The ebrake feature on my Borg's Sabvoton controller requires a switch closure to activate it, and a variable voltage to determine how strong the braking is. It smoothly combines regen at higher speeds with reverse power at low speeds to provide variable braking that can be very strong down to very low speed like one mph. By adjusting the controller's programming the braking can be adjusted, it can be set to skid the tire if desired. It is an excellent feature, and on that bike I use it to replace mechanical braking in the rear wheel (and actuate it from a normal looking brake handle that puts out the required signals), the front wheel has dual discs so there's plenty of mechanical backup. The brake pads last a long time, never have worn any out.