Newbie Question
- Thread starter Elecron
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Chris Nolte
Well-Known Member
Ron,
None of the Bosch bikes have throttles. There are some systems that have walk assist, but that will only give you power up to about 3 mph. Most of the better bikes these days don't have throttles. I think most find that they don't need them after riding for a bit.
I hope that helps.
Chris
None of the Bosch bikes have throttles. There are some systems that have walk assist, but that will only give you power up to about 3 mph. Most of the better bikes these days don't have throttles. I think most find that they don't need them after riding for a bit.
I hope that helps.
Chris
Know if it definitive that the USA bikes won't have walk assist activated? I've got the Yamaha Haibike, it has the button, but it's not enabled. Would love to have this enabled as I could sure use it in some steep rocky areas.
Chris Nolte
Well-Known Member
It's up to the manufacturer. It used to be that it physically wasn't possible with the US spec motor. Now it's possible and it will be up to the OEM whether they enable it. I believe all of the Haibike's will include it. At least the Xduro ones
JRA
Well-Known Member
It doesn't make sense for "most of the manufacturers" to add a throttle function to their lineups because of the mandatory PAS regulations in the EU which up to this point has been the main market for e bikes. They have been working hard to refine PAS and the systems available today reflect their efforts along with their efforts here in the US to get PAS set as the law for e bikes such as the CA classifications now in force.
Our current Federal regulations for e bikes do not make any distinction between bikes with PAS and throttles but that may change over time as the manufacturers lobby for it based on their success in CA. Along with this there may be a reduction in the currently allowable wattage limit of 750, and in some states 1000w or even unregulated, to further mesh the two continents to make it easier on the manufacturers going forward for the obvious reason that they don't have to make distinctions at the production level and models will cross over more seamlessly.
In the meantime there are production bikes available with throttles as well as a plethora of DIY options for both mid drive and hub motors. Having a throttle does not preclude pedaling nor imply that it will be used exclusively to propel an e bike and can be a useful tool for those not interested solely in PAS for their own personal reasons.
As far as the OP's question I am surprised that some enterprising electrical engineer has not dug in to the controller of the Bosch system and found a way to enable a throttle function. If it is possible to have one that does up to 3 mph it is also possible to make it so that it will be active beyond that. It seems there is more interest in dongles that provide more watts/power/speed but eventually someone will get around to it I'm sure.
Our current Federal regulations for e bikes do not make any distinction between bikes with PAS and throttles but that may change over time as the manufacturers lobby for it based on their success in CA. Along with this there may be a reduction in the currently allowable wattage limit of 750, and in some states 1000w or even unregulated, to further mesh the two continents to make it easier on the manufacturers going forward for the obvious reason that they don't have to make distinctions at the production level and models will cross over more seamlessly.
In the meantime there are production bikes available with throttles as well as a plethora of DIY options for both mid drive and hub motors. Having a throttle does not preclude pedaling nor imply that it will be used exclusively to propel an e bike and can be a useful tool for those not interested solely in PAS for their own personal reasons.
As far as the OP's question I am surprised that some enterprising electrical engineer has not dug in to the controller of the Bosch system and found a way to enable a throttle function. If it is possible to have one that does up to 3 mph it is also possible to make it so that it will be active beyond that. It seems there is more interest in dongles that provide more watts/power/speed but eventually someone will get around to it I'm sure.
I love throttles! I use them all the time! That's figurative, not literal. I do use PAS a lot, too. I would almost always choose a bike with a throttle and PAS over one with PAS only. I know many people feel the opposite, but a lot of us like to have options.
I might be misunderstanding JRA, but it sounds like he's saying throttles aren't legal in California. They actually are. Here, ebikes are categorized as Class 1, 2, or 3, where Class 1 and 3 are PAS only, but Class 2 have throttles. Usual bike rules apply to Class 1 and 2, but Class 3 are faster speed pedelecs which have more restrictions, such as not being allowed on bike paths.
I might be misunderstanding JRA, but it sounds like he's saying throttles aren't legal in California. They actually are. Here, ebikes are categorized as Class 1, 2, or 3, where Class 1 and 3 are PAS only, but Class 2 have throttles. Usual bike rules apply to Class 1 and 2, but Class 3 are faster speed pedelecs which have more restrictions, such as not being allowed on bike paths.
JRA
Well-Known Member
Sorry about the ambiguity John. What I was referring to was the separation of PAS and throttle via the CA classification. It seems pointless in that there is no difference in where 1 & 2 can operate and just seems to me to be an effort to deligitimize the use of throttles which seems to be working as there are some that go so far as to say that even though they have them they don't use them.
I have no problem with PAS use but it doesn't work for me as I find it interferes with my pedaling style and a throttle allows me to dictate the gear and cadence I prefer.
I have no problem with PAS use but it doesn't work for me as I find it interferes with my pedaling style and a throttle allows me to dictate the gear and cadence I prefer.
tomjasz
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Minnesnowta
Nothing better than having made a to long ride an being able to throttle home. OR in proper business free, be able to bike to the meeting and not work up a sweat. I ride with my Grateful Dead T or my jacket shirt and tie. AND anything in between. WOuldn't ever have a bike without a throttle. As always YMMV
Ann M.
Well-Known Member
Ron, if you're open to considering other brands of mid drives, consider e-RAD, they have a throttle along with the pedal assist and shift sensing. You provide the bike or find one ready to go. I think e-RAD's distributor, Lectric Cycles sells complete bikes with the e-RAD mid drive. Talk with @Chris Head, he can go over all of the fine points of their system.
All of the bikes with Bosch motors are beautiful machines but none of them have a regular throttle, a few have the 3mph walking throttle.
All of the bikes with Bosch motors are beautiful machines but none of them have a regular throttle, a few have the 3mph walking throttle.
tomjasz
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Minnesnowta
If you are at all interested in DIY builds I can suggest 2 companies in addition to Lectric. Lectric is highly innovative.
Another has very high quality batteries and yet another has stellar support. All systems are based on Bafang mid drives with Lectric having made some innovations. Let me know and I'll share the information. I have a motor from all three sources.
Another has very high quality batteries and yet another has stellar support. All systems are based on Bafang mid drives with Lectric having made some innovations. Let me know and I'll share the information. I have a motor from all three sources.
Cornishman
Member
I own a Bosch engined bike and can honestly say that I've never wished that it had a throttle. The drive system allows you to maximise the drive if riding in a suit and tie is your thing or just to make good assisted progress in the way that all bicycles, electric or not are designed to do. People will be wanting power steering and air con next!
Thank you Ann
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