Ebike with Torque Sensor: Torque Sensor vs Cadence Sensor Explained

Many riders struggle to choose the best e-bike for their needs. Different sensor technologies, like those found in an ebike with torque sensor and cadence sensors, affect how power is delivered when pedaling. This guide will help you understand the differences between these two systems and what they mean for your ride experience. Keep reading to discover which sensor is right for you!

Pedal assist uses sensors to tell the motor when to add power. Ebike with Torque Sensor uses a strain gauge to read torque measurement. Cadence tracking tells the motor to push based on pedal speed.

Motor assistance can come from a middrive or a hub motor.

Torque sensors change power output in real time for a natural feel. Cadence sensors give steady assist and can save battery on flat roads. Ride feel, cycling efficiency, and power output all depend on sensor technology.

Next, we explain how torque sensors and cadence sensors work.

How Torque Sensors and Cadence Sensors Work

Torque sensors measure how hard you’re pedalling. They react very quickly to your effort and will adjust the amount of power the motor is putting out accordingly. Cadence sensors measure how fast you’re pedalling and will provide assistance in proportion to your cadence rather than your effort.

A torque sensor uses a strain gauge either in the bottom bracket or in the middrive to measure the amount of pedal force. That signal is sent to the controller which then adjusts the amount of motor power to match the pedal push. The result is smooth pedal assist with very fast real time response.

Riders feel the power go up and down as they pedal harder or off the pedal. It’s all about measuring the torque, improving the cycling efficiency and the overall performance with a very natural power output.

A cadence sensor tracks pedal rotations via a magnet or hall effect sensor located either near the crank or the hub. It feeds cadence tracking data to the controller which in turn applies a pre-determined level of assistance. The motor will start at a set cadence and provide a constant level of assistance which can feel quite abrupt.

Lots of hub motor ebikes use this tech to save on cost and reduce the number of parts, all the while improving ride comfort and battery life.

Torque sensors measure the amount of force on the pedals and give out power in proportion to your effort. The more you put down, the more power you get. There’s a very direct link between your pedalling and the amount of power the motor is providing.

Cadence sensors monitor how fast you’re pedalling but don’t measure force at all. They’ll give you assistance regardless of how hard you’re pedalling. That can make the assistance feel a bit less responsive as it’s being applied in response to speed rather than effort.

Torque sensors may be the way to go if you’re a performance rider looking for better cycling efficiency. Cadence sensors are the way to go if you’re the type of rider who likes a more steady ride in the city.

Pros and Cons of Torque Sensors vs Cadence Sensors

Torque sensors provide a far more natural ride. They react very quickly to how hard you’re pedalling and are ideal for performance. Cadence sensors are simpler in their operation but can feel a bit less connected.

They track your cadence, may not quite match your power.

Ride experience and feel

Riding an e-bike with a torque sensor is different to one with a cadence sensor. The torque sensor measures how hard you’re pedalling. It then increases the level of motor assistance in accordance with your effort, resulting in a very smooth and natural feel.

This makes the ride feel like normal cycling.

In contrast cadence sensors respond to how fast you’re pedalling. They give a more consistent level of assistance but can feel a bit less responsive to your effort. You may notice that difference on a hill or during a quick stop.

An e-bike with a torque sensor will generally be more efficient and perform better in all sorts of conditions.

Battery efficiency and power delivery

The feel of your ride is very much linked to battery efficiency and power delivery. Torque sensors will adjust the amount of motor power delivered in accordance with how hard you’re pedalling. They will therefore be able to provide the correct amount of assistance for your effort.

In contrast cadence sensors look at how fast you’re pedalling.

Torque sensors generally lead to better battery consumption. They deliver more power when you need it and save power when you’re pedalling lightly. The net effect is an increase in range on a single charge.

Cadence systems may not be quite as smooth in their power delivery which could lead to faster battery drain on the ride. The choice between the two sensor types has a real impact on both performance and cycling efficiency.

Maintenance and cost considerations

The sensor you pick has an impact on both maintenance and cost. Torque sensors in particular require more maintenance as they have moving parts (a strain gauge for example) which can wear out or be damaged.

Regular checks will of course help to keep them working well.

Cadence sensors are simpler and generally cheaper to fix or replace. They tend to last longer and require less maintenance. If you’re after an e-bike that’s going to be low maintenance then a cadence sensor is the way to go rather than a torque sensor.

Both of them will vary in price depending on the features and the brand so you need to shop around and find the one that suits your budget and your riding style.

Choosing the Right Sensor for Your Riding Style

Pick a sensor that suits your riding style. Casual riders may prefer a cadence sensor. Performance riders may want to go for a torque sensor for better power control. Each one has its own advantages so you’ll need to consider how and where you ride.

Explore more to find the one that’s right for you!

Urban riders should go for a torque sensor. It delivers power smoothly which makes city riding far easier, particularly when you’re stop start stop start at lights.

Recreational riders might prefer a cadence sensor (it measures how fast you’re pedalling rather than how hard you’re pushing down) as it can make recreational riding a bit more enjoyable and less of a chore.

Performance riders need the best possible control. A torque sensor gives you a very quick response to the amount of effort you’re putting into the pedals. That in turn leads to greater efficiency during hard efforts and improves performance in general.

Torque sensors are ideal for the rider who wants a more natural feel. They measure how hard you’re pedalling and provide instant power assistance from the motor. That makes climbing a lot easier and keeps the ride very smooth.

Cadence sensors are great for casual riding. They measure how fast you’re spinning the pedals rather than how hard you’re pedalling. If you’re just riding on the flat or doing your normal commuting then they’re very good for battery life.

Riders can go on longer rides without using up too much of their own energy. Go for torque sensors if you’re after performance and cadence sensors if you’re after a more relaxed ride on an ebike with pedal assist.

Conclusion

Your choice of sensor is going to have an impact on your ride. Take the time to find the one that’s right for you. Find out more about e-bike sensors and how they can improve your ride.

Torque sensors measure how hard you’re pedalling and give you a smooth power output in response to that. Cadence sensors track how fast you’re pedalling and give you a consistent level of support irrespective of how much force you’re applying.

For the urban rider torque sensors are the way to go in terms of control and efficiency. The recreational rider can have a bit of both. The performance rider is likely to go for torque.

Pick the sensor that best suits your riding style for the best e-bike experience.

FAQs

1. What is a torque sensor on an e-bike?

A torque sensor measures how hard you’re pushing the pedals via a strain gauge. It’s used to set the correct level of pedal assist and the appropriate amount of boost from the motor.

2. How is a torque sensor any different from a cadence sensor?

A cadence sensor monitors pedal speed rather than force. Cadence sensing will turn the motor on as you pedal. A torque sensor will vary the level of assistance according to your power output and force. That makes pedal assist feel much more natural.

3. Will a torque sensor improve cycling efficiency and performance?

Yes, a torque sensor provides for smoother pedal assist and better power output. This can improve cycling efficiency and hence performance on both hills and on the flat.

4. Which is better with a torque sensor, Middrive or Hub motor?

A Middrive and a Hub motor both add motor power. The Middrive can be more efficient at climbing. The Hub motor can be very simple and very quiet. Both are motors of course and they’re going to fit with different eBike components and different requirements.

5. Do torque sensors work on all electric bikes and how do I pick one?

Torque sensors fit many electric bike models, but not all. Check sensor technology and ebike components first. If you want smooth, human like assist, choose a torque sensor with good strain gauge design. If you want simple assist based on pedaling speed, pick a cadence based system.

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