Throttles
Used electric bike throttles give you instant power without needing to pedal, usually through a twist of the wrist. Cranxs connects you with sellers offering new and second-hand throttles from Bafang, Bosch and more, so you can fine-tune how your bike delivers its power in city traffic or on a steep start.
Thumb throttle or twist grip?
A twist grip gives power with a roll of the wrist and suits steady cruising, while a thumb lever keeps your whole hand on the bar and is harder to nudge by accident on rough ground. Half-twist versions share the bar with a normal grip; full-twist replaces it entirely.
Are throttles legal on UK e-bikes?
On an EAPC, a throttle may move the bike without pedalling only up to 6km/h, as a walk-assist function. Bikes type-approved before 1 January 2016 can use a full throttle up to the 15.5mph assistance limit; anything else needs type approval and is treated as a moped.
Will it work with my controller?
Most throttles use a three-wire Hall sensor connection — 5V, ground and signal — and send a rising voltage as you twist. The plug is the usual sticking point, since Higo, Julet and bare-wire ends all appear on that same standard, so check the connector against your existing electric components or be ready to splice.
What should I check buying used?
Twist it and let go: the spring should snap it fully closed with no sticking, because a throttle that hangs open is dangerous. Check the cable for kinks near the bar, look for cracked housings, and confirm any built-in battery gauge still lights — useful, though no substitute for a proper display.
Can I add a throttle to an ordinary bike?
Only as part of a full system, since a throttle needs a controller and motor to talk to. That is what a conversion kit provides, and many kits ship with a throttle in the box, so compare the kit price against buying the parts one at a time.