After a bit of research and experimentation, I have put a switch into the pedelec sensor circuit on my bike. I used an old motorbike handlebar switch given to me by a friend, which is perfect.
I am therefore now able easily to select between various modes: pedalling only, pedelec, pedalling with throttle assistance, or throttle only. This, coupled with the fact that there is a full/low power switch, makes for a lot of flexibility.
I find that, as I had hoped, it is useful to be able to use pedelec mode whilst going up hills, and not having to bother with the throttle whilst changing gears (on my bike the gearchange is on the same side as the throttle); whilst when going along on the flat, it is good to be able to rely mainly on pedal power, with a little judicious help from the throttle when wanted, and without the motor insisting on boosting every single pedal turn when not needed! Of course, it does not stop me from cruising with throttle power only when I want to take it easy.
I also found on my first full test run that I got an extra 5 miles from the battery.
I suppose that this modification is a bit illegal under current regulations, since it makes it possible to disable the pedal assist mode whilst retaining the throttle (in future, presumably, bikes will no longer have throttles, so the temptation to do this will not be there). I think this is a shame, because, for the reasons detailed above, it makes for a far more efficient use of power.
As a footnote, I got into this project whilst trying to persuade my wife to take up e-biking. She did not like the feeling of the bike running away with her, as she described it, when the pedelec effect cut in. After some experiments, I found I tended to agree with her, in some circumstances, anyway. Hence the above.
However, unfortunately, even now, I cannot persuade her to get an e-bike too. Though she has conceded that she may deign to borrow mine occasionally!
I am therefore now able easily to select between various modes: pedalling only, pedelec, pedalling with throttle assistance, or throttle only. This, coupled with the fact that there is a full/low power switch, makes for a lot of flexibility.
I find that, as I had hoped, it is useful to be able to use pedelec mode whilst going up hills, and not having to bother with the throttle whilst changing gears (on my bike the gearchange is on the same side as the throttle); whilst when going along on the flat, it is good to be able to rely mainly on pedal power, with a little judicious help from the throttle when wanted, and without the motor insisting on boosting every single pedal turn when not needed! Of course, it does not stop me from cruising with throttle power only when I want to take it easy.
I also found on my first full test run that I got an extra 5 miles from the battery.
I suppose that this modification is a bit illegal under current regulations, since it makes it possible to disable the pedal assist mode whilst retaining the throttle (in future, presumably, bikes will no longer have throttles, so the temptation to do this will not be there). I think this is a shame, because, for the reasons detailed above, it makes for a far more efficient use of power.
As a footnote, I got into this project whilst trying to persuade my wife to take up e-biking. She did not like the feeling of the bike running away with her, as she described it, when the pedelec effect cut in. After some experiments, I found I tended to agree with her, in some circumstances, anyway. Hence the above.
However, unfortunately, even now, I cannot persuade her to get an e-bike too. Though she has conceded that she may deign to borrow mine occasionally!
