Hello all, i just got my first ebike with a throttle (Arial Rider Rideal) and it is located on the right hand side, where the push button shifter is. That leaves the right hand to shift, throttle and brake, leaving left hand to brake and ring the bell along with control pedal assist level. I feel like the left hand is getting the easy work and i wanted to spread it out, plus i am left handed. Is there anything i should be aware of before i get to used to it? When it's on the right side, i have to squeeze and twist it towards my body, when it's on the left hand side i have to twist it forward. Twisting forward vs backwards doesn't seem that uncomfortable to me, is there any reason i should not be doing this?
Moving Throttle to left hand - any reason not to?
- Thread starter hoboin
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6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
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- Northeast Pennsylvania
I'm also a lefty and did what you propose. The biggest issue I had was re-routing the throttle cable to the left side. I also had to switch from a twist type to a thumb actuated throttle body since the direction of twist is reversed on the left. I never could get used to the reverse twist action. I eventually switched back to the right though since I also didn't like the action of the thumb throttle. I have arthritis in my left hand and my thumb would cramp up after prolonged use. I have yet to find a left hand twist throttle that will fit my bike.
I think a right hand throttle location is just a convention carried over from motorcycles. I do see a left throttle on some new bikes though.
I see no reason why it wouldn't work for you as long as the reverse twist isn't an issue.
I think a right hand throttle location is just a convention carried over from motorcycles. I do see a left throttle on some new bikes though.
I see no reason why it wouldn't work for you as long as the reverse twist isn't an issue.
Thanks, i tried it out last night briefly and it felt okay, and this morning i went out for a bit and felt good. I was lucky and switching it over was easy. I think i have arthritis in my left hand as well, or both, as i get cyclers palsy with straight bars. I just switched the new bike handlebars to dutch style and i like that. I figured i would give it a shot since i'm not used to right hand throttle from anything else. The real test will be when i commute and we will see if my hand doesn't like it.
AHicks
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- USA
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- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Motorcycles, mini bikes, snowmobiles, and Quads/Atv's. I've pretty much spent a lifetime with the throttle on the right. Have had to convert most of the e-bikes we've purchased to right hand side. Yes, the right hand can be pretty busy at times, but you do get used to it.
The other thing is twist grip throttles. I think they're dangerous. If you loose your balance and end up with a handful of full throttle (yes it CAN/DOES happen!) it's impossible to let go of that throttle, leaving you with a very good chance of an experience that doesn't end well.....
Thumb throttle will never have that issue, and they're easier on your wrists.
i thought about that. I even read about left handed throttle on snowmobiles and how that is asking for accidents. Is it easy to convert twist throttles with push button throttle? It seems like a nice feature but over all safety long term and comfort on my body/ hands is absolute crucial.
AHicks
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- USA
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- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Most of the time it is, but it really depends on the bike. Too many variants to say for sure. Mostly, it depends on if other functions have been combined in the throttle wiring. If it were not for that potential, it would be an easy swap. Both twist and thumb types use/need 3 wires to function.......
JRA
Well-Known Member
While I am a big fan of throttles on bicycles I am not a fan of their prolonged use while under way. Generally throttles and PAS systems will over ride each other so if you use a throttle to get going from a stop enough to activate your PAS system via starting to pedal then releasing it you will find that you can use your pedaling action as your prime motivator to adjust your speed. This is possible without even putting any actual pressure on the pedals via adjusting the amount of assist vs. gear ratio.
If you find yourself only using a throttle on an "eBike" then in fact you are using it as a "scooter". Nothing wrong with that if that is your desire but in fact two different classes of vehicle.
If you find yourself only using a throttle on an "eBike" then in fact you are using it as a "scooter". Nothing wrong with that if that is your desire but in fact two different classes of vehicle.
theemartymac
Well-Known Member
Left handed throttles on snowmobiles were designed for a very specific use case in mountain riding on older sleds, but they are pretty much relegated to 'gimmick' by modern ergonomics.
On an ebike, the biggest reason I would tend to be cautious about a left twist (forward) grip throttle would be the tendency to roll throttle on when reaching for the brake. On a typical down twist, you are usually forced to roll-off the throttle at least partially to reach the lever. But thanks to electronic disconnect brake levers, that would be much more of an issue with a motorcycle or a lazy DIY build. Perhaps a concern if other unaccustomed folks were to try your bike, but again, the disconnect should minimize any issue.
