Bandit E-Bikes are equipped with two ways for a rider to propel the bike forward with or without pedaling: 1) Throttle; 2) Pedal Assist.
Continue reading to learn more about the different motor control systems we have.
Pedal Assist (PAS)
You can engage the pedal assist system by pedaling.
Pedal assist uses a cadence sensor built into the drivetrain of the bike. The sensor detects when the rider pedals and signals the electric motor to provide the level of pedal assistance that has been selected. Bandit E-Bikes offer pedal assist from 0-6.
To learn more about pedal assist, click here.
Learn how to use Pedal Assist
You can adjust your pedal assist level using the controller. Press the “+” to increase and “-“ to decrease the pedal assist level.
Below are a few tips and pointers on using pedal assist:
Start Slow and Practice. Ensure that the handlebar and seatpost are properly adjusted before you mount the Bike (See New Owner’s Guide for more information). As E-Bikes can sometimes take some practice to ride, we highly recommend that you start in pedal assist level 1 and increase the pedal assist level as you get more experience with the system.
Pedal Assist Activation and Deactivation. Once you begin pedaling, the cadence sensor will activate the motor after 1-2 seconds. When you stop pedaling and do not squeeze the brake levers, there is a 1-2 second delay before pedal assist shuts off.
This is to reduce the pedal assist power surging on and off whenever you stop pedaling momentarily (to adjust your foot on the pedals or your seating position, for example).
Turn off pedal assist. Stop pedaling or squeeze the brake levers to cut the power assistance off immediately.
Note: If the throttle, brake levers, pedal assistance, or lighting is not functioning normally, intermittent, or not working, please discontinue using your E-Bike immediately and contact Rad Power Bikes Product Support for assistance.
Throttle
How the throttle works
The throttle is located on the right side of the handlebar. The rider can use it, to propel the bike forward without pedaling.
Bandit E-Bikes have either a twist or thumb throttle. All our models, with the exception of the X-Trail Urban, come with twist throttles.
To engage the twist throttle while riding, carefully rotate it toward yourself. With the thumb throttle, press it downwards to engage the throttle. The more you twist or press, the more powerfully the throttle will propel the bike forward. Once you release the throttle or apply the brakes, the power assistance will cut off, and the throttle will no longer propel the bike forward. Always keep one hand on the brake lever and be prepared to squeeze the lever to disengage the throttle if needed, or turn off the bike to prevent accidentally engaging the throttle.
Riding with the Throttle
Practice in a safe, open area. Ensure that the handlebar and seatpost are properly adjusted before you mount the Bike (See New Owner’s Tools for more information). Hold onto the handlebar with both hands and be prepared to squeeze the brake levers to disengage the throttle if necessary.
Increase speed. You can Increase the throttle power and your speed by further twisting the throttle toward yourself. Be prepared to release the throttle grip to its original position or squeeze the brake levers to stop.
Disengage throttle. Release the throttle grip or squeeze the brake levers to cut the power assistance off immediately.
Note: Do not use the throttle unless you are on the bike. Always keep one hand on the brake lever and be prepared to squeeze the lever to disengage the throttle if needed, or turn off the bike to prevent accidentally engaging the throttle.
Prevent accidental pedal assist or throttle use
There are several ways to ensure that these systems are activated only when a rider wants or needs it.
Turn the Pedal Assistance Level to 0
Press “-” on the display remote until the display indicated you’re at PAS level 0 ensures the pedal sensor will not be triggered.
Prevent Throttle Activation
The throttle is available to use whenever the bike is on and can be activated by twisting the throttle grip toward the rider. Turn off the bike, or take care to not accidentally twist the throttle when not needed.
Apply the Brakes
Pulling one or both brake levers while operating the throttle or pedal assist will activate a motor cutoff switch that will cut off all electrical power assistance to the bike automatically.
Turn off the bike
You can deactivate the E-Bike’s electrical system by holding the ‘power’ button on the display remote for 3 seconds. This will allow the rider to use the bike as a pedal-only bike and will prevent accidental use of the pedal assist or throttle.