quick question about using Pedal Assist v Throttle on hills

[Moonlight]

Hi there again....when you get to a hill, is there an advantage to dialing up the pedal assist as opposed to just using the throttle for a boost? Or is it just preference?

 

[AHicks]

I judge this decision based on the length of time to crest the hill. If I can achieve it with just a burst of throttle for a second or 2 I'll usually go that route. If it's going to be a while getting to the top, I'll start increasing the PAS level to get where I need to be.

IMHO, no real right or wrong here, and for the length of time involved for just a hill, not sure if your going to notice how far you'll get on that charge. -Al

 

[Al P]

Either way you will use more motor and battery power. Personally, I like to keep my thumb on the throttle and use it on hills rather than increasing the PAS. It's just a personal preference.

 

[Gordon71]

My preference is PAS 2or3 most of the time and only use 4 and sometimes 5 on hills dropping back down to 2 or 3 after cresting. The only time I use the throttle is from a dead stop for a second to get rolling as I'm probably in either gear 4 or 5. I also hardly ever use gears 1,2,or7.

 

[mrgold35]

I added the thumb/palm throttle from 1859 Northwest for $19: https://1859-northwest.myshopify.com/products/e-bike-thumb-throttle-attachment

The thumb throttle makes it a little easier to apply throttle when needed in smaller increments or if you need to shift and use the throttle for max acceleration. I sometimes have a hard time using PAS because I can sometimes jump up or down multiple levels when I just need to move 1 PAS level. I like to use the throttle for shorter steep inclines or if I start to bleed off speed at the crest of a longer hill.

 

[rich c]

Depends on your controller, but all limit the amount of energy sent to the motor. On many, max PAS setting is about the same as max throttle.

 

[AHicks]

Depends on your controller, but all limit the amount of energy sent to the motor. On many, max PAS setting is about the same as max throttle.

Agree it depends on the (quality of the) controller and controller software. Some PAS systems are geared to speed (PAS 1 = 10-12 mph for instance). Others limit power to the motor, where it makes no difference how fast it's going. If the PAS level is set to 100 watts (e.g. PAS 1) the motor is going to see that same 100 watts at 5 mph or 20mph, a WAY more desirable system.

On my bike, PAS levels are limited to about 850 watts max, with the throttle good for 11-1200w.

This PAS software seems to be all over the place. There doesn't seem to be any one generic setup - which is just about the best reason for seeking out a test ride on anything being considered (if possible).

Thumb throttle here too. Easier on my wrist, and I do the same for short blasts, hitting the desired amount of throttle for a few seconds. Easy to get used to....