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Making the Most of Your E-bike’s Pedal Assist: Why Full Speed Isn’t Always the Answer for Exploration

E-bikes are becoming a popular way to go out and see the world, however, many new riders don’t understand how to use their PAS settings. PAS levels control how much assistance your ebike’s motor gives you as you pedal, allowing you to manage your speed, conserve battery, and maybe even get a more effective workout. 

Here’s a look at why it’s important to vary your PAS level and tips on when to use each setting.

Understanding Pedal Assist Levels

PAS ranges from 0 to 5. PAS 0 requires no motor support while PAS 5 offers full support. The PAS level you choose will determine your overall riding experience in different terrains as follows:

  • PAS 0: Requires no motor assistance. It’s you who will do the pedaling to keep going. 
  • PAS 1-2: Offers low motor assistance and is good for flat terrain and battery conservation.
  • PAS 3: Offers average motor assistance, a balance of power and battery use. It’s best for small hills or keeping a steady pace. 
  • PAS 4-5: Offers high to maximum assistance; best for steep hills or quick rides, though it uses more battery.
ebike in the mountains

The Benefits of Varying Your Speed

Varying your riding speed can enhance your e-bike experience in a number of ways. Let’s see how;

  • Conserving Battery Life: The PAS(pedal assist sensor) number determines how much power you are using, the lower the number, the less power you are using and the longer you can ride before you need to recharge.
  • Better Workout: Bouncing back and forth between lower levels provides a better workout because you have to use more of your strength.
  • Improved Control: It is a lot more manageable to control your electric city bike at lower speeds particularly when on rough terrain. You are safer this way. 
  • Enjoying Scenery: You just get to see so much more, and it is a lot more of an adventure when you go slower.

When to Use Different PAS Levels

Using PAS effectively means knowing when to adjust it based on where you’re riding and how you feel.

  • Flat Ground: Just remain in the PAS 1 or 2 for the sake of energy conservation and let you pedal rather than be motor-driven.
  • Slight Inclines: Switch over to the PAS 3, allowing steady pace while taking some workload from the motor.
  • Steep Hills: PAS 4 or 5 works best here, as extra power will help you climb up without straining yourself much.
  • Long-Distance Rides: Use lower levels of PAS to start off the ride to save the battery and increase later on if felt necessary.
  • Rough or Narrow Paths: Lower settings of PAS would provide more control and sometimes save from sudden jumps in speed.
ebike in the desert

Tips for Strategic PAS Usage

Proper use of PAS levels takes time. To help you, here are some tips that will help you optimize your e-bike pedal assist settings:

  • Plan Ahead: Know your route and visualize where you will need more or less motor assistance.
  • Play with PAS Levels: Change the PAS in different areas to get a feel of what works and serves the best.
  • Low PAS Usage: In heavy traffic areas or high pedestrian areas, lower PAS improves safety.
  • Keep Track of Battery Life: On longer rides, make sure to know your battery level to avoid running out of power.
  • Pace Yourself: For long rides, use lower PAS to start and work your way up as you tire.

Conclusion

Learning how to use the PAS settings on your e-bike will make riding more fun and safe, for longer. You will have far better control and a smoother ride, with preserved battery life. Use the tips we provided in this article and watch how your e-bike riding will drastically improve.

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