For many riders, the assumption is simple: more watts means more torque. But that is not always true. At Ride Review, we’ve seen gigantic 750W motors produce a meager 50 Nm of torque. Similarly, we’ve seen 250W motors generate 90Nm of torque.
What are Wattage and Torque?
Watts directly measure electric power. Specifically, it measures how much energy the motor can consume and output over time. Wattage is essentially the horsepower of an electric bike. Usually, higher wattage means that a motor can sustain higher speeds for longer, more efficiently. Torque, usually measured in Newton-meters, measures how much force the motor delivers to propel you forward. Usually, you feel this force in your hips as the bike pushes off the line.
In physics, your motor’s wattage is a currency you spend to generate torque. How the motor spends that currency depends on its internal voltage and gearing. A motor can be designed to spin slower and generate massive torque, or spin faster to get you up to speed faster while sacrificing torque.
The Highway Cruisers - Low-Torque & High-Wattage
In this set-up, electric bikes typically use direct-drive or fast-spinning motors. They usually boast wattages between 700 and 800W, but modest torque between 40 and 60Nm.
They are ideal for long-range flat-land commuting. They are usually found in class-3 e-bikes meant for long-range rides. This is because these direct-drive hub motors don’t use a drivetrain; instead, they rotate the wheels directly. This saves energy, reduces wear and tear, and can support regenerative braking that feeds energy back into the system.
The lack of torque, however, means that these bikes can feel surprisingly sluggish and heavy, despite their high-powered motors. They’re also not ideal for uphill climbs or cargo carrying, and can drain the battery and overheat the motors.
Here are a few bikes you might like in this category.
Velotric Breeze 1
The Velotric Breeze 1 costs $1699 and features a 750W rear-hub motor that can generate 65Nm of torque. It runs on a 627Wh battery, which will give you an estimated range of 55 to 70 miles per charge. It features integrated lighting, 3 riding modes, integration into Apple and Google’s Find My ecosystem, and IPX6 waterproofing. It tops out at 20 mph and is designed mostly for flat-surface commuting across longer distances.
Ride1Up Roadster V3
The $1295 Ride1Up Roadster V3 features a 500W rear-hub motor that pumps out 50Nm of torque. It runs on a 9-speed MICROShift gear system and a modest 360Wh battery that can deliver up to 40 miles of range per charge. It also features a front fork that travels 100 mm on the rigid version and a 35mm rear shock on the suspended version. Given its torque-to-wattage ratio, it is also designed for modest terrain and relatively long ranges at medium speeds.
The Mountain Goats: Low-Wattage High-Torque
This category is dominated by flagship mid-drive motor setups from Bosch, Brose, and Yamaha. They are generally limited to 250-350W, but are tuned to deliver maximum torque of 75-90Nm. These motors are generally outfitted with advanced torque sensors that deliver power to your feet as you pedal, making you feel like you have bionic legs.
As fun as that might be, they are significantly more expensive to manufacture and require riders to pedal harder, which can be tiring. It is easier to mindlessly pedal without thinking about how much power you’re putting into it. It also requires you to make sure your bike is in the correct gear, lest you stress the motor by trying to start from a high gear.
But if these quirks didn’t put you off the idea, here are a few bikes we have featured in this genre.
Aventon Level 4 ADV
The $2799 Aventon Level 4 ADV features the Ultro S motor with a nominal 250W power output. However, it can generate 110 Nm of torque and has an 800 Wh battery. This combo can give you an estimated range of 110 miles per charge. It also includes a 10-speed Shimano gear system, fenders, a rear rack, integrated lights, and a suspension seat post that travels 31mm.
Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite
Priced at $7350, the Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite is a dedicated full-suspension eMTB built to dominate trails. It features a nominal 250W custom-built motor and a 400Wh battery. This pairing can generate 75Nm of torque. It also features a 12-speed SRAM gear system with electronic shifters, paired with a 14mm suspension seatpost and a 100 mm front fork.
Where Does This Leave?
Ultimately, neither one is better than the other. Are you a long-range flat terrain rider? Then go for a high-wattage, low-torque bike. They're easier to ride and maintain and generally cheaper to buy. If you need to lug around massive cargo or ride uphill often, then consider a powerful mid-drive that can generate a ton of torque. Yes, they’re pricier and harder to ride at first, but they're so worth it for their longevity.
Like what you read? But fancy something else? Check out our guides to city, cargo, and mountain bikes. We also have guides for helmets, bike locks, and much, much more!
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