Thumb throttle?

[rodp]

I've searched various threads but only found posts relevant to specific types / models etc, and I have more of a general question. I'm thinking of buying a folding electric bike to carry in the camper, as it will only be used now and then I'll probably by a used model.
So, the question is, can all makes and models be fitted with a thumb throttle? I don't want to buy one and find it cannot be done on the one I've bought.
TIA.

 

[Nealh]

If one isn't already fitted then the answer is maybe, it will depend if you can visually view the bike in person and look to see if the controller box allows one.
A controller makers label may infer to throttle input or if not an unused 3 wire (Hall) throttle connector may be present, though would need confirming it is for a throttle and not something else.

 

[sjpt]

Be specially aware of battery condition when buying used ebike. A battery can wear out through age and lots of use. It can die because of lack of use and not keeping regularly charged to a suitable level (quite likely on a folding ebike being sold used). Batteries on folders are sometimes fairly specific and replacements become unavailable. (You might be able to get a dead irreplaceable battery recelled.)

 

[Andy-Mat]

If one isn't already fitted then the answer is maybe, it will depend if you can visually view the bike in person and look to see if the controller box allows one.
A controller makers label may infer to throttle input or if not an unused 3 wire (Hall) throttle connector may be present, though would need confirming it is for a throttle and not something else.

Would you not agree that its probably much safer to say "don't buy" if not already fitted?
As we all here know how that "can" end up, if not already fitted......
regards for a great weekend.
Andy

 

[Nealh]

I anwsered Rodp's concerns as to if it might be possible and not whether he/she should or shouldn't buy the bike, I expect he/she is able to decide and make their own mind up as to whether to procede or not.
By simply saying ' don't buy ' doesn't give him/her any more insight if it is possible or not.
If a bike does have the three wire output to use a throttle then any three wire model should work if the wiring sequence is correct. If the controller mentions throttle input or 1:1 input voltage then if a three wire connection is available it should support throttle use.

 

[WheezyRider]

I've searched various threads but only found posts relevant to specific types / models etc, and I have more of a general question. I'm thinking of buying a folding electric bike to carry in the camper, as it will only be used now and then I'll probably by a used model.
So, the question is, can all makes and models be fitted with a thumb throttle? I don't want to buy one and find it cannot be done on the one I've bought.
TIA.

There are also different types of throttles. Some are set so you can wheel along the bike at 4mph max, other throttles allow you to go to higher speeds. Depends on the LCD/controller type and set up. So just because there is a throttle on the bike, doesn't mean it will do what most people would consider a throttle is there for.

 

[vfr400]

So just because there is a throttle on the bike, doesn't mean it will do what most people would consider a throttle is there for.

I can't think of any bike with a 4mph throttle that can't be changed by a simple user-setting to a full-range one.

The motor controller is the biggest obstacle to fitting a throttle. Most of the older ones have the connector, even if there's no throttle fitted, but more recent ones don't have the connector.

You can fit a throttle to any of those typical Chinese bikes. It's only a case of how much work you have to do. If you have a 4mph throttle, it's a simple setting. If you have no throttle, but the controller has the connector, it's plug and play. If you don't have the connector, you have to change the controller, in which case total cost would be about £25 for the cheapest rubbish one, £40 for a reasonable one and £70 for a really nice one that will be a big improvement to the bike.

All throttles work the same electrically with three wires for the throttle function. Some have additional features, like built in LCD, power or light switch, battery indicator LEDs, etc. You will see them with different lengths of wire and different connectors.

Another important factor is how they fit on the handlebars. Sometimes, shifters or brake levers get in the way. The easiest to use and most likely to install successfully are the plain basic thumb throttles. Don't get a full width throttle, like you have on a motorbike. they break too easy and are not very easy to modulate on a bicycle.

 

[WheezyRider]

I can't think of any bike with a 4mph throttle that can't be changed by a simple user-setting to a full-range one.

The motor controller is the biggest obstacle to fitting a throttle. Most of the older ones have the connector, even if there's no throttle fitted, but more recent ones don't have the connector.

You can fit a throttle to any of those typical Chinese bikes. It's only a case of how much work you have to do. If you have a 4mph throttle, it's a simple setting. If you have no throttle, but the controller has the connector, it's plug and play. If you don't have the connector, you have to change the controller, in which case total cost would be about £25 for the cheapest rubbish one, £40 for a reasonable one and £70 for a really nice one that will be a big improvement to the bike.

All throttles work the same electrically with three wires for the throttle function. Some have additional features, like built in LCD, power or light switch, battery indicator LEDs, etc. You will see them with different lengths of wire and different connectors.

Another important factor is how they fit on the handlebars. Sometimes, shifters or brake levers get in the way. The easiest to use and most likely to install successfully are the plain basic thumb throttles. Don't get a full width throttle, like you have on a motorbike. they break too easy and are not very easy to modulate on a bicycle.

If you have a DAS KIT controller and LCD there isn't an option (without hacking the firmware in most cases) to change the throttle speed above 4 mph.

The other thing about a full length throttle is that it can get a bit tiring on your wrist after long periods to have it fixed at the correct angle.

 

[vfr400]

If you have a DAS KIT controller and LCD there isn't an option (without hacking the firmware in most cases) to change the throttle speed above 4 mph.

The other thing about a full length throttle is that it can get a bit tiring on your wrist after long periods to have it fixed at the correct angle.

Good point. I forgot about them. They do that to sell the derestriction at a ridiculous price. It's a similar thing to their reversing all the connectors so that their customers have to buy spare parts only from them.