Electric Bike Torque and Motor Power: What You Need to Know

In our cities, electric bikes and cargo bikes have taken their place. Easier to ride and faster , they have attracted thousands of city dwellers looking for a less polluting means of transport. When we take a closer look at the product, we notice that the price of an electric bike can vary from single to triple. Many factors then come into play. Among them: the power of the electric bike's motor, but also its torque . Want to know more? In this article, we explain what determines the power and torque of your e-bike and what the European regulations are in force. At the very end of the article, we talk to you in more detail about the power of the cargo bike , a model where electric assistance plays a particularly important role!

How does an electric bike work?

An electric-assist bicycle (EAB) is a motorized bicycle that combines your energy with that of an electric motor . The latter, which operates using a rechargeable battery, propels your bike and assists you in your pedaling.

Very useful for transporting children, riding up hills, or towing heavy loads, electric assistance is a real boost in everyday life. But depending on the model of electric bike you choose, the assistance performance will vary. It all depends on three factors:

• The power of your electric bike's motor is expressed in Watts (W): most electric bikes sold in France have a 250 W motor and reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
• Engine torque, which is expressed in Newton meters (Nm): the higher the torque value, the easier it will be to climb hills. Depending on your bike model, engine torque varies from approximately 40 to 85 Nm, and even up to 130 Nm for the latest generation of engines.
• The location of the motorization on your cycle:
  • Motor fixed to the front wheel hub: its weight weighs down the front of your bike and in particular the steering, which can tend to unbalance you.
  • Motor mounted on the rear wheel hub: you feel like you're being pushed forward, and the assistance is often abrupt. In the event of a puncture, changing the wheel becomes more difficult.
  • Motor in the crankset : you have better balance and are assisted progressively in your effort. The motor is connected to the transmission system, which allows you to benefit from electric assistance proportional to the force exerted on the pedals. Be careful, however: this progressive assistance does not exist on bikes equipped with an entry-level motor.

At the same time, the battery also affects the overall performance of your e-bike . Its capacity is expressed in Watt-hours (Wh) and determines the range of your electric bike. A key part of your cycle, the battery capacity partly influences the final price of the bike.

Electric bike motor power: what are the regulations in force?

Valeo Cyclee engine of the Formidable, our cargo and longtail bike

European legislation (in this case the NF EN 15 194 standard ) limits the power of an electric bike's motor to 250 W. This is sufficient power if you use your bike for your daily commute (going to work, taking your children to school, doing your shopping, etc.). Similarly, when you stop pedaling or when you reach the maximum speed of 25 km/h, the power supply must stop. The engine torque, however, is not limited.

Beyond a power of 250 W, an electric bike of 500 W, 750 W or 1000 W belongs to the moped class . Riding this speed bike, you can reach a speed of 45 km/h. Like a moped or a scooter, you are then subject to a certain number of obligations:

• The electric bike must be registered .
• You must take out insurance.
• You must hold a road safety certificate.
• You are required to wear a helmet and gloves.
• The EN 14344 standard specifies that seats intended for transporting children on bicycles can only be installed on e-bikes that do not exceed 25 km/h. Therefore, speed bikes are excluded.
• You cannot ride on cycle paths.

💡 Good to know: If you own an electric bike with a power output of 250W or less, you are not required to insure it. However, taking out bike insurance allows you to be compensated in the event of breakage, vandalism, or theft of your bike .

Electric cargo bike: which motor to choose?

No hills are too steep for the Formidable, our cargo bike with a super-powerful motor

The cargo bike is the new darling of urban families. Depending on the model, this electrically assisted bike has a front trunk and/or an extended luggage rack (known as a longtail bike ). It can carry one to four children and even one adult.

In accordance with the standards in force in Europe and whatever the model of cargo bike chosen, the power of its motor will not exceed 250 W (beyond this, it no longer falls into the cycle category).

On the other hand, the engine torque value varies enormously: from 40 Nm of torque power for entry-level cargo bikes to 130 Nm for bikes with the latest generation of motors. The higher the torque of your motor, the easier your ride will be (even on hills!). We agree: this is a significant point if you use it for all your daily trips!

For example, the ideal minimum torque for a cargo bike (which tends to be naturally heavier and more heavily loaded) is 85Nm. If you have hills on your route or are carrying more than a hundred kilos, a 130Nm motor will be more suitable.

When choosing an electric bike, remember that the motor's power and torque are key elements to consider . Whatever your situation, we recommend opting for a 250W electric bike, which is the case for the majority of models sold today. Regarding torque, it all depends on your situation. Indeed, your needs will not be the same if you transport your children daily on a cargo bike or if you are riding alone. Likewise, if you have hills to climb or if your route is flat, your needs will not be the same. Before taking the plunge, we therefore recommend that you study these criteria carefully!

💡 Looking for a cargo bike with a powerful motor? Check out the Formidable by Galian, a cargotail made in France. Equipped with an automatic transmission and a 48-volt Valeo Cyclee motor, our electric cargo bike boasts a whopping 130 Nm of torque. With it, you won't be afraid of hills or carrying heavy loads (up to 200 kg payload). You'll almost feel like you're flying! 😉