Brake sensors necessary?

[AshleyBrayson]

Hi all,
I'm thinking of purchasing a 26 inch 250W front wheel kit and some suppliers offer additional brake levers or just the brake cables with sensors. This seems to be an optional extra so I was wondering how necessary this part is? I mean if you stop pedalling the motor cuts out anyway. I'm opting for the legal PAS non throttle version.

Also can anyone recommend a supplier? I was initially looking at a Swytch kit.

Thanks everyone

 

[Woosh]

You should always fit the brake sensors, unless:

if you have hydraulic brakes:
you don't need brake sensors if you don't fit the throttle.

If you have cable operated brakes:
then you need to know (or wait until you have the kit working then check out) how fast acting the controller is programmed. If it's fast (60 degrees to 90 degrees turn of the cranks) then you may consider not fitting the sensors when you don't fit the throttle.

 

[sjpt]

Brake sensors highly recommended. There is a lag before motor cutout when you stop pedalling; and a it can be a drag if a quick pedal half turn during a tight manoeuvre suddenly kicks in the motor.

I can recommend Woosh as a supplier. https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits Probably XF07. Much bigger battery than Swytch, and easier control via the LCD display.

Swytch has very small battery. Beware of 'up to' distances. These are often with minimal assist on a good flat road and windless day, with fast tyres. Real distances can be 1/3 of that or less. To get an idea of range look at https://www.bosch-ebike.com/en/service/range-assistant/. Set your bike type and riding conditions. Leave the motor type at Active Line ... that will be fairly close for non-Bosch light motors. Multiply range up or down according to battery capacity.

 

[AshleyBrayson]

You should always fit the brake sensors, unless:

if you have hydraulic brakes:
you don't need brake sensors if you don't fit the throttle.

If you have cable operated brakes:
then you need to know (or wait until you have the kit working then check out) how fast acting the controller is programmed. If it's fast (60 degrees to 90 degrees turn of the cranks) then you may consider not fitting the sensors when you don't fit the throttle.

Thank you for the reply. I have cable operated cantilever brakes.

 

[AshleyBrayson]

Brake sensors highly recommended. There is a lag before motor cutout when you stop pedalling; and a it can be a drag if a quick pedal half turn during a tight manoeuvre suddenly kicks in the motor.

I can recommend Woosh as a supplier. https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits Probably XF07. Much bigger battery than Swytch, and easier control via the LCD display.

Swytch has very small battery. Beware of 'up to' distances. These are often with minimal assist on a good flat road and windless day, with fast tyres. Real distances can be 1/3 of that or less. To get an idea of range look at https://www.bosch-ebike.com/en/service/range-assistant/. Set your bike type and riding conditions. Leave the motor type at Active Line ... that will be fairly close for non-Bosch light motors. Multiply range up or down according to battery capacity.

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.