Many ebikes come with left side throttles of different styles, so even if you wanted to swap out the twist for a thumb, it might be as simple as determining the type of plug used in the cable, and finding a compatible one. More expensive bikes may integrate components with two way communications and/or lights and display functions requiring proprietary plugs and cabling, but most economical bikes can be swapped out pretty easily with a 3-wire throttle. Find the in-line connector, wiggle it apart, and take a picture and I'm sure we can help you identify it.
On an ebike, the biggest reason I would tend to be cautious about a left twist (forward) grip throttle would be the tendency to roll throttle on when reaching for the brake. On a typical down twist, you are usually forced to roll-off the throttle at least partially to reach the lever. But thanks to electronic disconnect brake levers, that would be much more of an issue with a motorcycle or a lazy DIY build. Perhaps a concern if other unaccustomed folks were to try your bike, but again, the disconnect should minimize any issue.
Many ebikes come with left side throttles of different styles, so even if you wanted to swap out the twist for a thumb, it might be as simple as determining the type of plug used in the cable, and finding a compatible one. More expensive bikes may integrate components with two way communications and/or lights and display functions requiring proprietary plugs and cabling, but most economical bikes can be swapped out pretty easily with a 3-wire throttle. Find the in-line connector, wiggle it apart, and take a picture and I'm sure we can help you identify it.
So would the push button throttle like that have sensitivity similar to what the twist has? That is the only reason i would think to keep the twist throttle. I just looked at my cable, it is just like that, 3 wires. Thanks all for the replies.
I forgot to mention i do have pretty bad hand eczema that isn't under control yet, and i have very dry hands that crack and bleed a lot. Twisting while wearing latex gloves while wearing cream is almost impossible so i think i should switch it out.
I forgot to mention i do have pretty bad hand eczema that isn't under control yet, and i have very dry hands that crack and bleed a lot. Twisting while wearing latex gloves while wearing cream is almost impossible so i think i should switch it out.
antboy
Well-Known Member
Not all twist throttles are built the same, but in general, the thumb throttle will probably take a bit more time to get the feel of, just because there's less travel from "zero to sixty". I've seen posts on here where people have extended the flap of a thumb throttle to give it more travel.
Personally I like the throttle on the left, so that the right hand is freed up for braking/shifting gears (aka the mechanical stuff). It should also be a lot easier on your hands!
Personally I like the throttle on the left, so that the right hand is freed up for braking/shifting gears (aka the mechanical stuff). It should also be a lot easier on your hands!
Don't know if this is helpful or even will work with your bike but for my Rad Rover and Mini I bought a simple conversion ring on ebay that allows me to activate my twist throttle using my thumb which I found to be much easier.
indianajo
Well-Known Member
I've always had my throttle on the left. Whichever way it twists, whatever. Had both thumb & twist ones. I've never owned a motorcycle or snowmobile, so no problem.
The right has a twist shifter anyway, which replaces the trigger shifter that caused a 10 cm x 1 cm cyst above my thumb joint. My joints aren't up to the standard duty for a Caucasian/African/Asian person. My upper body is lightened up for successful deer hunting on wet Appalachian mountains.
The right has a twist shifter anyway, which replaces the trigger shifter that caused a 10 cm x 1 cm cyst above my thumb joint. My joints aren't up to the standard duty for a Caucasian/African/Asian person. My upper body is lightened up for successful deer hunting on wet Appalachian mountains.
AHicks
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- USA
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- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Pardon while a take a little side trip. The left throttle on a snowmobile brought back some memories.....
That left throttle was usually installed in addition to the standard right hand throttle. Both were used equally, and which one you used was depending on which side of the sled you were leaning to. LH throttle was useful while "side hilling" to allow the rider to counter balance the sled while leaning so far to the left it was impossible to reach the RH (down hill side of the sled) throttle. Riding like this not exactly normal for most that have ridden snowmobiles, but for those who were able to ride in the really deep powder found in mountainous area "side hilling" is a pretty common occurance on very specialized "long track" sleds. FWIW, -Al
JRA
Well-Known Member
"Riding like this not exactly normal for most that have ridden snowmobiles, but for those who were able to ride in the really deep powder found in mountainous area "side hilling" is a pretty common occurance on very specialized "long track" sleds."
