Does a standard ebrake measure the cable or lever moving?

[airsquid]

Here's the real question: Can I use an ebrake handle without a brake cable in it, just plugged in as an input device?

I am goofing around with installing an e-brake handle that came as part of my kit, but doesn't work with my hydraulic disc brakes, as a sort of clutch for shifting / emergency motor cut out. (I'm also looking at other options, like the gear sensor from gearsensor.com, but I happen to have an e-brake handle on hand)

For purposes of theory, does the e-brake on the brake handles measure the movement of the cable, or the movement of the lever? Because if it's the movement of the lever I can just throw one on my handlebar clutter and treat it like a clutch. But I don't have a cable to put in it, so, it won't do anything if it's sensing the cable movement.

I know I can eventually test it myself, but I've got a delay in mounting my battery so the bike isn't up and running yet. I figured I'd ask you all until I can test it myself!

Thanks!

 

[airsquid]

Feel free to chime in with insight about how the ebrakes work!

I think I solved my question of whether or not you can use an ebrake lever without a cable in it. I tested the system with the battery sitting on a shelf next to me, and a symbol appeared on the controller that suggests the ebrake functioned without a connected brake cable.

So FYI, you can use an ebrake lever on its own for whatever reason.

 

[999zip999]

I think eyebikecycle in the new section has hydraulic brake letters with e brake wires for sale

 

[Chalo]

No electrically switched lever I have ever seen requires a cable to be installed for the switch to work. It's either a contact microswitch or a magnetic reed switch that is tripped by movement of the lever.

 

[amberwolf]

The only catch is that they don't all have return springs in them, so without a cable (that passes the brake lever's spring force along) to pull the lever back, the brake signal may not turn off on it's own.

The lever I have on my SB Cruiser trike is like that, so I just wrap a rubber band around it (and replace it every couple weeks as the sun rots it during the few minutes of daylight riding I do each day going to work).

The brakelight-switch lever off an old Honda Spree that I use on CrazyBike2 has the same problem; on that I used a long coily spring like that on a screendoor, but smaller.


Also, there is at least one more type of brake switch--a hall sensor and magnet.

Most are like those in motors, that switch on/off only (at least one of my Fusin kits uses these). Some are (or could be) linear halls like those in throttles, for variable-regen systems.

 

[dogman dan]

Personally, I find that you can just let go of the throttle when you brake, just like a motorcycle works.

E brakes a lot more needed, when your using PAS. You need the motor off at the stop light, so an unconscious pedal movement does not launch you into a cement truck going by.

But if you are just using a throttle, just keep your original brakes, and fagettaboutit. The icon just tells you they are not connected.