eBike Torque

Let's set the stage first...
I’m a throttle first eBike rider, not a bicyclist or an electric MTB rider.
I think about using cargo eBikes instead of cars.
I like light weight and nimble, not fat tires and overpowered.

What is eBike Torque?

It’s the rotational force that the motor can produce.
It measures how strong the motor is.

Torque gets you going from a stop.
Torque gets you up hills at low speeds.
Gears can amplify torque.

I like torque because I don’t have to work as hard going up a hill.
But I don’t need too much of it because it’ll make the bike heavy and harder to ride.

How much torque does an eBike need?

That depends on the bike and how it’s being used.

Cargo or Utility eBikes need more torque for the added cargo weight. 80-95Nm is on the stronger side for hub motors.
Mid-drive motors can go up to 160Nm.

Commuter eBikes don’t need as much torque because it’s not a throttle first ride and they’re used more on flat ground.
50Nm is enough for these bikes, unless there’s steep hills.

Cruiser eBikes usually have 60Nm - 70Nm of torque.
They need a little more torque because they're usually a little heavier than a commuter, 55lbs to 65lbs.
But they usually have less watts because they're cruisers, they're not built for speed.

Oh yah... watts give you power for speed, torque gives power for hills.

Why do Mid-Drive eBikes have more torque?

Most hub-drive motors have somewhere between 45Nm to 95Nm of torque. Mid-drive motors will usually have more torque but less watts. Bafang has a mid-drive motor that produces 160Nm of torque.
For me, that's way too much torque, plus it would add weight to the bike. Not good for me...

Many mid-drive eBikes are designed for low speed torque and light weight.

Like electric mountain bikes, they need the extra torque when you're pounding up a steep rocky hill.
But they're very weight sensitive, so less watts (speed) and more torque is better for them.

Or a cargo eBike that's carrying two kids on the back. The extra torque and gears of a mid-drive motor you will make the ride easier for you.

The extra torque you can get from a mid-drive motor with gears is helpful, but you will pay for it.

Look at the price of a Tern mid-drive cargo eBike, they're pushing $10,000. Yah, it's a great eBike but.... It's out of my budget.
Compare it to one of my favorite eBikes the Lectric XPedition. It's a hub-drive, but it starts at $1,399. Wow, that's a big difference in price and it can carry just as much weight as the Tern.

What's a Torque Sensor?

A torque sensor has nothing to do with the torque from the motor.
A torque sensor measures how hard your are pedaling.
It allows the electric motor to help only when you need it and conserve the battery life.
If you want to learn more, read about torque vs cadence sensors.

Power does not make your bike fun. Weight and tires have a lot to with how fun the bike is.