How an Electric Bike Throttle Works (Choose the Right Throttle)

When I bought my Class 2 electric bike, I found that its throttle did a fantastic job. The throttle helped me accelerate quickly without having to worry about pedaling. However, with all the different parts of an electric bike’s machinery, it can be difficult to pinpoint how an electric bike throttle works?

As a general rule, the electric bike throttle works by engaging the motor and pushing the e-bike forward without needing the rider to use the pedals. Once the rider stops using the throttle, the e-bike stops moving. 

Suppose you have an electric bike with a throttle or if you’re planning to get one. It is good to learn how it works, if it’s legal, and how to use it. This article will tackle important details about electric bike throttles and share other helpful information. 

How an Electric Bike Throttle Works?

The throttle controls the rider’s speed using a moving magnet to send electrical currents to the motor. The motor then powers the wheels which makes your electric bike move.

Technically, some electric bike throttles work the same as those in motorcycles and scooters. So, in the same fashion, if you turn on the motor and squeeze the handlebar, your electric bike will move forward. Furthermore, your e-bike will continue moving forward unless you stop twisting the handlebar or your battery dies.

On the other hand, electric bike throttles work by pushing down a thumb-size paddle. The harder you push the paddle, the faster your electric bike will go. In throttle mode, an e-bike can reach full power in a matter of seconds, making the throttle very useful for riding uphill.

How Does a Thumb Throttle Work on an eBike?

As a general rule, a thumb throttle works on an e-bike by engaging the motor when the rider presses the button on the handlebar. The button that activates the thumb throttle is conveniently located where the rider’s thumb would naturally fit.

As you press the thumb button, it kicks on the motor and gets your e-bike moving without you touching the pedals. Thumb throttles can be located on either the left or the right handlebar.

With a thumb throttle, you can maintain full control of the e-bike’s speed without having to grip tightly onto the handlebars. Thumb buttons can be pressure-activated; the more you press it down, the faster your e-bike will go.

How Does a Twist Throttle Work on an eBike?

As a whole, a twist throttle on an e-bike works by twisting the end of the handlebar back towards the rider. If you twist and grip the handlebar, your electric bike will move. Your electric bike will stop when you stop twisting the handlebar.

As you twist the handlebar, your e-bike motor engages, causing your e-bike to accelerate without the need to pedal. As long as you twist the handlebar, your e-bike will continue moving. In contrast, if you stop twisting, your e-bike will stop.

There are two twist throttles for e-bikes: half twist and full twist.

Full twist throttles usually take up most of the handlebars and require the use of the entire hand to accelerate. On the other hand, half twist throttles only take up about half of the handlebars and require the index finger, the middle finger, and the thumb to accelerate.

Twist throttles (both half twist and full twist) can be located on the left or right handlebar.

Is Thumb Throttle Better Than Twist?

As a whole, a thumb throttle is not better than a twist throttle. Neither of the two is better than the other. These throttles offer different benefits depending on how the electric bike is used.

The twist throttle is engaged by twisting the electric bike’s handlebar. The speed of your electric bike depends on how hard you grip the handlebar. Therefore, the harder you grip, the faster your e-bike can go.

Suppose you are into riding on rough roads. A Twist throttle would be a better option than a thumb throttle for you since your entire hand controls your speed and thereby remains in close contact with the handlebar.

In comparison when using your thumb alone your hand would not be in a position to fully control the e-bike at all times. However, if you have wrist pain, a twist throttle may not be good for you.

On the other hand, the thumb throttle works by pushing down the thumb lever. The button that activates the throttle is located where the thumb rests comfortably on the handlebar. When using a thumb throttle you can change your speed almost effortlessly.

A thumb throttle e-bike is beneficial if you have a strong thumb. If you have a weak grip, choosing a thumb throttle is a wise decision.

Using a thumb throttle can make your thumb sore after remaining in one position for the length of your rides.  It is essential to know which type of throttle you think will be most comfortable for you before you purchase one.

You can watch this video to learn more about the twist and thumb-throttle.

Do Electric Bikes Have a Throttle?

As a whole, not all electric bikes have throttles. Instead, electric bikes are equipped with either pedal-assist systems or throttle-assist, and some have both pedal-assist and throttle. In addition, you can choose to add a throttle to your electric bike.

Since electric bikes either use throttle or pedal-assist, one e-bike may differ from another. That is because pedal assist and throttle work differently.

