E-Bikes
E-Bike Pedal Assist Not Working (But Throttle Works)
The throttle or push works, but pedaling produces no motor assist.
What causes it
A failed torque/pedal sensor, a disconnected sensor wire, or a setting turned off.
What to do
- Check the assist level - if it's set to 0 or off, no pedal assist. Raise it.
- Check the pedal sensor - on mid-drive bikes it's the torque sensor at the cranks; on hub bikes a cadence sensor on the crank arm.
- Re-seat the sensor connector - under the motor or near the crank; vibration loosens it.
- Check for magnet issues - cadence sensors use magnets; a missing or misaligned magnet stops assist.
- If the throttle works but pedaling doesn't, it's almost always the pedal/torque sensor, not the controller.
When to replace
A torque sensor costs $50-150 and needs a shop to install on most bikes. A cadence sensor is cheaper and often DIY. Test the wiring first - loose connectors cause most failures.