Yes, e-Bikes are safe to ride, and they continue to get even safer due to better battery technology and safety certifications. Riders should keep in mind, however, the additional weight and higher speeds of electric bikes. Upway recommends against purchasing low-quality e-Bikes or used models that haven’t been inspected by a professional.
Installing a Throttle on Your E-Bike: A Good Idea?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 26, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Wiring in a throttle might sound like a good idea— until you’re elbow-deep in cables with a headache, getting your wires in a bunch. Here’s why it’s harder than it looks.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Throttles are totally fun, but installing them on an electric bike is not so enjoyable. DIY riders and the electrically inclined are able to retrofit throttles to their e-Bikes, but even then, it’s not always possible, depending on the motor type. I’ll explain the process and how, in theory, you could do it— but I highly recommend simply buying a Class 2 e-Bike that already comes with a throttle mode.
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Is it possible to install a throttle on an e-Bike?
Installing a throttle on an electric bike that only has pedal assist is possible, but it’s far from simple. You’re going to have to take out the controller that connects the battery, motor, and display, and rewire it to the throttle kit. On some models, you may even need to buy a new controller.
Electric bikes with mid-drive motors from top brands like Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, and Specialized are typically made only for pedal-assist and will not easily accommodate the addition of a throttle. The advantages of pedal-assist vs. throttle e-Bikes depend on what type of assistance you want on your ride.
You may need a new controller
The controller of an e-Bike handles the communication between the battery and the motor to provide assistance. It’s a box smaller than the size of our palms and typically sits inside the downtube or is mounted externally to the frame.
Controllers will have a plug for the pedal assist mode, but not all models have a throttle connector or input plug for the throttle wiring. In this case, you’ll need to purchase an entirely new controller that matches the battery voltage and peak power rating of your e-Bike. Some e-Bikes, especially ones with simpler hub motors, may already have a connector for a throttle.
Controllers will have a plug for the pedal assist mode, but not all models have a throttle connector or input plug for the throttle wiring. In this case, you’ll need to purchase an entirely new controller that matches the battery voltage and peak power rating of your e-Bike. Some e-Bikes, especially ones with simpler hub motors, may already have a connector for a throttle.
Required tools and throttle kit
If you brave the challenge, you’ll need wire strippers/cutters, electrical tape or heat shrink sleeves, and a compatible throttle kit. Throttle kits are available online and come with the throttle mechanism and appropriate cabling.
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Complicated wiring and installation process
Before you get started working on the electrical system, remember to disconnect the battery. You’ll want to do a fair bit of how-to research on YouTube for some visual tutorials, as this is a process that many riders have done before.
Whether you’re using the existing controller or a new one, you’ll need to connect or plug in the wires from the throttle kit. This may involve some serious wiring, twisting, or soldering, assuming you don’t have to go through a long process of trial and error to find out which wires do what first.
Then, you’ll need to close everything back up and reinstall the controller, and attach the throttle to the handlebars. Remove the old display or handlebar controls and install the new system, connecting the cable from the controller to the new display.
Buy a Class 2 e-Bike from Upway
I highly recommend purchasing an electric bike that already comes with a throttle mode. Of the three classes of electric bikes, Class 2 e-Bikes have a throttle that can assist up to 20 mph. This allows for fun, pedal-free cruising, and you still have the option of riding with pedal assist when you want. From commuter e-Bikes to folding electric bikes, Upway has a huge selection of excellent throttle e-Bikes with savings of up to 60%, helping you skip that complicated wiring and snag a great deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric bikes safe?
Are helmets required when riding an e-Bike?
Helmets are always a good idea when riding any type of bike, and some states require them. Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Oregon are some of the states that require wearing a helmet when riding an e-Bike, though most states don’t have a legal requirement.
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Key Takeaways
- Retrofitting a throttle is complex and not compatible with many e-Bikes, especially those with mid-drive motors from major brands.
- You may need a new controller and wiring expertise, along with specific tools and a throttle kit to make it work.
- Buying a Class 2 e-bike with a built-in throttle is the easiest, safest, and most reliable option.