The system of an electric bike (throttle or pedal-assist) depends entirely on how the e-bike is manufactured. However, in most cases, you can add throttle to your e-bike. But, you have to be very careful since not all states allow throttle-assisted e-bikes.

You can check our article “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States)” to learn about the legality of electric bikes (with pedal-assist or throttle) in all states.

Do You Need a Throttle on an eBike?

As a general rule, you do not need a throttle on an e-bike. An electric bike still works perfectly well without a throttle. A throttle-assisted e-bike is helpful, but an electric bike can run with the motor turned off, powered manually by your pedaling.

Electric bikes do not necessarily need throttles to run. Therefore, your electric bike can still provide significant assistance and boost, even if you only have a pedal-assist system.

For throttle-assisted e-bikes, a  throttle is essential for providing you with thrust. On the other hand, if your e-bike has PAS (Pedal Assist System), a throttle is unnecessary. The motor on an electric bike with a PAS will assist you as you pedal, the same way a throttle-assist would assist when you twist or press the throttle.

So, if you want to ride an e-bike with weak legs, using a throttle-assisted e-bike is a wise decision.

Can I Add a Throttle to an Electric Bike?

As a general rule, you can add a throttle to an electric bike. You can install a throttle to almost every kind of electric bike as long as you have a controller with a wire that allows a throttle add-on.

Adding a throttle to your electric bike is doable. However, it is essential to remember that e-bikes with throttles are not allowed everywhere. Purchasing a Class 1 or 3 e-bike and adding throttle to it may limit how freely your e-bike can be used.

Depending on the level of speed assistance the throttle can provide, certain states and other parts of the world might classify an upgraded e-bike as a motorized vehicle. With that, you might need a license and e-bike registration before you can use it.

How Do I Throttle My e-bike?

As a general rule, you can throttle your e-bike by twisting the handlebar. This is only possible if your electric bike is throttle-assisted. If not, there is no way you can throttle your pedal-assist e-bike.

Throttle is only available for throttle-assisted e-bikes and both pedal and throttle-assisted e-bikes.

You can engage the throttle by twisting the handlebar. That way, your e-bike motor provides power to your electric bike that causes your e-bike to move forward.

For electric bikes with both throttle and PAS, you can choose which system you want your e-bike to operate on. You can watch this video on how to use pedal-assist and throttle on an e-bike with both pedal-assist and throttle.

How Do You Control the Speed of an Electric Bike?

As a whole, you can control the speed of an electric bike in two ways. First, by using a throttle if your e-bike is throttle-assisted. Second, you can use the pedal-assist system (PAS) to control the speed of your electric bike if your e-bike uses pedal assist. 

Most electric bikes with throttles come with an adjustable setting that controls the speed and power output of the e-bike. This setting allows you to choose the speed and power of your e-bike. You can control it with either the click of a button or a simple twist of the handlebar.

If you have a pedal-assist e-bike, it requires you to pedal to control the speed. Most pedal-assist e-bikes have “up” and “down” buttons that control the level of assistance the e-bike will provide.

In addition, if your e-bike has a speed limiter, you can adjust the setting to the appropriate speed limit. Once you reach that limit, your e-bike motor will stop providing pedal assistance. In that case, your speed will entirely depend on how fast you pedal.

Another component that controls the speed of an electric bike is the electric bike controller. This component controls the motor of the e-bike. The electric bike controller acts as the middleman between the throttle and motor. You can’t ride your e-bike faster than the set speed of the controller.

“It’s easy to pull the throttle, but it’s hard to push the brakes, level of controlling defines the level of the rider.”

–John Jaison Wood

Do Electric Bikes Get Pedaled?

On average, electric bikes do get pedaled. E-bikes that use pedal assist instead of throttle require you to pedal to power the e-bike. Throttle-assisted electric bikes can also get pedaled.

If you have a pedal-assist electric bike, you still need to pedal for the motor to assist you. Once you start pedaling, the pedal-assist feature is activated and adds power to the wheels of your electric bike. 

Pedal-assist can range between no pedaling assistance, low, medium, or high. It’s very easy to use, and the ride still feels like a typical bike ride. However, with a pedal-assist electric bike, you can have effortless pedaling.

You can also pedal a throttled-assisted electric bike. Furthermore, electric bikes offer both pedal assist and throttle modes. With that, you have the option to either pedal your bike or not.

What Are the Benefits of Electric Bike Throttle?

1. Throttle provides an effortless e-bike ride.
2. Throttle mode locks the pedals and solely uses the press of a button or the twist of a handlebar to accelerate the e-bike.
3. The throttle propels the e-bike forward without the rider touching the pedals.

