Tech Roundup: Sensor Switch

Riders no longer need to choose between separate bikes to get the technology they desire.

Available as an Over-The-Air Update, Sensor Switch allows riders to choose which pedal assist mode they want their bike to employ, instilling a new level of freedom in the ride.

Pedal Assist Sensor tech is a hot topic in the ebike realm. Brands have pitted Cadence and Torque sensors against each other in an apples-vs-oranges dispute since the first hub motor was smacked onto a bike frame. Cadence, the “easier ride” of the sensor, has been belittled to be synonymous with “cheater bikes” since the motor assist is regulated by the rider’s cadence, and rider power input is negligible. Torque sensors, on the other hand, can be less accessible to riders who want to cruise but either can’t or want to keep it casual on the trail.

Recognizing the demand for this technology was step one. Implementing it was another.

Aventon took from both end-users and our retail partners and implemented this new feature to let the rider decide how they want their bike to perform. We developed this with the goal of making our bikes more accessible to a wider audience. Almost like giving you a second bike, this dynamic feature allows you to have all of the benefits of the adaptive pedal assist and chill whenever you feel the need.

Torque sensors provide a more natural ride and are more responsive in how they provide assist. Since they feed power to the hub motor based on how hard you pedal, they also provide more of a workout than their cadence sensor counterparts.

Cadence sensors feed power to the motor as soon as it senses the pedals move. These bikes are typically beneficial to folks who want to ride but have physical limitations that prevent them from pushing out enough power on the pedals or just want to cruise without working too hard.

Want to feel the burn a little more? Turn on Torque Mode and let your legs do the work as our three customizable levels of assist give you feedback based on the amount of power you put in! Feeling fatigued or just want to chill? Cadence mode is the mode for you, prompting the motor to output power based on how fast you’re spinning the cranks.

Switch between Cadence and Torque by pressing and holding the left button ("<") on the control pad.

The Cadence Icon will appear when this mode is engaged.

To reengage Torque, simply press and hold the same button ("<") until the icon disappears.

You are now back to using a Torque Sensor.

(Cadence Icons pictured above Assist Mode)