Although electric bikes are getting more popular every day, the vast majority don’t know how an e-bike really works.
One common question about e-bikes is whether or not it is possible to ride them without pedaling. In short, it depends on what type of e-bike you have.
If you have an e-bike that is equipped with a throttle (class 2 e-bike) then yes you can ride it without using the pedals.
However, if your e-bike doesn’t have a throttle (class 1 e-bike) then the only way to keep the bike moving is by pedaling.
I have had both types of e-bikes and in this blog post, I will look into this topic more thoroughly and discuss the benefits of riding an e-bike without pedaling.
How to Ride an E-Bike Without Pedaling?
To answer it a little more thoroughly, we need to understand how electric bikes work.
Electric bikes have all the components that conventional bicycles have. Additionally, e-bikes are equipped with electric motors that provide assistance to the rider.
There are two types of e-bikes:
- E-bikes with throttle
- E-bikes without throttle
You may have heard about the e-bike classification system.
- Class 1 e-bikes work only when you pedal. When you start pedaling, the motor starts assisting you. The maximum assisting speed is 20 mph.
- Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle in addition to pedal assistance. These bikes can be ridden by just engaging the throttle without the need to pedal. The maximum assisting speed is also 20 mph.
- Class 3 ebikes originally didn’t have a throttle. They were like class 1 ebikes but with higher maximum speed (28 mph). However, nowadays e-bike manufacturers often include a throttle to class 3 e-bikes as well. But the throttle speed can not exceed 20 mph.
Pros of Riding an E-Bike Without Pedaling
There are several advantages to riding an electric bike without pedaling:
- Hill climbing: If you live in a hilly area, an e-bike with a powerful motor can help you climb hills more easily by using the throttle only.
- Less fatigue: Pedaling can be quite tiring. By engaging a throttle, you can just sit and relax and still move forward.
- Fun: For some people, riding an e-bike without pedaling is more fun because it feels like riding a motorcycle.
- Ease of use: Riding an electric bike without pedaling requires less effort than pedaling. Therefore, it’s a good option for people who are not in good physical shape or who have mobility issues. Also, e-bikes with a throttle are a good choice for seniors.
Cons of Riding an E-Bike Without Pedaling
While there are many benefits of riding an e-bike without pedaling, there are also several disadvantages:
- Shorter range: While using only the throttle, the battery drains much faster, which reduces the range a lot.
- No exercise: Riding a bike has always been a good way to keep our body fit. While riding an e-bike without pedaling, you don’t get the same level of physical activity as you would get by pedaling.
- Legality: Electric bikes with throttle control are not allowed in some areas. In there, you must register your bike as a motor vehicle and you are not allowed to ride on bike lanes.
Related: Does Riding an Electric Bike Help You Lose Weight?
Final Words
To conclude this topic, I can say that indeed, it is possible to ride electric bikes without pedaling if you have a class 2 e-bike. However, class 1 e-bikes (and some class 3 ebikes) don’t have such capability.
Which one to prefer? It all comes down to a personal preference. In my opinion, both are fun.
On days when I seek relaxation over exertion, the throttle feature becomes more than just a convenience. The ability to glide through streets, especially on uphill paths, without the need to pedal, offers a liberating experience that often feels akin to flying.
However, this ease of movement comes with its own considerations. As someone who values fitness, I often remind myself of the importance of balancing the ease of throttle use with the health benefits of pedaling.
As e-bikes continue to evolve and gain popularity, I encourage riders to explore both worlds—pedaling and non-pedaling. There’s a unique joy and discovery in each mode, and it’s this flexibility that truly makes e-biking an exceptional addition to our modern lifestyle.
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
