Originally Posted by
kayakindude
Math question on electric assist. Riding a 75 pound fat tire Rad Rover for about 20 miles today. I noticed that on assist level one, regardless of which mechanical gear I was in the computer stated that the engine watts were between 60-80.
My question is how do I determine the average wattage it takes a human for that style bike to maintain around 15mph?
Wouldn't a higher mechanical gear lower the engine wattage, since one pedals harder on a higher gear?
Have you ever tried to ride the bike without the motor on? My guess is that an ordinary rider would not be able to get that bike up to 15mph for more than a minute or two, if at all. It would be well over 100W of effort. Standard bikes are VASTLY easier to move, with less power necessary.