If you’re considering buying an e-bike, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how much pedal-assist to use when riding it. Let’s look at pedal assist levels, how they work, and which level is right for you on your next ride. With an e-bike, choosing how much power the motor provides can make all the difference in the level of assistance you need to get up hills and over obstacles and your overall enjoyment of riding an e-bike. How fast you ride your Hovsco e-bike will depend on what level of pedal assist you to choose, whether it’s the lowest or highest setting available on your e-bike. How do these levels of pedal assist work? And which one should you choose?

If you’re new to e-bikes or have never ridden one before, you need to know about pedal assist levels to decide which one will work best for you and how to properly use it.

Beginner Level

The first level is best for new riders or those looking to supplement their exercise with a little extra boost. The motor is engaged only while pedaling, so there is no energy assistance while your legs are coasting or braking. This is also a good choice for beginners without much cycling experience and those uncomfortable with pedaling uphill at high speeds. Additionally, if you live in a hilly region, having a motor that engages when you need it can help you tackle climbs and keep your momentum. However, keep in mind that there may not be enough power from the motor on steep inclines to push you back up to speed once it slows down on its own accord; most mid-drive motors offer throttle modes that circumvent power loss.

Intermediate Level

Most models sold in North America are geared toward intermediate users, who will enjoy 6–8 miles or more of battery life. With these e-bikes, there’s no need to change between different settings—in other words; there’s one control button to operate all functions. This can be beneficial for beginners and allows users to get acquainted with how it feels to ride an e-bike before spending a lot of time riding other types. To ride at a higher speed or climb hills faster with your electronic bike, you’ll want at least 7 gears on your rear wheel. However, gearing choices vary from model to model, so consult your owner’s manual for specifics that apply to your bike.

If you don’t have access to a gear chart, you may want to consider getting a mid-drive electric bike instead. These bikes offer more power than lower-end models but aren’t designed for high speeds. They make climbing hills easier, though, and some can even shift into reverse without pedaling, which is helpful if you run out of juice going uphill.

Advanced Level

Although most people use a mid or high setting for bikes, advanced cyclists can go further with pedal assistance on high. If you're looking to maintain speed and make faster progress on flat terrain, it's worth considering increasing your level. However, make sure that your bike can handle it before trying out a higher setting. Some of them are not suitable for increased levels, so choose wisely if you want to increase your output while pedaling. A Hovsco e-bike with front and rear suspension is suited to more powerful motors, so consider which type would be suitable for you before making a purchase.

Expert Level

This is not a speed-increasing feature but a feature that allows your pedaling to be powered by electricity. This can help someone who needs extra assistance while climbing hills or going up slopes. The pedal crank drives a hub motor that provides power to drive a generator, which charges a battery used to power an electric motor located in one of your wheels. The higher levels mean more power to get over hills and more speeds available on flats and downhills, but it also means increased strain on your knees and hips if they aren’t accustomed to taking some work off.

Getting the Most out of Your E-Bike with Pedal Assist

A few key factors will determine how well your bike’s electric motor assists your pedaling and determines whether or not your ride is enjoyable. The first step to getting great assistance in choosing a suitable bike is considering its frame design, weight, and overall geometry. Next, choose a pedal assist setting on your control panel to support your needs and comfort level. Finally, learn to adjust the power output to match how hard you’re pedaling rather than just going by feel. You want it to be enough to help make pedaling comfortable but not too much that it feels unnatural or hinders you from reaching higher speeds with ease. Practice makes perfect no matter what setting you choose, so get out there and start practicing.

Which levels are best for hilly areas?

A higher power setting generally means faster speeds on flat surfaces, but it will quickly drain your battery. If possible, opt for a mid-drive system that uses one motor to drive two wheels (and all their gears) independently. This allows one motor to exert twice as much torque on a hill than a single-motor setup, increasing efficiency and keeping you out of trouble in technical areas. It also reduces wear and tears by spreading your braking effort across both wheels. Consider using a lower power setting on hilly terrain—you can adjust up or down depending on conditions.

This is important because some e-bikes allow you to select different levels of pedal assistance based on your current speed and desired output level. The best option is usually sport mode which provides full support from your electric motor without any throttle restriction. In sport mode, pedal assistance stops working at 25 mph or when you get tired—whichever comes first. But if you need an extra push over rough terrain or up hills at higher speeds, then eco mode can provide that extra boost with minimal drop-off in performance.

Final Thoughts

As a general rule, it’s better to start with a lower pedal assist level and gradually work your way up until you find your sweet spot. Using too much pedal assist can make pedaling feel unnatural, mainly if your bike has limited gearing choices. This can ultimately lead to bad habits and injuries, so stay mindful of how much power is coming from your electric motor. Remember: more power doesn’t always mean more fun. If your electronic bike doesn't come with multiple levels of pedal-assistance, then we recommend choosing at least 3 levels: Low, Medium, and High. If you live somewhere hilly or windy, then using Medium would be best as it will help prevent over-exertion on those extra-tough days where biking might not seem like fun anymore.