The answer is yes and no, depending on the classes of bikes. In other words, the exact meaning of this topic is can I start an electric bike without pedaling? However, the starting of electric bikes varies depending on their classes. Some require pedals and some do not. So it is necessary to understand the classes of electric bikes!

Classification of electric bikes:

In the United States, electric bikes are divided into 3 classes.

Class 1 E-Bikes: Pedal-Assist Only

• Pedal assist only, no throttle, and speed limit.
• The maximum assist speed is 20 mph (32 km/h). Class 1 electric bikes are generally used for commuting and leisure purposes.

Class 2 E-Bikes: Throttle-Assisted

• As the name suggests, it does not require pedaling.

Class 2 electric bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and are suitable for most people, especially middle-aged and the elderly, and people with poor physical conditions.

Class 3 E-Bikes: High-speed Electric Bike

• Pedal assist only, no throttle.
• The maximum speed is higher at 28 mph (45 km/h), and it must be equipped with a speedometer. It is suitable for people who pursue speed.

So if your electric bike is a Class 3 electric bike, it needs pedal assistance and no throttle, which means you have to pedal to start the motor. If it is a second-level bicycle, you don’t need to pedal to start it. The pros and cons of whether to start with pedals are relative. If there is no pedal assistance and you start it directly with the throttle, then you have to be careful about the speed of the electric bike when it starts. You have to be careful to turn the throttle and not rush out at once, otherwise it may be dangerous.

Windone E2 Fat Tire Off Road Urban Commuter Electric Bike

• Motor: 500 W nominal ( 700 W Peak)
• Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
• Range: Up to 45 km (28 miles) on throttle or 75km (46.6 miles) on pedal assist
• Battery: 52V 13Ah (624 Wh)
• Weight: 43kg (95lbs)
• Max load: 149.6 kg (330 lbs)
• Brakes: front and rear HYDRAULIC brakes.
• Extras: adjustable full Suspension system, color LED display, 20" x 4" Fat Tire air-filled tire

The front and rear shock-absorbing design of Windone E2 allows you to handle rugged terrain without fear. As for the starting method, E2 has pedal assist mode and resistance mode, and you can choose the appropriate starting mode for different usage scenarios. The PAS mode has a range of up to 75km, which is long-lasting and allows you to start the motor safely. Of course, if you pursue speed, you can also choose the resistance mode, which can start without pedaling, but you must pay attention to speed!

What is the Pedal Assist System? (PAS)

Pedal assist means that the motor of the electric bike will only start when you pedal.

The lower the level of pedal assist, the more energy you will consume. Conversely, the higher the level, the easier it is for you and the faster you go, but the more stress on the motor.

Although high levels of pedal assist can make the riding experience easier, be aware that this will put more stress on the motor, which will speed up the consumption of the electric bike battery. Therefore, the range of the bicycle will be reduced.

How fast can an electric bike go without pedaling?

There are many factors that affect the speed of an electric bike. The key factor is the power of the motor, followed by factors such as battery capacity and rider weight. The higher the power of the motor, the faster the speed.

Can you ride an electric bike like a traditional bike?

Of course! The biggest difference between electric bikes and traditional bikes is that electric bikes use electricity to provide power, thereby reducing the consumption of manpower. Other normal riding functions are almost the same. If you want to exercise, you can remove the battery to reduce the weight. All Windone electric bikes are movable, which is very convenient and adds a possibility to your travel. In this way, you can reduce the weight of the bike and it is easier to pedal without turning on the electric assist. You can use it as a mobile version of " a spinning bike". This way of exercising may be more interesting!