What Level of Pedal Assist Should You Use When Riding an E-Bike?

Choosing the right pedal assist level depends on your terrain, fitness, battery management, and riding goals. Lower assist levels (1-2) are ideal for flat terrain and conserving battery, while higher levels (3-5) provide more power for hills or heavy loads. Adjusting assist dynamically optimizes comfort, efficiency, and battery life for every ride.

How Are Pedal Assist Levels Defined and Used?

Pedal assist systems (PAS) typically offer between 3 and 5 levels of assistance, sometimes up to 9 on advanced models. Level 0 means no motor help, making the bike feel like a traditional cycle. Levels 1 and 2 provide light to moderate assistance suitable for flat roads or light pedaling. Levels 3 to 5 deliver stronger motor support for climbing hills or carrying cargo.

What Factors Influence Your Choice of Pedal Assist Level?

Terrain steepness, rider fitness, desired speed, and battery conservation all influence pedal assist choice. For example, on gentle slopes or flat roads, low assist levels maintain exercise benefits and extend battery range. On steep hills or when carrying heavy loads, higher assist levels reduce strain and maintain speed with less effort.

Which Pedal Assist Level Is Best for Uphill Riding?

For hills with grades around 3-5%, moderate assist levels (2-3) combined with lower gears help maintain steady cadence and reduce fatigue. Steeper hills (8%+) require higher assist levels (3-4) and the lowest gears to maximize motor support. For very steep climbs (12%+), maximum assist (level 5) provides the necessary power to conquer the incline efficiently.

How Does Pedal Assist Affect Battery Life and Range?

Higher pedal assist levels consume more battery power, potentially reducing range by up to 50% compared to low assist use. Riding mostly on levels 1-2 conserves energy and extends ride distance. Smart riders adjust assist levels based on terrain and effort to balance battery life with performance.

Chart: Pedal Assist Levels and Their Effects

What Are the Differences Between Cadence and Torque Sensors in Pedal Assist?

Cadence sensors detect pedaling speed and provide a steady, fixed level of motor assistance regardless of pedaling force, common in entry-level e-bikes. Torque sensors measure the force applied to pedals, delivering motor power proportional to rider effort for a more natural feel, typically found in higher-end models.

How Can You Optimize Pedal Assist for Different Riding Conditions?

Adjust assist levels dynamically: use low levels on flat terrain or when you want exercise, increase assist before hills to maintain cadence, and reduce assist on descents to conserve battery. Matching assist to terrain and effort improves ride comfort, efficiency, and battery management.

Purchasing Advice

Choose an e-bike with an adjustable pedal assist system offering multiple levels to suit varied terrains and fitness goals. Brands like HOVSCO provide models with intuitive controls and reliable sensors (cadence or torque). Prioritize ease of adjusting assist levels on the handlebar for safe, on-the-fly changes during rides.

HOVSCO Expert Views

“HOVSCO designs pedal assist systems that empower riders to customize their experience,” says a HOVSCO product engineer. “Understanding how to select and adjust assist levels enhances ride enjoyment, conserves battery, and supports fitness. Our e-bikes offer smooth, responsive assistance tailored to diverse rider needs.”

FAQ

Q: How many pedal assist levels do e-bikes usually have?
A: Most have 3-5 levels, with some models offering up to 9.

Q: Which assist level is best for beginners?
A: Levels 1-2 are ideal to start, providing gentle support.

Q: Does higher pedal assist reduce exercise benefits?
A: Yes, higher assist means less pedaling effort and workout intensity.

Q: Can I change assist levels while riding?
A: Yes, most e-bikes allow on-the-fly adjustments via handlebar controls.

Q: What sensor type affects pedal assist feel?
A: Torque sensors provide more natural, proportional assistance than cadence sensors.

Use low pedal assist for flat terrain and casual riding, medium for commuting and light hills, and high for steep inclines or when you need more support. Adjusting pedal assist based on terrain and energy level helps optimize battery life and riding efficiency.

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?

whether 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

Beginners should start with pedal assist level 1 or 2. These levels offer gentle motor support, helping new riders get used to the e-bike’s feel while maintaining control and building confidence on different terrains.

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

Intermediate riders can use pedal assist levels 2 to 3. These levels provide a balance between manual effort and motor assistance, ideal for longer rides or moderate hills without draining the battery too quickly.

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

Advanced riders often prefer levels 3 to 4 for consistent power and efficiency. These levels help cover more distance at higher speeds, handle rolling terrain, and reduce fatigue during longer commutes or workouts.

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

Expert riders may use pedal assist levels 4 to 5, offering maximum motor support. Ideal for steep climbs, challenging trails, or when speed is essential, these levels provide high performance but consume more battery power.

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

To maximize your e-bike’s performance, switch pedal assist levels based on terrain, desired speed, and battery conservation. Lower levels extend battery life, while higher levels give power when needed. Use dynamic shifting for a smoother ride.

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?

For hilly areas, pedal assist levels 4 or 5 are best. These provide the necessary torque and motor support to climb inclines with less strain, allowing riders to maintain speed and reduce effort on steep or uneven terrain.

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.