An electric bike without pedal assist is often subject to many regulations, and there may be some limitations depending on where you live.
There are so many different points to consider when you are choosing a new e-bike, including motor characteristics, battery capacity and whether you should opt for one with throttle. But is it really worth it?
Table of Contents
An electric bike without pedaling?
Contrary to pedal assist systems (PAS), no pedal e-bikes also refer to the models that offer the option of a throttle device (also called twist-and-go).
With this feature, the throttle activates the motor rather than being activated by the pedaling motion.
You can pedal if you want to, but it is not a requirement for the motor to provide assistance.
There are three (3) different types of throttle: thumb, half twist and full twist.
Thumb throttle
A thumb throttle device refers to an electric bicycle whose motor is activated by pressing a “lever or button” using your thumb. Generally speaking, it is located on the left or right-hand side of the handlebar.
Half twist throttle
A half-twist throttle is a device that also activates the motor, but in this case, when twisting your wrist only halfway. The convenience of this type is that you can regulate the amount of power the motor is delivering gradually.
Full twist throttle
Opposite to the above version, you must twist your wrist to a higher range. This is seen in motorcycles but not so much in electric bikes (or not even). And on the negative side, this mechanism can generate wrist problems in the medium term.
Twist and Go e-Bikes: Relevant Laws and Legislation
The most significant factor when considering a no pedal e-bike has to be where you live.
The laws pertaining to this will vary across different countries.
Europe
Across Europe, the law states that e-bikes, also called Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC), must have a maximum speed of 15.5mph (25 km/h), a motor with a maximum of 250 watts continuous output, the rider must be aged over 14 years old, and it must have a pedal assist system.
It is worth mentioning a couple of things:
– the motor has to be activated by pedaling first, and then the throttle can be operated.
– When using the throttle from zero speed, it must provide assistance up to 6km/h; then use the pedal assistance.
If your bike falls out of the above requirements, then you could be fined unless you register it and pay the required taxes for road usage.
In the United Kindom (UK), similar rules are applied compared to the EU; however, other things are also required. If you live in the UK, I advise finding more information on the Government page.
United States
The laws in the US vary by State (you need to check this in line with your State’s law, as there are some, including New York, that do not allow e-bikes with a throttle).
According to the bicycle requirements stated by the Consumer Product Safety Law, the maximum motor output must be 750w, and the maximum speed with motor assistance is 20mph.
The above is a general view of the regulation, but again, each State could be different.
Australia
In Australia, throttle e-bikes are permitted but heavily regulated, very similar to what is done in the UK.
The main point is that you must have a driver’s licence and registration to ride your electric bicycle if it has over 250 watts of output power and max. speed of 25km/h with the motor activated. With this in mind, rest assured that throttle electric bikes could exceed these parameters.
Do not buy from a bike shop that would sell you an electric cycle that does not comply with the above.
With the restrictions regarding e-bikes increasing worldwide, frequent changes in the legislation have served to confuse matters further, and it is always advised that you check the current policy of your country and area before making your purchase.
What Are the Pros and Cons
There are divided opinions around throttle electric bikes. Let’s see what are some of the appealing aspects people find.
Advantages
Ease of use
Experts in the industry indicated that a no pedal e-bike is easy to use, with no special knowledge required. It will come set up and ready to go; there are no additional wires to be concerned with, and most of the top brands offer extensive warranties for that all-important piece of mind.
Momentum
Twisting the throttle will give you that extra boost when you start again from a full stop, therefore having the minimum momentum (remember 6km/h tops). This is great for hill climbing too if you are using a geared hub motor.
Learn more: Electric Bike Motor Guide for Beginners
Performance
Some of the top thumb throttle e-cycles are among the best in the cycling world, with strengths and durability that will ensure performance for years to come.
Power control
I believe it is much easier to control the power you need at certain moments rather than the force you apply using your legs. However, the latest motors have better in-build sensors that regulate the power when pedaling.
Disadvantages
Laws are more restrictive these days
As we have already discussed, electric bikes without pedal assist are subject to much stricter laws as they have a higher potential for accidents.
Battery Range
Compared to PAS models, this configuration often has a lower range due to more power on demand; this means that you cannot go quite as far on a singular battery charge.
Learn More: E-Bike Batteries: The Beginner’s Guide
Reduced safety
The reason they are heavily restricted in Europe is because they are considered less safe as a whole.
Some throttles have been found badly designed, which could potentially lurch forward if you tap the button by mistake – that happened to me.
Nevertheless, manufacturers have improved the quality, so hopefully, the regulations will be less restrictive.
Throttle e-bike Top Manufacturers
There is a lot of manufacturer in the market, but only a few have twist-and-go models. These are a few of the options you may consider.
Surface 604
This manufacturer is located in Canada, and there is no doubt about their reputation. The most known throttle version is the Surface 604 Shred e-MTB (read the review), which features a powerful motor (500 watts) with the alternative to upgrade to a 750 watts.
That motor output power is legal only in the US and Canada.
VOLT Bike
The VOLT Bike brand was founded in Australia and is very popular among Aussies.
They have a wide range of electric bikes, mostly throttle-configured, so it is really hard to say which one is best.
If you want a good design and high power output, this is the place to look at.
Again, since the regulation in Australia is very limiting for electric bicycles, make sure to ask your bike shop seller to show you that the throttle is configured within the law. Don’t buy it if that is not the case.
Nakto E-bikes
Located in the US, Nakto prides itself on its variety of designs. I think most of their e-bikes are women-focused with a low-step frame, but yeah, they have other cool designs, such as the Nakto 300Watts Super Cruise Fat Tire e-bike.
You can also find the Nakto 250Watts Foldable City that will not only give you that power you need but also ease when storing it at home or office.
Ecotric
Ecotric is the last manufacturer on my list. Also founded in the US, this company focus on all kind of fat tire e-bikes.
What I love about their models is the folding configuration that can also be used at the beach or in snowy areas.
From their folding models, I like the FAT20810-CB, not only because of the power of the motor (500w) but also the cool gold color (that is me; of course, more colours are available).
Should you Buy a No Pedal E-Bike?
Some people believe that having a Class 2 or 3 electric bike is cheating when riding. Honestly, I believe that is a matter of personal preference really.
Also, consider that this type of configuration is ideal for people who may have a physical impediment (knee problems, or maybe the stamina and muscle response is not great due to not oxygen deficiency).
You do not always have to choose one, but the ability to choose an electric bike with throttle and pedal assist may be the better choice.
If you live in Europe, the legal status regarding electric bikes without pedal assist continues to be unclear, and it might not be the best investment idea. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
If you are living somewhere where it is less restrictive, then there are definitely some benefits to making this choice.
Whilst experts and e-cyclist fans do tend to prefer pedal assist versions, whether or not you like the idea of testing an electric bike without pedal assist, it is your choice, and ultimately, you should pick the one that fits better.
