Can I add a throttle to my Carrera CrosscityE electric bikes?

[Al n Val]

I have to say that putting the bike into high power mode and using the walk button really does make it easier to pull away so thanks everyone for the suggestions

Their is a knack though as I have to released the walk button more or less immediately as it’s stops the high power mode operating

but much better so you’ve possibly saved me a few grand

Al

 

[The Wino]

I have to say that putting the bike into high power mode and using the walk button really does make it easier to pull away so thanks everyone for the suggestions

Their is a knack though as I have to released the walk button more or less immediately as it’s stops the high power mode operating

but much better so you’ve possibly saved me a few grand

Al

I don't bother with the walk button as soon as the crank starts moving the motor kicks in.

 

[Verteuil Man]

Fitting a throttle to the ebike will require the person to have a driving licence as it then becomes the same as a motorcycle. That is what I found out a couple of years ago when I was researching bikes.

 

[Guigsy]

Part of the issue here is the way the e-bike detects you're pedelling. Older/cheaper bikes use a cadence sensor. These just detect movement of the cranks, then apply power. But they aren't that sensitive, so often take half a turn of the cranks before they start to react, and have no idea how hard you're pushing. They often feel very on-off, you have to learn how to work around their behaviour. Moving off and slow manoevering can be cumbersome.

More expensive bikes (typically ones with crank motors like Bosch) use torque sensors. These are instantly responsive, so the motor kicks in straight away. And they also assist in relation to how much effort you're putting in. So they just feel like a normal bike, except you're extremely fit. It makes riding much more natural... all ebikes are not the same.

 

[JaG]

I have the Ecovoltz Dart and it has a Walk Mode lever which takes you up to around 2.5mph, the maximum allowed in the UK, apparently.
It can be tweaked (well hush my mouth) to do 14.5mph in Walk Mode. Well, some folk, like me do walk fast...very fast.

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[TrudeandDall]

I have to say that putting the bike into high power mode and using the walk button really does make it easier to pull away so thanks everyone for the suggestions

Their is a knack though as I have to released the walk button more or less immediately as it’s stops the high power mode operating

but much better so you’ve possibly saved me a few grand

Al

I am not sure why anybody suggested the walk button to help - the clue is in the name "walk" button. It's purely to help you when you are walking with your bike, such as he walking uphill with 27kg of bike to push. As it is restricted to walking speed of a couple of mph, this is way too slow to be any real help pulling away! As Al found out, using the walk mode stops the motor from working in any of the ride assist modes. It is best just to use the highest level of assist, you will pull away nicely - then drop back to whatever assist mode you need for the terrain and conditions..

 

[Revolvor]

Following my first response #6 apparently throttle on an e-bike is only legal on Ebikes purchased post 2016 and must not exceed 4mph on throttle only.

I've got a throttle on both my ebikes - both pre 2016, though one that I bought as a conversion kit only arrived just a few days before the rules changed.

 

[DerryW]

I've never tried using the 'walk' mode on my cross-city. Certainly don't intend fiddling about fitting a throttle. Keep thinking about a lightweight m/c or scooter though.

Snap. The problem I have is Mrs W wouldn’t get on the back. She thinks that I would revert to type when I was in my twenties and never saw any fear once on the bike.

My son has had and still has some lovely big bikes +1000cc and invited me to take em for a spin around the village for which I always find an excuse not too, little do they know more than 40mph on 2 wheels would scare the zhit out of me nowadays. I will always have an affinity for the old bikes of my day, but not afraid to say I a big fan of the big modern bikes, probably more to do with the design and engineering that goes into them.

Ho well, back to the E-bike.

 

[Landy Andy]

Don’t forget that to pull away quickly, and smoothly also requires you to be in the correct gear. That way you can make the most of the motors assistance.

 

[Scout]

As bikes are what you need, they are aluminium not steel but still heavey,
Older modles were twist n go, newer models you have an 'off road' button which can be left active then press the mode button to max and 1 more press gives instant throttle control, next time your coming down the A1 pop in and try ours out.

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[rymillr]

I have to say that putting the bike into high power mode and using the walk button really does make it easier to pull away so thanks everyone for the suggestions

Their is a knack though as I have to released the walk button more or less immediately as it’s stops the high power mode operating

but much better so you’ve possibly saved me a few grand

Al

Just in case this helps www.pedibal.com are selling a DVLC approved throttle bike for £995 in London. I haven’t bought one but probably will. They confirm it is legal and can be used without pedals for easy starts in traffic.

 

[Pausim]

Just in case this helps www.pedibal.com are selling a DVLC approved throttle bike for £995 in London. I haven’t bought one but probably will. They confirm it is legal and can be used without pedals for easy starts in traffic.

Just had a look at Pedibal and I read their claim a bit differently. It says “ thumb throttle to enable a consistent assistance for a prolonged period”. Lots of e-bikes have a throttle that allows you to add extra power when pedalling but since 2016 they are not supposed to have throttle power before they are being moved by pedal power. Perhaps you can quote the bit that says you can use it for easy starts in traffic. I would test ride one before buying to make sure it really does do what you think it does.

 

[Guigsy]

When you get an ebike with a throttle, does it also come with an insulated delivery rucksack and a light delete kit.

 

[Hayesdec]

hi everyone

we have 2 Carrera CrosscityE elec bikes and wondered if it’s possible to fit a throttle on them to make it easier for us to pull away and stopping for lights/junctions or whatever

We have to rotate the pedal crank to engage battery assist atm

cheers and i’m hoping for a positive outcome or it’s looking like forking out for 2 bed bikes

Al

This is not much help. But I bought a z bike from the Peterborough motorhome show. Does 15 mph has a throttle you never have to pedal only if you come to a steep hill it helps. It’s the best bike. It’s a strange shape very stable I use it all the time think they’ve got used to me in Sainsburys I always take it in with me. Never leave it unattended. tried Mirider beats it hands down…. it was £800. it’s good for 12 miles fortunately I bought a spare battery before they closed down. A lot was sold at the show I’m always looking for a spare one they must be out there. If you search for (the z bikes) website still exists and there on Facebook but no one ever reply’s

 

[scotzsue]

yes i’ve seen those Jim but a lady was showing Val her bike the other day and from a standstill she could just twist the throttle and off it went, she said it made her be able to pull away without wobbling all over the place lol

I think they were from Holland and looked very similar to ours as in the frame, infact i’d say the frames were identical and had disc brakes and front suspension

My old ebike has a throttle, however they are now illegal unless you have a number plate and insurance. Was advised to put a self tapper through the throttle twist and handlebar
might be as well as i caught it and rode up the steps into a reception when i was trying to get off

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[Guigsy]

My old ebike has a throttle, however they are now illegal unless you have a number plate and insurance. Was advised to put a self tapper through the throttle twist and handlebar
might be as well as i caught it and rode up the steps into a reception when i was trying to get off

Throttles used to be OK. If the bike was purchased before that change, it's still legal.

 

[scotzsue]

Throttles used to be OK. If the bike was purchased before that change, it's still legal.

Yes but don't have good enough language skills to get that across in mainland Europe. I do have a certificate, but in english, with this information.

 

[LesW]

Both of self converted bikes have 'thumb throttles' (converted in June 2021).

In May this year Mrs W was knocked off her bike in Ypres, car driver's fault.. however the Belgium police took her bike away to be checked that it was roadworthy (she went to hopsital with a broken elbow), the bike was returned to us with no issues.