Pedal Assist Electric Bikes

Pedal Assist electric bikes engage the motor only when you’re pedaling, using cadence sensors to track when you’re pedaling and to put power to your effort. Pedal assist makes it easier to climb hills, carry cargo or kids, and stretch your range on longer rides. Every Lectric eBike pairs pedal assist with a throttle, so how you ride is up to you. eBikes start at just $799.

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How Does a Pedal Assist Electric Bike Work?

Pedal assist starts with a cadence sensor, standard on every Lectric eBike, which detects when the pedals are turning and signals the motor to engage. Select models add a torque sensor that also measures how hard you're pushing, so the motor can scale assist to your actual effort rather than just your pedaling speed. 

Either way, assist only kicks in while you're actually pedaling. Lower settings deliver mild support, so you still get a workout, while higher settings deliver near-maximum speed with minimal effort for long commutes or steep climbs.

How is Pedal Assist Different from a Throttle on an eBike?

Pedal assist responds to your pedaling, while a throttle moves the bike with a twist and doesn't require pedaling at all. Every Lectric eBike includes both pedal assist and a throttle, so you can pedal for exercise on your ride, but you also have the option to keep moving while coasting if you need to take a breather.

How to Find the Right Pedal Assist eBike for You

  • If you're easing into eBike riding: The XP Lite2 keeps assist simple with a lightweight foldable frame and the most accessible price point in the lineup.
  • If you're commuting daily: The XPress2 Commuter pairs pedal assist with a sporty frame built for everyday rides.
  • If you need a boost on tough terrain: The XPeak2's 750 watt motor and higher assist levels help you maintain cadence on climbs and into the wind.
  • If you carry cargo or kids: The XPedition2’s 450lb carrying capacity and rear rack for cargo or child seats comes with pedal assist which scales to the extra weight instead of leaving your legs to do all the work.  
  • If stability matters most: The XP Trike2 adds a third wheel to the same cadence-and-torque assist system, built for riders managing rehab, recovery, or balance concerns.

 

Pedal Assist eBikes FAQ

What is a Pedal Assist Bike?

Pedal assist is a riding mode that engages a bike’s electric motor only while you're pedaling, using a cadence sensor to match power to your effort. It's one of two ride modes on every Lectric eBike, alongside a throttle you can use anytime you don't feel like pedaling.

How Does a Pedal Assist eBike Know How Hard to Push?

On select models, a torque sensor measures how much force you're applying to the pedals, while the standard cadence sensor tracks how fast they're spinning. The motor combines both readings to decide how much power to add in real time.

Is a Pedal Assist Different from a Throttle?

Yes. Pedal assist only activates while you're pedaling, while a throttle moves the bike with a twist or press and doesn't require pedaling at all. Lectric eBikes include both, so you choose the mode that fits each ride.

Can You Turn Off Pedal Assist on an eBike?

Yes. Most pedal assist bikes let you lower the assist to its minimum setting or turn it off entirely, so you can pedal like a traditional bike whenever you want the extra workout.

Do You Have to Pedal a Pedal Assist eBike?

Not on a Lectric. Pedal assist does require pedaling to activate, but every Lectric eBike also includes a throttle, so you can ride without pedaling whenever you'd rather not.

How Much Does a Pedal Assist eBike Cost?

Lectric's pedal assist eBikes start around $799 for the XP Lite2, with prices increasing for added features and capabilities across bike models.

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