This is also very hard on your body. Years ago in CO i borrowed a 640 Summit from a buddy and did a bunch of this type of activity and could barely walk the next day.
This is also very hard on your body. Years ago in CO i borrowed a 640 Summit from a buddy and did a bunch of this type of activity and could barely walk the next day.
AHicks
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- USA
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- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Too busy wading in snow country memories, forgot to answer your question. YES you will have just as much control over the throttle using either type (twist or thumb). They work exactly the same electronically.
If you have that yellow 3 wire connector it'll be an easy swap.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
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- Northeast Pennsylvania
One advantage to a twist throttle (either right or left) is you can use this device which acts as a cruise control:
I actually use it in place of the PAS. I set the speed I want and apply as much pedal pressure as I like. That way, I'm assisting the bike rather than it assisting me. I find it reduces wasteful power surges and actually increases range.
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I actually use it in place of the PAS. I set the speed I want and apply as much pedal pressure as I like. That way, I'm assisting the bike rather than it assisting me. I find it reduces wasteful power surges and actually increases range.
JRA
Well-Known Member
"I actually use it in place of the PAS. I set the speed I want and apply as much pedal pressure as I like. That way, I'm assisting the bike rather than it assisting me. I find it reduces wasteful power surges and actually increases range."
This is pretty much exactly the conclusion I came up with after putting my first hub (front) gravel bike together 4 years ago that was my first serious foray into ebiking and made me pretty much give up using anything else. It is the primary reason that I wouldn't have a road type eBike without a throttle and a method of cruise control.
I use a Grin Analyst for my cruise control and set it at the amount of watts I desire for the speed I want to maintain based on my current situation via hold my throttle (always a thumb type) for a few seconds and letting go. Once set I just crank away as I always have and stay in a gear, that is easy to change into due to the fact that it isn't at all affected by any sort of a PAS, and when I want to change the speed I just blip the throttle, thereby turning off the cruise control, that is easily at hand and set again as necessary. I mostly go miles before having to do so on open road up and downs with a bit more attention needed during stop and start riding.
While it works great for the higher cadence I use on the road I do however prefer a good torque assist system on my eMTB's for lower cadence trail riding but still have a throttle close at hand, mostly for starting out.
Sorry for not having any real input on the OP's query but I also got sent down into a snow bank after reading Al's post
This is pretty much exactly the conclusion I came up with after putting my first hub (front) gravel bike together 4 years ago that was my first serious foray into ebiking and made me pretty much give up using anything else. It is the primary reason that I wouldn't have a road type eBike without a throttle and a method of cruise control.
I use a Grin Analyst for my cruise control and set it at the amount of watts I desire for the speed I want to maintain based on my current situation via hold my throttle (always a thumb type) for a few seconds and letting go. Once set I just crank away as I always have and stay in a gear, that is easy to change into due to the fact that it isn't at all affected by any sort of a PAS, and when I want to change the speed I just blip the throttle, thereby turning off the cruise control, that is easily at hand and set again as necessary. I mostly go miles before having to do so on open road up and downs with a bit more attention needed during stop and start riding.
While it works great for the higher cadence I use on the road I do however prefer a good torque assist system on my eMTB's for lower cadence trail riding but still have a throttle close at hand, mostly for starting out.
Sorry for not having any real input on the OP's query but I also got sent down into a snow bank after reading Al's post
AHicks
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- Region
- USA
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- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Join the club! I always say the first bike always requires a giant leap of faith. Part of the bargain is a smile that won't go away for quite some time. Also, about 90 days in to your first e-bike purchase, you realize what a game changer it is - so many of us find it's very easy to justify something bigger/better/faster, and the shopping for a new bike begins. Only this time you have a much better idea of what you're looking for.
I think riding the bike for a bit as-is is a great plan. Something I encourage, and a practice I follow myself. Nothing happens for the first 50 miles or so. Just getting to know the bike.
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