Yes, it is throttle controlled. I have a bike with sensors in the pedals and I hate it. Here I spend all this time feeding and caring for my brain and somebody thinks they can design a sensor that works as well as my brain. I much prefer the throttle type because I can then choose to pedal more or less and I can see a hill coming up so when possible I can get up some speed. No sensor can do that. Try both types (throttle and sensor) before buying if possible.