The Association of Cycle Traders and Bicycle Association say the proposal to raise the e-bike power limit is unnecessary, risky, and the wrong approach
But also – I’m speculating – that consumers like having the throttle as a backup: imagine a rider that pedals to their destination but leaves while tired and just wants to get home.
I primarily use the throttle on my e-bike by blipping it a little when setting off from a stop, because otherwise it takes a second for the cadence sensor to kick in (and also because I’m less diligent about shifting back down to the easy gear when coming to a stop than I am when riding an acoustic bike).
I used to do the same, but I’ve had to be careful since if I don’t downshift completely, adding motor power will bend the sprocket and possibly throw the chain off entirely; I learned that from experience. As a result, I actually try to turn the power level down to zero if I know I’ve made an incomplete shift, pedal manually to complete shifting, then restore the power level.
I primarily use the throttle on my e-bike by blipping it a little when setting off from a stop, because otherwise it takes a second for the cadence sensor to kick in (and also because I’m less diligent about shifting back down to the easy gear when coming to a stop than I am when riding an acoustic bike).
I used to do the same, but I’ve had to be careful since if I don’t downshift completely, adding motor power will bend the sprocket and possibly throw the chain off entirely; I learned that from experience. As a result, I actually try to turn the power level down to zero if I know I’ve made an incomplete shift, pedal manually to complete shifting, then restore the power level.
My e-bike is rear-drive, not mid-drive, so the power doesn’t go through the chain and sprocket.