Terms like kilowatts, horsepower, torque, and watts can sound technical and confusing. In this article, we will demystify these concepts and explain how they affect e-bike performance in a way that is easy to understand, even for non-technical readers.
What is Torque in an Electric Bike?
Torque is the rotational force that powers the motor to move your ebike. For electric bikes in NZ, torque plays an important role in handling steep inclines and quick starts. It is measured in Newton metres (Nm) and determines how easily your bike can handle steep inclines and quick starts. Key takeaway: With higher torque, your legs don’t have to work as hard to pedal up hills.
What is Watts in an Electric Bike?
Watts represents the power output of your e-bike motor. Wattage indicates how quickly the motor can deliver torque and sustain performance.
There are two measures of watts (power) to consider: continuous power and peak power:
1. Continuous watts
This is the power that the motor can sustain continuously without overheating. Most e-bikes have a motor with a continuous power rating of 250 or 300 watts. (300 watts is the legal limit for use on NZ roads, unless you want to register your e-bike as a moped). This value gives you an idea of the motor’s efficiency and ability to maintain a consistent level of performance. (As an aside, a 300 watt motor is 4/10 of a horsepower – i.e. less than half a horsepower.)
2. Peak watts
Peak watts is the maximum power the motor can generate in short bursts. It is calculated by multiplying the voltage of your e-bike (often 36 volts) by the amps of your motor controller. While most e-bike brands don’t explicitly provide the amps of their motor controllers, as a general rule, they fall around 15-20 amps. A higher voltage and higher amp controller can result in more peak power. Peak power is beneficial for tackling steep hill climbs and achieving quick bursts of speed.
Torque vs Watts: Which matters more?
The relationship between torque and watts determines overall performance.
- Torque focuses on climbing ability and acceleration
- Watts measures the speed and endurance of the motor
There is very little difference between the continuous watts of most ebike motors in NZ – or at least, the legal ones European motors are typically 250 watts continuous, while Asian motors tend to be 300 watts continuous. There can however be a significant difference in peak watts between motor brands, so if you’re after a bike that gives you maximum assistance when climbing hills, be sure and ask about the peak watts of power.
Spotlight on the Bafang MaxDrive Motor
At MeloYelo, we have selected Bafang motors for our top-end e-bike models. The newest Bafang motors offer peak torque of an amazing 114Nm and up to 648 watts of peak power. (Be aware that this peak power is for short bursts only, such as giving you a boost when you are climbing a steep hill.) With this motor, your pedaling effort will be reduced, and you’ll also be able to go faster and conquer challenging terrain effortlessly.
Conclusion
Understanding how e-bike motors perform becomes easier by considering torque and power. Torque represents the turning force that propels your e-bike forward, while power determines how quickly that force is delivered. Opting for a motor with higher torque and more peak power can significantly enhance your e-bike experience, making it easier to pedal and offering better hill-climbing capabilities.
FAQs
How much torque does the motor have?
Typically, it will be between 40 and 100 Newton-metres of torque.
What is the motor controller size?
Typically, 15 and 22 amps. Once you know the size of the motor controller, and also whether the bike is a 36 volt system or a 48 volt system, you can calculate the peak power of the bike, by multiplying the voltage (36 or 48) by the amperage of the controller.
Can I test ride the bike in real-world conditions?
Always test ride before buying.
Is it better to have more power or more torque?
To comply with regulations in New Zealand, your power (watts) is limited to 300 watts continuous. For older people looking for the motor to work as hard as possible on steep hills, more torque is better.
You won’t know if an electric bike has enough torque and watts for you without testing a bike in real-world conditions. MeloYelo agents offer comprehensive test rides, away from busy streets. If you’re at a bike shop and they won’t let you test-ride a bike you’re considering in real-world conditions, find a friend who has that model and test-ride their e-bike. You’ll be glad you did.
