In this article, we want to take a closer look at the most common torque categories – 35 Nm, 45 Nm, 65 Nm and 85 Nm – and help you make the best choice for your needs.
What does torque mean?
Torque is a physical measure of the force acting on a rotating body. It describes how strongly a motor is able to generate rotational motion by exerting a force on a lever arm. In relation to e-bikes, torque refers to the force that the motor transfers to the pedals and thus to the wheels. Torque is measured in Newton meters (Nm).
What is a Newton meter?
Newton meter (Nm) is the unit of torque in the International System of Units (SI). One newton meter is equal to the force of one newton acting on a lever one meter long. To make this more visual: imagine you have a one meter long wrench and you apply a force of one newton (approximately the force needed to lift an object weighing 100 grams) to the end of the wrench. The resulting torque would then be one newton meter.
The concept of the Newton meter helps us understand how engines transfer power to the mechanical parts of a vehicle. The higher the torque, the more power the engine can transfer to the wheels, which translates into better acceleration and more pedal assistance.
Where does the Newton meter come from?
A brief historical digression: The unit Newton meter is named after Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727), one of the most important scientists in history. Newton's work in the fields of mathematics, physics and astronomy revolutionized our understanding of the laws of nature. He is particularly well known for his three laws of motion and the law of gravitation, which form the basis of classical mechanics.
However, the concept of torque was not developed in more detail until the 19th century. Engineers and scientists such as Pierre-Simon Laplace and Jean-Victor Poncelet contributed to the further development of mechanics and dynamics, with the concept of torque becoming increasingly clearly defined. Poncelet introduced the term "moment de force", which translates into English as "moment of force".
With industrialization and the development of machines and engines, understanding and calculating torque became increasingly important. Engineers needed accurate measurements to determine and optimize the performance and efficiency of machines. In this context, the Newton meter was established as a standardized unit for torque.
Application in the context of e-bikes
Torque plays a crucial role in evaluating the performance of e-bike motors. Higher torque means the motor has more power to turn the pedals and drive the bike, which is especially important on steep climbs and difficult terrain. It directly affects how much assistance you get when pedaling and how easy or difficult you find it to ride .
When choosing an e-bike, you should consider the torque of the motor to ensure it meets your needs. Higher torque is particularly beneficial for sporty riders and those who ride in mountainous regions, while lower torque may be sufficient for urban riding and flat terrain.
E-bike motors with 35 Nm
An e-bike with a 35 Nm motor is ideal for urban areas and for leisurely trips on flat routes. If you mainly travel in the city to commute to work or for short distances, such a motor offers sufficient support. These motors are usually lighter and more economical in energy consumption, which increases the range of your e-bike.
Advantages
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Light and efficient : A 35 Nm motor is often lighter and consumes less energy, increasing the overall range of the e-bike.
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Less expensive : E-bikes with weaker motors are usually cheaper to purchase.
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Ideal for flat terrain : If you rarely ride steep climbs, this support is completely sufficient.
Disadvantages
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Less power on climbs : On steeper climbs or when carrying heavy luggage, the power may not be sufficient.
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Limited uses : This engine is less suitable for sportier drivers or off-road adventures.
E-bike motors with 45 Nm
E-bikes with a 45 Nm motor offer a good balance between power and efficiency. They are perfect for commuters who occasionally need to tackle steeper climbs and for recreational riders who appreciate a little more power.
Advantages
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Versatility : This motor provides enough power for most urban and rural rides, including moderate climbs.
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Good range : Due to the moderate power output, energy consumption remains within limits, which does not affect the range too much.
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Affordable : Still cheaper than the most powerful motors, but with enough support for most applications.
Disadvantages
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Limited performance in extreme conditions : For very steep climbs or heavy loads, the performance may sometimes be insufficient.
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Comfortable but not sporty driving style : For particularly sporty drivers, the engine may not provide enough support.
E-bike motors with 65 Nm
A 65 Nm motor is ideal for riders who regularly ride more challenging routes, including steep climbs and uneven terrain. These motors are perfect for sporty riders and those who want to use their e-bike for longer tours or off-road adventures.
Advantages
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High performance : Very suitable for steep climbs and difficult terrain.
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Versatility : The engine also offers strong support in urban areas, especially when carrying heavy loads or trailers.
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Good driving feel : Offers a powerful and dynamic driving feel that suits sporty drivers.
Disadvantages
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Higher energy consumption : The higher performance often comes with higher energy consumption, which can reduce the range.
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Greater weight : More powerful motors are often heavier, which increases the overall weight of the e-bike.
E-bike motors with 85 Nm
E-bikes with an 85 Nm motor are the powerhouses among e-bikes. They are ideal for extreme conditions, such as very steep climbs, difficult terrain and transporting heavy loads. These motors are perfect for mountain bikers who ride challenging trails and for riders who need maximum power and support.
Advantages
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Maximum performance : overwhelming support even on the steepest climbs and most difficult terrain.
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Versatility : Ideal for mountain biking, heavy loads and long, demanding tours.
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Maximum driving pleasure : Offers the most dynamic and powerful driving experience.
Disadvantages
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High energy consumption : The high power leads to a significantly higher energy consumption, which can significantly reduce the range of the e-bike.
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Greater weight and price : Powerful motors are heavier and more expensive, which increases both the weight of the e-bike and the cost.
Tip: The E-MTB Fully MYVELO Aspen has an 85 Nm motor . Our powerful SUV e-bikes Everest and Makalu are equipped with the powerful Shimano EP6 motor.
How do you decide?
Choosing the right e-bike motor depends largely on your individual needs and riding style. Here are some questions that can help you decide:
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Where do you mainly ride? If you mainly ride in the city, a 35 Nm or 45 Nm motor might be sufficient. For rural areas with hilly terrain, a 65 Nm motor would be more suitable. For extreme conditions and challenging trails, an 85 Nm motor is ideal.
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How sporty do you drive? If you are a sporty driver or like to drive off-road, you should consider an engine with more torque. For leisurely rides, an engine with less torque is often sufficient.
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What routes do you cover? Long tours and challenging routes require more support, while short, flat routes require less motor power.
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How important is range to you? Keep in mind that higher torque often means higher energy consumption. If long range is more important to you than maximum power, a lower torque motor might be a better choice.
Conclusion
No matter which motor you choose, an e-bike offers you a wonderful way to get around faster and with less effort. A 35 Nm motor is suitable for urban riding and flat terrain, while a 45 Nm motor is a good all-round option. A 65 Nm motor offers extra power for hilly terrain and sporty riding, while an 85 Nm motor provides extreme conditions and maximum assistance.
Think carefully about what you want from your e-bike and choose the motor that best suits your needs. This way, you will be able to enjoy your e-bike for a long time and enjoy every ride.
