PAS System

Brand: Yamaha

In November 1993, Yamaha launched the PAS (Power Assist System) in Japan, the world's first mass-produced pedal-assist electric bicycle. The fruit of a development effort begun in 1988, it created an entirely new category: a torque sensor measures the effort applied to the pedals and a 16-bit controller drives an electric motor that adds its force in real time, without ever replacing the rider. Sold at first on the Japanese market alone, this pioneering bicycle with its 235 W motor invented the pedelec and laid the foundations of every modern e-bike. In 2020 this founding innovation was honoured by Japan's Technology Management and Innovation Award.