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.
Torque: The Power to Move
Torque is the rotational force that drives an engine or motor. In the e-bike world, torque is measured in Newton metres. Think of torque as the power that pushes your bike forward. More torque means easier acceleration and a better ability to conquer hills. Most e-bikes have around 50 or 60 Newton meters of torque, while some powerful e-bikes, such as the MeloYelo Traverse, MeloYelo Ascent, and MeloYelo Superlite models deliver 80 Newton metres. With higher torque, your legs don’t have to work as hard to pedal.
Watts (or power): Speed and Endurance
Watts determine how quickly the work (torque) can be delivered. In the e-bike world, power is measured in watts. Wattage represents the amount of electrical energy the motor can convert into mechanical power. 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.
Understanding the Relationship Between Torque and Power
So, how do torque and power work together? A motor with higher torque and more peak power will outperform one with lower values. With more torque, you’ll experience easier pedalling effort, while peak power helps you conquer hills and accelerate quickly.
Introducing the MaxDrive Motor
At MeloYelo, we have selected the MaxDrive motor from Bafang for our top-end e-bike models. The MaxDrive motor delivers an impressive 80 newton meters of torque and an exceptional 792 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.
Consumer Reports NZ praised the MaxDrive motor for its excellent hill-climbing torque and power.
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.
As you explore different e-bike options, be sure to ask the following questions:
- How much torque does the motor have? Typically, it will be between 40 and 80 newton-metres of torque.
- What size motor controller does the motor have? Typically, it will be between 15 and 22 amps. Once you know the size of the motor controller, and also whether the bike is a 36 volt system of 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.
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 ebike. You’ll be glad you did.
