How Electric Bike Assist Works

Before we go into the nitty-gritty of how electric bike assist works, we should have a clear understanding of the basics. Pedaling power is converted into motor power using a torque sensing PAS. The motor’s output is equal to about 2 watts per watt of pedal power. Hence, if you pedal harder, the motor will generate more power. However, if you pedal lightly, the motor will produce minimal power.

Cadence sensor

Electric bikes with pedal assist systems start the motor when the rider starts pedaling. As a result, the rider doesn’t need to hold the throttle and can just pedal forward. The motor will determine how much power is needed to propel the rider forward. The higher-end pedal assist systems have a cadence sensor that measures how fast you pedal.

The downside of cadence sensor-based electric bikes is that they can be less responsive to changes in pedaling speed. While these bikes may feel less responsive to your pedaling efforts, they still provide a powerful workout.

Levels of pedal assistance

When you ride an electric bike, you can choose between varying levels of pedal assistance. Each level has a different impact on the power of the motor. At higher levels, the motor will give you a stronger push and go faster. But a higher level of pedal assistance will also use up more battery charge, reducing the distance you can go between recharge cycles.

There are three levels of pedal assistance available on an electric bike. The higher the assistance, the more energy the motor will use. The lower the assistance, the less energy the battery will use, which is important if you want to preserve the battery. If you plan to ride on flat ground, you should choose a low pedal assistance level, which will provide you with enough energy to pedal for a reasonable distance.

PedalSense software

PedalSense software is a piece of software that integrates a sensor into a bike’s drivetrain and allows the bike to respond to pedal rotation. The sensor works by measuring pedal rotation speed, and pulses when a cyclist pedals forwards or reverse. It responds by varying the amount of pedal assist and adjusting the power accordingly.

Most turnkey ebikes have the PAS assist setting. This is like a throttle setpoint, and it lets you control the amount of power your motor gives you. In other words, if you want 50% assistance, your motor will run at half power while you’re pedaling. This allows you to pedal faster, without using the full power of the motor.

Battery

The size of the battery used in electric bike assist systems can affect your riding experience. A heavier battery can limit your speed and can also limit the distance that you can cover on the bike. Battery weight accounts for approximately 30% of an electric bike’s weight. Fortunately, there are different sizes of batteries available.

The lifespan of your battery depends on a few different factors, including the terrain, incline, and the type of riding you do. Proper handling will help to ensure the battery has a long lifespan. You should charge your battery regularly, even if you aren’t riding your electric bike for extended periods of time.

Wireless data link

The wireless data link allows electric bikes to communicate with each other and with a smartphone. The data collected is used to control the assist level and other aspects of the bike’s operation. The e-bikes’ controllers contain a PIC microcontroller module that performs computing operations and EEPROM memory for storing data. The DS28CM00 driver chip ensures the safety of the system and provides a unique identifier for each device. A Mini USB port is also provided so that the user can update firmware.

The Smart E-Bikes project is funded by the Research Council UK and led by Frauke Behrendt at the University of Brighton. The project team includes Sally Cairns at the Transport Research Lab and David Raffo at Raleigh UK Ltd.