle can be engaged using a button or a lever placed on the handlebar. It provides electric motor power without any requirement, or reaches a speed level to its full extent depending on your ride capability.
Benefits of Pedal Assist Electric Bikes
There are numerous benefits of the pedal assist system as you have got to know from the above discussion of how does pedal assist work on e bikes.
But the most important one is, it provides you the freedom to conquer any terrain like a steep slope or muddier track of jungle to reach a scenic pond without getting low on energy because of its electrical assistance.
Now, you can ride for days without getting your legs heavy because pedal assistance is available at your service to make the process smooth and light on your legs.
ENGWE's Top Performing Electric Bikes to Buy
We have shortlisted ENGWE's 5 best e-bikes that are equipped with super efficient batteries, and a pedal assist system to enjoy smooth rides. Make sure to pick the high-performing ride and invest your money in a reliable vehicle.
| Model | ENGWE MapFour N1 Pro | ENGWE LE20 | ENGWE M20 | ENGWE EP-2 Boost | ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 |
| Motor | Mid-drive Motor | Mid-drive Motor | Brushless Motor | Brushless Motor | Hub Motor |
| Torque | 80 N.m | 100 N.m | 55 N.m | 55 N.m | 75 N.m |
| Sensor | Torque Sensor | Torque Sensor | / | Torque Sensor | Torque Sensor |
| Range (Pedal Assist Level 1) | 100 KM | 350 KM (Dual Battery) | 150 KM (Dual Battery) | 120 KM | 110 KM |
Final Words
If you really want to enjoy smooth rides and pick a high performing ride that can take you wherever you want without making you feel exhausted due to excessive pedalling, you just need to understand how does pedal assist works on e-bikes and how to play between different levels to get the most out of your vehicle's battery and enjoy conquering every terrain without any limitation by investing in a capable ride.
It is possible that you also want to know:
Pedal for the Planet: Ride Green This Earth Day and Beyond
How to Get a Pocket-Friendly or Free Electric Bike: Multiple Ways
Boost Mode on ENGWE Electric Bikes: Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose an E Bike for Commuting - A Ultimate Guide
Learn How to Determine E Bike Price Justification While Purchasing
