What is Pedal Assist

One of the most incredible aspects of electric bikes is their ability to allow you to exert as much or as little effort as you desire. The simplicity of comprehending this concept lies in hopping on one of our bikes and taking it for a spin. However, if a test ride is not within your realm of possibility, acquainting yourself with pedal assist (PAS) is a commendable alternative.

The Essence of Pedal Assist

To put it simply, each of our bikes is outfitted with an electric motor. Its purpose is to provide an added boost to your ride. Once activated, you will immediately notice that each pedal stroke requires significantly less exertion, encapsulating the very essence of pedal assist.

All of our bikes are equipped with a user-friendly display located on your left handlebar. By utilizing the up or down arrows, you have the power to regulate the amount of force the motor transfers to your pedals (technically the wheel, but you will feel it through your pedals).

It is recommended to commence with a low setting, such as level 1. This will grant you the sensation of a gentle push, as if there is a steadfast guiding hand propelling your journey.

As you become acclimated to this experience, you can explore higher settings that offer varying degrees of assistance, ranging from a slight aid to a substantial surge of power with each stroke (up to 750 watts in the U.S., which is equivalent to 1 horsepower!).

The remarkable aspect of this system is its adaptability to fit your preferences. As soon as you cease pedaling, the motor ceases to function, eliminating any concerns regarding loss of control.

Unraveling the Inner Workings

Pedal assist operates through a cadence sensor integrated into the bike’s drivetrain. This sensor detects the rotational motion of your pedals, signaling the electric motor to deliver the predetermined level of assistance you have selected.

Varying Levels of Assistance

Most of our bikes offer settings ranging from 1 to 5, while the RadRunner 1 allows you to choose from settings 1 to 4. Alternatively, you can opt for level 0 to gain insight into the bike’s performance without assistance, or to engage in a truly invigorating workout.

Exploring the Throttle

Pedal assist is merely the beginning. All of our bikes, both in the U.S. and Canada, are equipped with a throttle located on the right handlebar, allowing you to propel forward without the need to pedal. Our EU specification bikes feature a half-grip twist power assist, which provides an additional boost while you pedal.

By simply twisting the throttle, you can effortlessly traverse on your bike without the requirement of pedaling. This feature proves particularly advantageous when you need a quick burst of speed up to 20 mph or when you have spent an entire day pedaling and yearn for a respite to rejuvenate your weary legs.

Commencing Your Journey

Curious about how to get started?

Here are some helpful guidelines to assist you on your journey!

• Practice without any hindrances. Ensure that you are securely positioned on the bike and prepared to ride with power assistance before commencing to pedal. Grasp the handlebars with both hands and be ready to engage the brake levers when necessary.

• Commence with pedal assist level 1. “PAS 1” serves as the default pedal assist level. You have the option to enhance the pedal assist level based on the prevailing conditions or reduce it to 0 for no assistance at all.

• Initiate pedaling. As soon as you begin pedaling, the cadence sensor will activate the motor after approximately 1-2 seconds.

• Enjoy the ride with Rad! When you cease pedaling and refrain from squeezing the brake levers, there is a brief delay of about 1-2 seconds before the pedal assist ceases. This is implemented to prevent frequent surges of power activation and deactivation whenever you momentarily cease pedaling (for example, adjusting your feet or seating position).

• Stop pedaling (the pedal assist power will remain active for a few seconds after you cease pedaling) or apply pressure to the brake levers to immediately deactivate the assistance.

Curious to learn more about selecting the perfect ebike for yourself? We’ve got you covered! Still undecided? Take a look at these 5 compelling reasons to start riding an ebike.