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Electric Scooter Throttle – How it Works

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If you just got an eBike, you are probably wondering about the electric scooter throttle and how it works. Electric bikes are pretty interesting, especially for bike owners who love affordable, efficient mobility within the city, or even out on the mountain trails. They offer a lot of benefits compared to motor vehicles. If you like to go fast, you can read our article on how fast electric scooters go. Additionally, you can check out our list of the top dual-motor electric scooters.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • In e-scooters, the throttle is often in the form of a twist, finger, or thumb button that functions by turning on the motor to help generate the power you experience when you ride an electric scooter.
  • The electric scooter throttle is quite different from the Pedal Assist System (PAS) common in eBikes and requires the rider to pedal to get power.
  • 41 Americans have died, and 133,000 others were injured between 2017 and 2019 as a result of eBike-related accidents.

While the best electric scooters are efficient and affordable, there is a safety concern. According to Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 41 Americans died, and 133,000 others were injured between 2017 and 2019 as a result of eBike-related accidents.

But how do electric scooters work? And more precisely, how does the electric scooter throttle function? If you’re asking questions like this, find answers in our guide to what is an ebike.

Fortunately, these are some of the things we will discuss in this post. By the end of this read, you’ll understand what an electric scooter throttle is, its benefits, and how it functions. But, read our article on the benefits of a throttled ebike for even more information.

What is an Electric Scooter Throttle?

An electric scooter throttle and a motorbike or motor vehicle throttle are quite the same in functionality but work differently. In e-scooters, the throttle is often in the form of a twist, finger, or thumb button, that functions by turning on the motor to help generate the power you experience when you ride an electric scooter. You should be able to check the amount of power from your display. If you have never used one of these displays before, check out our page on how electric scooter displays work.

The throttle is usually strategically placed close to your hands, fingers, and thumb for easy operation while in motion. The electric scooter throttle is quite different from the Pedal Assist System (PAS) common in eBikes and requires the rider to pedal to get power.

How does the E-Scooter Throttle Work?

Electric scooter throttles work pretty much the same way, a motorized scooter throttle works. When engaged, the electric motor is powered, helping provide the power boost to propel the scooter rider forward.

Depending on the make and model of your e-scooter, the electric scooter throttle can be adjusted to different power bands. This allows the rider to choose how much power they need.

The electric scooter throttle is quite useful when it comes to battery management and range. However, when riding on elevated ground, a rider has no option but to engage full power.

Electric scooter throttles work differently. Some have a level-type mode, while others have a sensitivity mode, which means the further you press or twist the throttle, the more power the e-scooter will send to the wheels.

When not in use, the electric scooter motor is always in idle mode until you are ready to move forward. The most significant benefit to this is it helps conserve battery power for when it’s needed.

The Benefits of an Electric Scooter Throttle

Perhaps the best benefit scooter riders get from an electric scooter throttle is the ability to get a power boost without using any effort from a pedal.

An electric scooter throttle also gives the rider the ability to pick the kind of power they need for any situation. Due to this, the e-scooter motor won’t run at full power the entire time a rider is using it. This goes a long way in saving the range, and battery power, while at the same time protecting the safety of the rider from situations where full power is not required.

E-scooter throttles can make riding on a hilly or elevated road feel like riding on a flat surface. However, such scenarios will need twice the power boost. This can take up a significant battery charge, but it’s worth it when you get to the top. Of course, it is also important to have the right type of scooter tires for such terrain.

A rule of thumb riding an e-scooter is to only use high power when navigating a hilly terrain, or climbing an elevated road. It helps conserve battery energy and also protects the rider from hazardous scenarios while riding at full power. Additionally, if you are having issues with your throttle, we have an article on how to fix electric scooter throttle you can check out. And while you are at it, you can learn about how an electric choke works on a scooter, if you are curious.

Insider Tip

A rule of thumb for riding an e-scooter is to only use high power when navigating hilly terrain or climbing an elevated road. It helps conserve battery energy and also protects the rider from hazardous scenarios while riding at full power.

Difference between an E-Scooter Throttle and a PAS (Pedal Assist System)

The e-scooter throttle is quite different from the PAS (Pedal Assist System) in eBikes.

PAS (Peddle Assist System)

Pedal-assist systems are popular on some kinds of eBikes and offer the rider assistance when they push the pedal, engaging the motor. Pedal Assist Systems also lets riders pick the level of assistance they need from high to low. However, repairing eBike batteries can be an intimidating process without proper guidance.

Electric Scooter Throttle

On the other hand, an electric scooter throttle is popular on e-scooters and functions much like it does on a motorcycle. The electric throttle controls are usually in the handlebar and can either be twisted or pressed, depending on the model. To engage, the rider only needs to twist the throttle to propel forward and release to stop.

F.A.Q.

What is the difference between throttle and pedal assist?

The electric scooter throttle is quite different from the Pedal Assist System (PAS) common in eBikes and requires the rider to pedal to boost power.


How does an electric scooter throttle work?

When engaged, the electric motor is powered, helping provide the power boost to propel the scooter rider forward.


Do all electric scooters have a thumb throttle?

E-scooter throttles come in three forms, twist, finger, or thumb throttles, which all work in the same design. They are all strategically placed close to your hands, fingers, and thumb for easy operation while in motion.


Is it possible to increase the power of my electric scooter?

Depending on the make and model of your e-scooter, the electric scooter throttle can be adjusted to different power bands. This allows the rider to choose how much power they need.


STAT: The U.S eBike market is expected to reach $41.98 billion by 2030. Because of this, the electric bike market will experience a boom in CAGR by 8.5% (source)

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