As an aside, thumb (or twist) throttles are also available although this is a subject all on it's own as legislation has recently changed. Pre-2016 UK E-Bikes would often have a thumb throttle but as I understand it, a hand throttle of any type is only now permitted as a "walk assist" when pushing the bike. In any event, I did not specify a hand throttle with my kit.
To power up the motor therefore we need some form of pedal sensor. More expensive E-Bikes have a "Torque Sensor" which tells the controller to apply power proportional to the effort put in by the rider. This provides a very natural ride and almost feels like you have "bionic legs". This type of sensor is generally found on bikes with "crank drive" motors rather than hub motors although the Wisper 905 Torque, my preferred choice when I get round to buying a complete e-bike is a (rear) hub motored and torque sensed bike.
Having ridden bikes with this system I can absolutely say I prefer it - but it does require effort from the rider and is less suited to people who need to be able to use a bike but want the bike to do (almost) all of the work.The alternative is the significantly cheaper (and less complex) rotation or cadence sensor. This simply triggers the motor via a magnetic sensor fitted at the crank.
Panda's sensors are "easy fit" and come in two parts that clip around the crank without the need to remove the crank arm. The sensor disc is secured by a metal ring and the complete disc is a simple friction fit around the crank. Time will tell if this is sufficient to stop it spinning freely. The sensor itself fits to the frame and has slots for cable ties as well as a sticky pad. This allows the location to be tested before sticking it down firmly. There is a pivot which is adjustable to ensure the correct 1-3mm clearance between the sensor magnet and the sensor disc.
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