If you have an electric bike throttle, you can have a smooth and effortless ride! In addition, you don’t have to worry about having leg cramps due to pedaling.

While using the throttle, you can accelerate your e-bike faster and climb up inclines quickly. You don’t have to pedal if you’re climbing hills if you have a high-powered motor. In such a scenario you can ride your e-bike just like how you would ride a motorcycle.

Can a Mid Drive Electric Bike Have a Throttle?

As a whole, mid-drive electric bikes can have a throttle. A throttle can be installed on an electric bike with any motor, but major manufacturers do not install a throttle on a mid-drive motor. That is because it lessens the efficiency of an electric bike.

As the name suggests, mid-drive motors are mounted at the center part of an electric bike positioned near the crank. This type of motor is best suited for pedal-assisted electric bicycles.

Since a mid-drive motor is installed near the crank, a throttle system can be too hard on the e-bike chain. This can lead to a break in the chain.

It is also said that throttles in mid-drive motors make the e-bike less efficient. However, there are still few manufacturers that install throttles in mid-drive motors. One mid-drive motor that offers both throttle and pedal-assist systems is Bafang BBSHD 1000W Motor.

Are Electric Bikes With Throttle Illegal?

As a whole, electric bikes with throttles are not illegal. In the United States, there are state laws that limit the use of e-bike throttles. Most states limit certain classes of bikes, including those with throttles, to speed assistance up to 20 mph. 

Not every state enforces the same laws. In addition, each state classifies electric bikes differently, so regulations vary by location:

Some states only allow certain e-bike class types to be ridden in designated public areas like parks or trails.

If you want to know whether electric bikes are street legal in your state, we have published an article, “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States)”.

Is a Thumb Throttle Legal?

As a general rule, a thumb throttle is legal. Any throttle-assisted electric bike is permitted to use a thumb throttle, but it is illegal in states that do not allow any throttle-assisted (thumb or twisted) electric bikes. You have to be mindful that the laws of throttle e-bikes vary by state.

A thumb throttle is a throttle system that works by pressing a thumb-size button. In general, using any throttle-assisted e-bike is legal as long as the state where you are located allows it.

You always have to be mindful of the local laws when using a thumb throttle or any throttle-assisted e-bike. It is always best to follow the laws of the locale you are riding in.

What Is Throttle Mode eBike?

A throttle mode e-bike is an electric bike that uses a throttle system to generate power from the motor to make your electric bike run. This mode is only available from throttle-assisted electric bikes and e-bikes that have both pedal-assist and throttle-assist.

You can ride your electric bike with a throttle, just like a motorcycle or electric scooter. The throttle mode depends entirely on the throttle and your electric bike motor.

An electric bike in throttle mode does not need to be pedaled, so you won’t have to stress your legs out too much. Instead, you just need to twist the handlebar or press the thumb button and balance your electric bike to enjoy your ride.

How Do You Test eBike Throttle?

1. Prepare the necessary materials (multimeter, throttle, motor controller, battery).
2. Set the multimeter to DC voltage and 20V setting.
3. Connect the probes between the red and black wires to test the throttle.
4. Connect the probes between the black and green wires
5. Twist or press the throttle to full throttle

Ensure that you have all the necessary materials before doing the test. The materials needed are a battery, controller, multimeter, and throttle. Then, connect them. Make sure they are connected correctly and properly.

Next, set your multimeter to DC voltage and the 20V setting. To set, you need to connect the black probe to the COM slot and the red probe to the  VΩHZ slot. Then, go to DC voltage and choose the 20V setting. After that, your multimeter is now ready to be used in testing your throttle.

To check your throttle, first, you need to put the probes between the red wire and black wire. The red wire is the V+ wire, and the black wire is the ground wire. Your throttle is good if you see a value between 4V to 5V.

The next thing to do is connect the probes between the black and green wires. The black is the ground, and the green is the signal. In some cases, the signal is a white wire.

The measurement of the output voltage of the throttle, at rest, is around 0.8V to 1V. Suppose your throttle measures 0.87V at rest. Then, it is good. Finally, go for the full throttle. When the output voltage is around 4V to 4.3V, then your throttle is working well.

If you are planning to buy an electric bike within your budget, our article “Best Electric Bike Brands  (Ranked by Budget Level & Style” can help you decide.

Best Electric Bike Brands (Ranked by Budget Level & Style)